The Family Support Service is part of Bournemouth Borough Council's Social Services Directorate and is based at the North Bournemouth Family Centre in Kinson Road. We offer various types of support to meet the needs of all family members.
Support for families
Family Centre Workers support families in the day to day tasks of caring for their children.
The support may be offered from Monday-Friday in sessions which can vary in length depending on the need. This work is usually carried out at the Family Centre but sometimes may take place in the family home.
Support for children & young people
Community Development Workers provide support direct to children and young people up to the age of 18. They are assisted in their work by sessional and voluntary helpers.
This support can take place in the family home or at the centre. The work includes providing:
- An After School Club offering help with social and practical skills as well as someone to talk to
- A Holiday Playscheme which includes art and craft activities and musical workshops
- Activity Days during school holidays for the older age range including outings, snooker and life skills
Support for young carers
Our Young Carers Worker supports children and young people who care for someone in their family who has a long term illness, a disability or problems with drink or drugs. She can offer information and practical support and be someone to talk to. There is also the opportunity to meet other young carers.
The aim of the Family Support Service
The aim of our work is to:
- listen and find out the needs of the family
- help all members of the family improve their skills, relationships and communications
- provide support and guidance to parents
- provide direct support to children and young people including those who have a caring role at home
- provide support with personal relationships
- work closely with people involved with health, education and other organisations
Other Family Support work
We also undertake:
- work relating to Child Protection issues and offer support including attending Child Protection conferences
- supervised family contact sessions with appropriate support
- assessment work for the Court
- the opportunity for families to get together
Who can use our services?
Social workers refer families they feel will benefit from the support offered by the Family Support Service.
We aim to offer support to families regardless of marital status, sex, ethnicity or disability.
Family Support Service staff
Our staff have a relevant qualification and/or experience in child care and a commitment to supporting families.
Families using our service will work closely with a named member of staff and will be able to go to them for help and advice.
Volunteers and sessional workers may also help with our services.
How we work
We make notes and record children's development with the involvement of the parents. We also give help and advice on other aspects of family life and encourage parents to use other sources of support within their community.
Sometimes there will be situations when staff and parents disagree. We always try to resolve matters in the best interests of the children.
We understand that family life can be demanding but want to work together to make it more enjoyable.
Review Meetings
There are regular meetings to review progress with everyone involved in supporting the family. These meetings may take place at the Centre or in the home. Parents receive a written copy of the review discussion.
Confidentiality
Each family's situation remains confidential and will only be shared with other agencies involved in supporting that family if it is appropriate. Every effort will be made to inform parents when this happens.
Transport
We can sometimes provide transport to and from the Family Support venues.
Comments and Complaints
We welcome your comments on the Family Support Service. All staff will listen and respond to any concern and complaint. If we cannot resolve the problem there is a formal complaints procedure. This is outlined in our complaints leaflet which is available at the Family Centre and all Social Services offices.
Cost
There is no charge for using the Family Support Service.
To find out more
You can find out more about the Family Support Service by contacting:
North Bournemouth Family Centre
246 Kinson Road
Bournemouth
BH10 5EP
Telephone: 01202 546049
Fax: 01202 458048
Social Services Out of Hours Service
To speak to someone urgently when our offices are closed telephone: 01202 668123
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