What services are available?
Support
This is the most significant area of our work and commences upon receipt of a written referral on the multi agency referral form from an agency (except in the case of a self referral where this will be completed by the development worker).
We work in the community with families in their homes. After an initial visit to the family in their home to clarify or assess their needs and the service that we can offer, relevant family members are fully involved in the development of a plan to address their identified needs. We also obtain information from other agencies involved in working with members of the family to ensure that our service complements other agencies involvement in addressing the identified needs of the family.
Each plan is reviewed frequently during the provision of service to ensure that any change in circumstances can be addressed promptly. Our approach is to enable families to develop the skills they need to cope on their own rather than depending on our service to support them long term. However, we feel it is imperative that the duration of service is flexible enabling us to meet families changing circumstances.
Some examples of the support we can offer includes:
Individual direct support by Development Workers and volunteers
Assisting with completion of paperwork and forms e.g. benefit claims, housing application
Emotional support for parents, carers and children
Access to training, volunteering or learning
Signposting
Another aspect of the service we offer is “signposting”. This is a free and confidential service for families and professionals living in Amber Valley or Erewash providing advice, support and information.
We can meet or just talk over the telephone to assist in sourcing information or agencies that can support individuals in addressing the needs that are identified. This is a short term service aimed at offering long term solutions.
Some examples of signposts are detailed below:
Sarah was feeling isolated as she was new to the area and had not made friends yet for her or her children. We helped her find groups and social activities in her area.
E.g. Pat was suffering from post natal depression. We sourced information on local groups and counsellors who could help her.