Information for Parents, Carers and Families
All families have ups and downs. Sometimes children, young people or parents need a little extra support to help things get back on track.
Early Help is support provided as soon as difficulties start to emerge. The aim is to stop problems from becoming bigger and help families get the right support at the right time.
Early Help is voluntary, which means families choose whether they would like support.
What is Early Help?
Early Help is support for children, young people and families when challenges first begin to affect family life.
It is designed to:
- Improve children’s wellbeing.
- Support parents and carers.
- Build on family strengths.
- Help families solve problems early.
- Prevent difficulties from getting worse.
Many families benefit from Early Help and never need support from Children’s Social Care.
What Sort of Things Can Early Help Support With?
Early Help can support families with:
- Parenting challenges.
- Children’s behaviour.
- School attendance.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Anxiety and low mood.
- Family relationships.
- Housing issues.
- Financial worries.
- Domestic abuse.
- Young carers.
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Bereavement and loss.
- Building routines at home.
Every family is different, so support is tailored to individual needs.
How Does Early Help Work?
A professional who already knows your family may talk to you about Early Help.
This could be:
- A teacher.
- A school pastoral worker.
- A Health Visitor.
- A School Nurse.
- A GP.
- A Family Hub worker.
- A Youth Worker.
They will discuss your family’s strengths, any worries and what support may help.
You will be involved in decisions and asked for your views.
Different Types of Early Help
Partner-Led Early Help
Sometimes support can be provided by one service.
For example:
- A school.
- A nursery.
- A health service.
- A voluntary organisation.
A simple plan may be agreed to help improve things.
Local Authority Early Help
Sometimes families need support from several services.
In these situations, a worker may coordinate support and bring services together to help the family achieve positive change. This may involve Family Hubs and other local support services.
Will I Have a Social Worker?
Not usually.
Most Early Help support does not involve a social worker.
The focus is on helping families access support before problems become more serious.
If circumstances change and professionals become worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, different types of support may be considered.
What If Things Don’t Improve?
Sometimes, despite support, worries continue or new concerns arise.
If professionals believe a child needs more help, they may discuss whether further assessment is needed.
This does not mean anyone has done anything wrong. It simply means professionals want to make sure the child receives the right support and protection.
What Are My Rights?
If Early Help is offered:
- Your views should be listened to.
- Support should be explained clearly.
- You should be involved in planning.
- You can ask questions.
- You should receive information in a way you can understand.
- You can ask for help if you have difficulty understanding meetings or plans.
Families are partners in the Early Help process.
Support Available in South Tyneside
Family Hubs
Family Hubs offer a wide range of support for children, young people and families including parenting, health, emotional wellbeing and family support.
Telephone: 0800 783 4645
Early Help Information
South Tyneside Early Help Services
Do I Need to Wait Until Things Get Worse?
No.
The best time to ask for help is often when difficulties first begin.
Getting support early can:
- Reduce stress.
- Improve family relationships.
- Help children thrive.
- Prevent small worries becoming bigger problems.
Asking for help is a positive step.
Key Message
Early Help is support for families when difficulties first start to emerge. It is designed to help children and families get the right support at the right time, before problems become more serious. Most families who receive Early Help continue to care for their children at home and work together with professionals to achieve positive change.