Family Support

WHAT WE DO

Families need support for many reasons and may struggle to cope due to; family breakdown, mental health issues, social isolation or children’s challenging behaviour. Our trained volunteers and staff offer support to families within their own homes.

The support provided by our volunteers can include:

• Advice on parenting skills
• Helping to establish daily routines
• Budgeting
• Helping families access local community support networks and services

We encourage referrals where issues are identified early on and as a result, we predominately provide low level interventions based on practical and emotional support, using our trained volunteers and staff. 

We  provide the service to families that:

• Live in the Derby area and have one or more children living in the household under the age of 18 years
• Require general help and guidance with positive parenting
• Require support with everyday practical parenting tasks
• Require support with emotional issues which may include low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Have low-level mental health issues which may include anxiety or depression

We receive referrals from a number of sources including; self-referrals, health professionals, schools, and statutory and voluntary organisations. The purpose of the service is to support families to move forward positively with their lives.

During the initial visit, the support you require will be discussed in detail with the Family Support Manager. This will ensure that a clear support plan is identified and that you will be matched to a suitable volunteer.

OUR VOLUNTEERS

 All our staff and volunteers go through an application process which includes enhanced Disclosure and Barring checks and training programmes. They will meet with you on a regular basis, either weekly or fortnightly, for about 1 – 2 hours on agreed dates and times. Meetings will reduce as your need for support lessens, but this will always be in agreement and discussion with you. The Family Support Service Manager will visit you every three months to review the support being offered and to discuss any changes required.

HOW DO YOU ACCESS OUR DERBY CITY FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

If you would like to make a referral to Service, please contact the Family Support Service Manager, Fiona Rogers, via email: fiona.rogers@childrenfirstderby.co.uk

We accept referrals from a number of sources including self-referrals, health professionals, schools, statutory and voluntary organisations. It is our policy to liaise with the referring agencies during the period of service. We would expect the referring agency to keep us informed of any changes to the family’s situation.