The work of a unique Welsh service which provides support to vulnerable families with complex needs has been witnessed by the Deputy Minister for Social Services on a visit to Pembroke Dock. Gwenda Thomas met a family who have benefited from the Welsh Government's flagship early intervention programme - known as the Intergrated Family Support Services (IFSS) -when she called in at the Flying Start Centre in Pennar on Thursday. Talking to mum, Sara McKinlay and her children who are nearing the end of the IFSS programme, the Deputy Minister was able to experience at first hand the positive impact resulting from their participation. These included increased school attendance and higher personal aspirations to undertake further education. Sara told Gwenda Thomas: "IFST was wonderful. The support I had really helped me move on. I'd definitely recommend IFST to any family with problems." Afterwards, the Deputy Minister commented: "I am delighted to see for myself how the IFSS is helping to keep families together. "Evidence shows that early intervention in families with complex issues leads to better outcomes for those families and their children." During the visit, she was told that last year the Mid and West Wales IFSS Consortium received 131 family referrals which involved 255 children and 12 unborn children. The consortium comprises four local authorities (Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys) as well as two health boards (Hywel Dda University Health Board and Powys Teaching Health Board.