FSW works with vulnerable children and their parents/carers in two main ways:
Family Support Practitioners visit families at home to provide one-to-one emotional and practical support. This includes listening, parenting advice, help to manage money, encouragement and support to find work, referral to specialist services, attending appointments and advocating for families, and providing food and clothing where needed.
Playworkers undertake one-to-one structured play sessions, helping with children’s emotional and social development.
Family Support Practitioners and Playworkers organise whole-family days out and weekend breaks to relieve family stress and improve family relationships.
Twice a year, families have the opportunity for a supported weekend break at a local retreat centre. The weekends usually include games, crafts, a campfire and a talent show.
Support Practitioners and the Play team also run a range of peer support groups, parent-child drop-ins, after school clubs and school holiday fun days. These help to ease isolation and provide informal support.