Resources are needed where damage to early years support has been greatest, says Institute of Health Visiting

Our public health capabilities have been tested to the limit during COVID-19. In particular, the value of an effective health visiting service is being recognised, with families speaking out on social media about the effects on them and their children when they miss out on this vital support. Frustrated parents have criticised health visitors for a lack of face-to-face contact, with suggestions that they have been ‘allowed to bow out’ during the pandemic. Some stories on social media are heartbreaking.