Family support at Befriend a Child

As well as our befriending and mentoring services, Befriend a Child has recently introduced a family support project as we recognise that many of the families we work with can sometimes do with some extra support.

As part of the new project, our Family Support Co-ordinator will work alongside parents and carers, who have children being befriended or mentored, to identify areas where they would benefit from extra support.  We will build a relationship with the whole family and focus on providing support which is individual to the family’s needs.  

Support provided through our family support project

Working together, we will identify wellbeing needs and agree goals for you and your family.   Some of the ways we can support you include the following;

• Calls where you can chat to Louise, our Family Support Co-ordinator, and receive advice and guidance on a range of subjects from self-care and parenting through to finances and benefits
• Research into support in your local community which can include organisations to refer to or community groups you can join
• Guidance and training to develop life skills e.g. courses on budgeting, cooking
• Help in applying for additional support for the family e.g. school clothing or energy assistance grants
• Information on local foodbanks and other services
• Care packages from Befriend a Child for families who are experiencing financial hardship
• Support from Befriend a Child during multiagency meetings

How to access our family support project

Your main point at Befriend a Child, this is usually your child’s Befriending Co-ordinator, will discuss the project with you in the first instance. 

Following this, our Family Support Co-ordinator, Louise Coleman, will arrange a home visit to identify your family’s need and the support required.  You’ll be provided with a support plan and Louise will have regular check ins with you to see how you and your family are.  She will provide wellbeing support for as long as you need it, this may be advice, guidance or simply a much-needed listening ear.