Birchwood C of E Primary School

Family Help at Birchwood C of E

At Birchwood C of E, we know that family life can sometimes be challenging. We want every child to thrive, and we know that supporting parents and carers is a huge part of making that happen.

To ensure our community gets the right support at the right time, the way services are delivered is changing. What used to be known as "Early Help" is now called Family Help.

What is Family Help?

Family Help brings together a wide range of local services into one single, joined-up team. Instead of families having to speak to lots of different departments or repeat their stories to different people, Family Help provides a single point of contact to support your whole family.

It is designed to step in early when challenges emerge—such as financial stress, housing worries, parenting struggles, mental health challenges, or relationship difficulties—and help you find solutions before things feel overwhelming.

How Does It Work?

• A Dedicated Lead Practitioner: Your family will be partnered with one main professional (such as a family support worker or specialist) who will get to know you and coordinate all your support.
• One Single Plan: Together, you and your practitioner will create a Family Help Plan. This focuses on your strengths as a family and maps out the exact practical or emotional support you need.
• A Team Effort: Your lead practitioner can quickly connect you with experts in housing, budgeting, mental health, youth services, or relationship support without making you start from scratch.

How Can I Access Family Help?

Family Help is a collaborative, voluntary partnership. It is about working with you, not doing things to you.

If you feel your family could benefit from some extra support, or if you are going through a difficult patch, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can speak to Miss Keay or Mr Latham in complete confidence, and we can help connect you to the local Family Help team.