Early Help and Support For Parents
Early help services are delivered to parents, children and their families, the main focus is to improve outcomes for the family. For example services may help parents who are living in a challenging circumstance provide a safe and loving environment for their child. Or, if a child is displaying risk taking behaviour, early help practitioners will work with the child and their parents to find out the reasons for their child's behaviour and put strategies in place to support the family and to help keep them safe.
All children, young people and families in Warwickshire are entitled to receive early help.
Early help can also support a child to develop strengths and skills that can prepare them for adult life.
Identifying a child or young person who may benefit from early help:
Signs that a child or young person may benefit from early help include:
displaying disruptive or anti social behaviour
being bullied or bullying others
having poor attendance
having poor general health
having anxiety, depression or other mental health issues
misusing drugs or alcohol
having a particularly challenging relationships with parents
experiencing difficulties at home such as domestic abuse, parental substance abuse or parental mental health problems.
Some groups of children may be more likely to need early help than their peers. These include children who:
have been excluded from school
have special educational needs
are disabled
are in care
are leaving or preparing to leave care
are young carers
are young parents (or about to become young parents)
are experiencing housing issues
In Warwickshire, Early help for families are supported through universal access to services for example:
Midwives
Health Visitors
Nursery and early year workers
School staff and colleagues
School health and wellbeing
Family support work drop ins
Family information services
Helplines
Online resources
Parenting programmes
GPs and Pharmacies
Targeted Help Officers
Support For Parents
Family Information Service
Warwickshire Family Information Service (FIS) provides information, advice and guidance for families with children and young people aged from 0-25 who reside in Warwickshire.
A wide range of information is available via the FIS website, social media, outreach and by their telephone helpline or email.
FIS brokerage officers work with families on short team basis supporting parents and carers to access services where there are barriers such as mental health, disability, language or complex needs. This is practical Early Help support typically around housing, finance and accessing available services.
Phone: 01926 742274
Email: fis@warwickshire.gov.uk
Website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis
Twitter: @WarksFIS
Facebook: Warwickshire Family Information Service
Children and families – Warwickshire County Council
Parents can access support for their families easily in a range of ways. Parenting support, advice and guidance can be accessed through:
online parenting support information- via Family Information Service Website. This provides access to free online information or courses such as understanding behaviour.
Family Support telephone Line. (Between 9am and 4pm) experienced Family Support Workers will be available to provide information, advice and support.
speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They can suggest support and treatments.
Parents in Mind- individual and group peer support for mums experiencing emotional mental health difficulties in pregnancy and the first year after birth. This operates in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, Warwick and surrounding villages only.
Improving access to psychological therapy (IAPT) offers talking therapies for people experiencing depression or anxiety. You can self refer.
Wellbeing for Warwickshire- supports services for aged 16 years and older.
Big white wall- free online support for all Warwickshire residents
Mental health matters- telephone helpline providing emotional guidance and information.
If you would like further information or support then please contact us to let us know.
