BACKGROUND:
Community-led maternal and child health interventions are increasingly vital in addressing health inequalities in deprived, multi-ethnic communities. The Starting Well Partnership Programme (SWPP), implemented in Luton, UK, aimed to improve maternal and child outcomes through integrated interventions including perinatal mental health, breastfeeding, low birth weight, childhood obesity, immunisation, and speech and language development.

OBJECTIVES:
This study evaluated the implementation, delivery, and outcomes of the SWPP by: (1) synthesising UK-based evidence for community-led maternal-child programmes; (2) assessing SWPP intervention outcomes; (3) understanding experiences of service users; and (4) exploring perspectives of service providers.

METHODS:
A mixed-methods design included a systematic review (n=24 studies) of UK community-led maternal-child programmes (Objective 1); secondary data analysis (n=42–778, April 2020–March 2023) of SWPP outcomes (Objective 2); and qualitative focus groups and interviews (n=29) with mothers, volunteers, and practitioners (Objectives 3 and 4). Methodologies were underpinned by critical realism and pragmatism and included content and thematic analysis, with a dual moderator focus group approach to enhance trust and inclusivity

RESULTS:
Findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements in emotional well-being (Adjusted R² = 0.38; p < 0.001), breastfeeding rates, and immunisation intentions. Qualitative data revealed the SWPP created psychologically safe, culturally sensitive spaces, especially valued in post-COVID contexts. Volunteer-led peer support and social prescribing enhanced engagement and retention, particularly for minoritised and deprived service usersChapter 8 _ Secondary D…Chapter 10_Qualitative …

CONCLUSIONS:
The SWPP’s integrative, community-embedded design effectively addressed structural and psychosocial barriers to maternal and child health. It represents a scalable model for holistic early years interventions in ethnically diverse settings.

KEY MESSAGE:
Community-led maternal and child health interventions like the SWPP can reduce health inequalities through integrated, culturally responsive care embedded in local systems. Poster session 4 (Group B)