Early Help

Early Help is about identifying needs at the earliest opportunity and providing timely, coordinated support to prevent issues from escalating. In South Tyneside, our approach is rooted in collaboration and empowerment, ensuring families receive the right help, at the right time.

Early Help Explained

Early Help: Advice and Guidance for Professionals

Early Help is about identifying needs at the earliest opportunity and providing timely, coordinated support to prevent issues from escalating. In South Tyneside, our approach is rooted in collaboration and empowerment, ensuring families receive the right help, at the right time.

What is Early Help?

  • Recognises families as experts in their own experiences.
  • Provides a Lead Professional to coordinate support.
  • Brings together a Team Around the Family to deliver a tailored plan.
  • Offers access to a range of services to build resilience and improve outcomes.

What is Local Authority Early Help?

Local Authority Early Help is the support provided directly by South Tyneside Council through its Family Hubs and Early Help Teams.

This includes:

  • Assessment and Planning: Completing an Early Help Assessment to understand needs and agree a plan with the family.
  • Direct Support: Offering practical help, parenting advice, and access to targeted interventions.
  • Coordination: Acting as the lead agency when cases require multi-agency involvement.
  • Specialist Services: Linking families to services such as housing support, financial advice, and safeguarding where needed.

What is Partner-Led Early Help ?

Early Help is a shared responsibility across all agencies working with children and families. Partner-led Early Help means that schools, health services, voluntary organisations, and other partners take the lead in supporting families when concerns are identified early, without waiting for issues to escalate.

What Does Partner-Led Early Help Involve?

  • Identifying Needs Early: Recognising emerging concerns and acting promptly.
  • Leading the Support Plan: Taking responsibility for coordinating the Early Help Assessment and developing a plan with the family.
  • Team Around the Family: Working collaboratively with other professionals to provide a joined-up package of support.
  • Empowering Families: Ensuring families are involved in decision-making and understand the support available.

Why Partner-Led Early Help Matters

  • Builds trust and strong relationships between families and professionals.
  • Reduces the need for statutory intervention by addressing issues early.
  • Promotes resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

How to Get Started

  • Complete an Early Help Assessment with the family.
  • Use the Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) if additional support is required.
  • Refer to the Threshold Guidance to understand levels of need.
  • Access national expectations in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.

Useful Links:

Contact:

Early Help Telephone: 01914246210

Email: familyhubs@southtyneside.gov.uk

Telephone: 0800 783 4645

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