Family Support
Family support is considered by many as something that is only needed in times of crisis but all families need support from time to time.
Many find the support or assistance they need from their own extended family or friends; some find it by accessing other agencies or organisations such as their health visitors, a family centre, Home Start, NCH or a Sure Start local programme.
In Walsall, there are a range of family support services available. These include:
- Family Centres - there are currently 3 centres, Teddesley Street, Dale Street and Stroud Avenue.
- Outreach Support - advice and support to parents/carers on any aspect of parenting.
- Family Assistants - practical support in the family home to help in establishing routines within the family home.
- Family Support Childminders - providing childcare to enable families to work through times of difficulty and respite care for children with special needs or disabilities.
- Direct work with children - working to address a particular need, eg. keep safe work, wishes and feelings work.
- Group work with parents - including toddler taming, handling teenage behaviour groups and how to play.
Family support in Children's Centres and Extended Schools
Family support services will be a key part of the programme available to children and families in the new Children's Centres. This will mean that an increasing range of services will be available to an increased number of people across the Borough. By making the services more accessible, it is hoped that more can be done to support parents and families to ensure better outcomes for all Walsall children.
