A SCHEME which supports young mums-to-be through pregnancy is being extended.
Family Nurse Partnership sees nurses visit first-time mums under 20 every two weeks during pregnancy and throughout the first two years of their baby's life.
The scheme is now being set up in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire after previously being extended to Glasgow.
The nurses will offer guidance and support to mums to help them make positive choices on issues such as child development, preventative health measures, parenting skills, breast-feeding, better diet information and on education and employment.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay welcomed the decision to introduce Family Nurse Partnerships to his area.
Mr Mackay said: "Having campaigned for their extension to the area I am sure they will make a difference in supporting families to get the best support possible.
"This is a key part on the Scottish Government's preventative spend approach, where, by making the right investments in families early on, we can make a life-changing impact.
"This follows on from the parenting programme that is currently being delivered in Renfrewshire in partnership with Health and Council colleagues.
"Added to the early years action plan, I am convinced that we are making powerful steps in turning the fortunes of our most vulnerable around.
"Family Nurse Partner-ships have a proven track record. This kind of action is appropriate considering the factors of inequality and deprivation that affect the Renfrewshire area.
"Widening their reach across the west of Scotland is good news indeed."
Last month it was announced the £1.8million scheme would be extended to parts of NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Greater Glasgow after success in Lothian and Tayside. Glasgow City, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnerships already take part in the scheme.
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