Family Support Services Family Support Services What We Do Families need support for many reasons. Perhaps struggling to cope due to family breakdown, bereavement, illness, social isolation or child behaviour issues. Trained volunteers offer support to families within their own home. The support provided by the volunteers can include: advice on parenting skills establishing daily routines budgeting helping you access local community support networks and services We encourage referrals where issues are identified early on, in so doing we predominately provide low level interventions based on practical and emotional support through the use of trained volunteers. We will 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 assistance 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 Are experiencing bereavement or relationship breakdown Are affected by domestic violence or substance misuse We receive referrals from a number of source including self-referrals, health professionals, schools, 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 Coordinator. This will ensure that a clear support plan is identified and that you will be matched to a suitable volunteer. Our Volunteers Volunteers have a vital role to play in the delivery of our services. Our volunteers have a caring non-judgmental approach. Many have overcome issues in their own lives and want to support others going through similar challenges. All our 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 Coordinator will visit you every three months review the support being offered and discuss any changes required. How do you access our Family Support Services A suitable volunteer is matched with the family and introductory visits are arranged. All volunteers go through a comprehensive application process. They are giving relevant training and undergo an enhanced criminal records check. It is our policy to liaise with the referring agencies during the period of the service. We would expect the referring agency to keep us informed of any changes to the family’s situation. If you wish to make a referral to our Family Support Services, go to our Make A Referral page to download the referral form. How to Apply to be a Family Support Services Volunteer Download our form, fill it in and return to the following address: Fiona Rogers, Family Support Services Co-ordinator Children First Derby 13 Leopold Street Derby DE1 2HE Or alternatively, email the completed form to [email protected]. Family Support Service Volunteer Application Form