Staffordshire mum praises council’s email campaign as scheme helps 8,000 families
A Staffordshire mum has praised a county council initiative that provides tailored email advice to new parents, as the scheme reaches a milestone of 8,000 sign-ups.
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
Steph and her husband Matt, from Stafford, are first-time parents to nine-month-old Isla.
The couple recently signed up to the Hungry Little Minds Staffordshire campaign, becoming the 8,000th family to join the scheme.
Launched in 2020 by Staffordshire County Council, the campaign encourages parents to read to, chat to and play with their baby from the moment they are born.
It provides personalised emails twice a month, offering advice on actions parents can take at each stage of their child’s development.
‘A huge difference’ for first-time parents
Steph says that even after receiving just a few emails, the support has already made a significant impact and boosted her confidence as a new mum.
She said:
“We’re really pleased that we signed up for the campaign and it’s nice to know we’re doing the things we should be doing and at the right time."
"As a parent, you always want to be doing the best for your child and making sure they develop in the best way, and the Hungry Little Minds emails are such a lifesaver for that."
"They provide great advice and reassurance and remove so much anxiety, giving you a lot of confidence."
"Matt and I are really looking forward to receiving more advice for when Isla gets older and more great suggestions for different things to do with her."
"We now know about Baby Bounce and Rhyme at our local library and definitely will be taking Isla when she’s the right age.”
Supporting children’s early development
The Hungry Little Minds Staffordshire campaign forms part of the council’s work to help children get the best possible start in life, focusing on simple everyday activities that support early language and development.
Nicholas Lakin, cabinet member for children and young people at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of our Hungry Little Minds Staffordshire scheme, which is proving to be such a valuable tool for parents in guiding them on the best ways to help their child grow up and develop.
Making sure children get the best possible start in life is our priority and reaching 8,000 sign-ups is a fantastic milestone for us.
If you’re a new parent and you’ve not joined yet, you can sign up on the website and start taking advantage of the advice, tips and ideas.”
Further details about the campaign and how to sign up are available on the Hungry Little Minds webpage.