Family Support Service

We understand the challenges of raising a family in today’s world and that is why Halifax Opportunities offer a range of services through the Family Support and Outreach Team developed to help support families to improve their quality of family life.

Family Outreach Worker

Family Outreach Workers work with children (0-19 years) and their families at home and in Children’s Centre groups. They offer early help support, guidance and advice, working in partnership with parents, carers and professionals including health and schools.

We can offer you support with:

  • Confidence Building
  • Children’s behaviour
  • School Issues
  • Breastfeeding
  • Family Learning
  • Parenting
  • Referral to Other Agencies
  • Financial/Debt
  • Activities and Groups
  • Holiday Events and Activities
  • Emotional Support
  • Family Relationships

Peri-natal Mental Health Family Outreach Worker

Your Health Visitor or Midwife may suggest a referral to one of our Peri-natal Mental Health Family Outreach Workers.  If you agree to a referral then we can offer support from 32 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is 1 year old.  This would include:

  • Emotional support
  • Practical help to source equipment and be ready for baby
  • Referral to other agencies
  • Support to access groups and activities
  • An opportunity to learn how to massage your baby
  • Parenting

Family Support Worker

Family Support Workers work primarily with families with children aged 0-19. They offer parenting and emotional support to families where there are a number of issues present that the family is wanting to change.

They will work with parents to create an agreed plan of work to complete together. They will usually visit weekly or fortnightly. Issues they typically work with families around include:

  • Parenting
  • Family Dynamics and Relationships
  • Budgeting and Home Hygiene
  • Diet and Lifestyle
  • Financial/Debt
  • Confidence Building
  • Referral to Other Agencies
  • Emotional Support

Family Support Worker for Asylum Seeking Families

Moving into a new area can be hard.  For those families who have been placed into our community as they are seeking asylum we offer:

  • A minimum of three home visits to welcome you to our area and make sure that you are linked in with the services that your family might need
  • Support with paperwork
  • Support to try groups
  • Parenting
  • Emotional support

Parenting Courses

The Family Support Team also run courses to help families take positive steps forward. The Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities course looks at positive parenting strategies that help to build relationships between child and parent and manage the types of challenges that children often present. We also focus on the future of our children, looking at how we might support them towards being healthy and responsible.

For more details and to book a place and, contact the Family Support Team directly.

How to Contact the Family Support & Outreach Team

  • Contact Jubilee Children’s Centre, Tel: 01422 434971 or Todmorden Children’s Centre, Tel: 01706 399976. We may offer you a drop-in appointment or take a referral.
  • Speak to another professional e.g. Health Visitor, Midwife or School. They may make a referral to our service on your behalf.
  • We try to offer support to families where English isn’t their first language. We usually have some team members who can speak Urdu, Punjabi, Czech, Polish and Slovak.

What happens after a referral has been made?

  • You will receive written confirmation of your referral within 7 working days
  • You will be contacted to discuss your needs and given advice regarding services available to you both locally and within the Children’s Centre.
  • You will be allocated a worker from the Family Support and Outreach team who will agree with you what work needs to be done.

How Long will a Family Support /Outreach Worker work with me?

  • Until all tasks have been completed and your situation improves.
  • Until you no longer require Family Support

Safeguarding

Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all children. If you have any concerns about a child you should:

  • Contact Calderdale’s MAST team on 01422 393336 (or the Emergency Duty Team out of working hours 01422 288000)
  • NSPCC on 0808 800 5000
  • In an emergency dial 999

Compliments/concerns/complaints

Please contact the Family Support and Outreach Managers Penny Wilson 01422 342552 or Eleanor Naylor 01706 399976.

Confidentiality

We will not share any information without your prior consent unless we believe that this is necessary to safeguard your child(ren).