A PLAN to promote the well-being of children in Northamptonshire has won the support of more than 30 local groups.

The Children and Young People's Partnership Plan was drawn up in response to the Children's Act 2004.

The Act requires the director of children services at Northamptonshire County Council to encourage co-operation between organisations which deal with children and young people.

The plan sets out how children's groups will help young people to be healthy, safe, enjoy life, achieve more, and make contributions to their communities.

Joan Kirkbride, the county council's executive member for children, said: "This plan is an excellent example of partnership working, and gives those who work with children a clear vision of what we should strive to achieve.

"Young people, with parents and carers, played an active role in shaping the plan.

"Its aims are ambitious, but they must be achieved so that all children in Northamptonshire can reach their full potential, regardless of their background."

More than 1,400 young people in the county were questioned by Mori about health, safety, enjoyment, doing well, getting involved in school projects, and about employment prospects.

Two main issues bullying and out-of-school leisure activities were highlighted and both have been given priority in the plan.

Mairi McLean, chairman of the county's Children and Young People's Partnership Board and the chief executive of Northampton Borough Council, said: "It has taken a while to get going, but the partnership board has already achieved huge steps in working together for our county's children and young people.

"We look forward to changing the way we work in order to offer the best responses to children and young people and their families whatever their need."

Members of the partnership with local connections include: the Daventry and South Northants Primary Care Trust, GPs, Learning and Skills Council (Northamptonshire), the Strategic Health Authority, Northampton General Hospital, Northamptonshire County Council, Northamptonshire Connexions, Northamptonshire Schools and Colleges, Northamptonshire Youth Offending Team, Northants Healthcare NHS Trust, Northamptonshire Police, and South Northamptonshire Council.

The plan was launched last Thursday.