Welcome to the latest edition of the Early Help Newsletter. In this edition you will find out a weekly Early Help Family Drop in taking place in Oswestry, and update on Early help partnership working, Early Help Youth Support summer activities, and the Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme along with a spotlight on the Axis Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service, plus much more.
If you have information on your service area you would like to share in the next early help newsletter, please email Kate.Bentham@shropshire.gov.uk or if you know of a colleague who would also like to receive this newsletter they can also email to be added to the distribution list.
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Whether you think a parent or family needs some support, or you are worried a child might be at risk of abuse or neglect, there is only one number you need – 0345 678 9021. From this number you will receive the support you need to get the right help at the right time to strengthen families and safeguard children. |
Early Help is about children, young people and families getting the right help at the right time, to prevent issues that affect many families from getting worse. An Early Help Family Drop in offers parent carers the chance to talk to support services about concerns or issues which are impacting on family life.
There is now a drop in each Monday morning at The Centre, Oak Street, Oswestry.
Shropshire Council is keen to improve its relationship with partners recognising that partnership working is essential to meet the needs of children, young people and families in Shropshire. With this in mind In September 2021, Shropshire Council initiated work to review partnership working with Early Help and Children’s Social Care.
The ambition is to ensure partnership working aligns the ambitions of partners, makes best use of time and resources and achieves against shared aims and objectives. Mutual support, sharing of information, ideas and best practice can ensure the needs of children, young people and families continue to be met.
You can read more about how this review is progressing on the Early Help website
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Shropshire’s early help Youth Support will have youth workers and other agencies involved in outreach events and activities throughout the school summer holidays in The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury. The team will be available to chat with young people aged 11+ and will also be able to supply food and drinks.
For dates and times please visit the Family Information Service Directory
There will also be a number of pop-up youth events in other areas, for details please email CentralYouthTeam@shropshire.gov.uk
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We want to showcase services in the Early Help update and this month we want to shine the spotlight on Axis the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service. They are there to help anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually abused at some time in their life either in the past or present. They offer support to both adults and children and young people aged 5-17, across both Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire.
Axis ISVA service also offer currently offers two types of training for practitioners: -
- Introduction to sexual violence (Free) (Taster) 3-hour course delivered in person
- Accredited training course, which is a level 3 certificate “in the mind of a victim” (There is a fee attached to this course) - delivered in person over 4 sessions.
For further information on Axis please visit the Early Help website.
If you would like your service features in the next edition, please email Kate.Bentham@shropshire.gov.uk
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HAF - The Holiday Activities and Food Programme allows children and young people aged 4 (in reception class) to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM) and for those who have been referred by a professional to access free holiday activity.
Shropshire Council is working with local schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers to run exciting programmes of activity over the Easter/Spring, summer and Christmas/Winter holidays.
Eligible children and young people are invited to take part in a range of free fun activities, happening at venues from across the county. There is something on offer for everyone, including; sports, arts, cooking, forest schools and other exciting opportunities. Free nutritious meals will be provided at each session, as well as information on nutrition to benefit the whole family.
For more information on the programme and to find out how to book onto activity visit the HAF website
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The school holidays can be a mixed blessing for many families, juggling the day to day while also trying to keep children occupied can be a real challenge. The Family Information Service has a directory of things to do and places to go this summer to help. You can search the directory and using the filters on the left menu select the month you are looking for, to make planning your summer fun easier.
The Actio website also has lots of activities for All In members or Actio members. Their website is being updates all the time so be sure to keep checking out their offer.
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Increases in the cost of food, fuel and utilities will affect most households across Shropshire this year. If you find yourself worried about money or you're struggling right now, you're not alone.
But don’t wait to get help. Shropshire Council and many support organisations are seeing rises in the number of people seeking help, and as winter approaches you may see more delays in getting responses.
The good news is that there's help available. This website was created in partnership with trusted community organisations to help you find the help you need, whether it's to get through a short-term crisis or to find more long-term support.
For many families, the school summer holidays can mean an increase in food bills. Those families who receive free school meals can access food and activities through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. There are also foodbanks throughout Shropshire who offer non-judgmental support for families who might be struggling. You can find out more about foodbanks and where to find them on the Shropshire Larder website
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Early Help Network Meetings are held every term in each network area. These meetings are free of charge to attend and are an opportunity for professionals from all agencies working with children, young people or their families to share information about services available or issues affecting families within the network area.
Autumn 2022 Dates & Times
CENTRAL AREA (covering Shrewsbury and surrounding villages)
Wednesday 21st September 2022 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm OR
Wednesday 16th November 2022 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm
NORTH EAST AREA (covering Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Tern Hill and surrounding villages)
Tuesday 20th September 2022 from 3.30pm – 5.00pm
NORTH WEST AREA (covering Oswestry, Ellesmere, Baschurch, Ruyton, Wem and surrounding villages)
Tuesday 15th November 2022 from 3.30pm – 5.00pm
SOUTH EAST AREA (Shifnal, Broseley, Bridgnorth, Albrighton, Much Wenlock, Highley and surrounding villages)
Wednesday 14th September 2022 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm
SOUTH WEST AREA (covering Ludlow, Craven Arms, Church Stretton, Bishops Castle and surrounding villages)
Tuesday 8th November 2022 from 3.30pm – 5.00pm
A Microsoft Teams invite will be sent to those on our Early Help Network Meeting database for you to accept if you wish to attend. If you have not received an invite, please email your name – agency – job title – email to the Tracey Bowen, Strengthening Families Training Administrator, tracey.bowen@shropshire.gov.uk We will then add you to our database and send you invites to the locality area meetings of your choice and keep you updated with any Early Help multi-agency training.
Early Help Locality Development Officers:
Central Area – Diljit McCabe – diljit.mccabe@shropshire.gov.uk
North Area – Delia (Dee) Beckett – delia.beckett@shropshire.gov.uk
South Area – Charlotte Evans – charlotte.evans@shropshire.gov.uk
Strengthening Families Partner Support Officers – Early Help
Collette Dunk and Claire Rogers
shropshirestrengtheningfamilies@shropshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01743 253921
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New dates have been made available for the SSCP Child Neglect Online Workshop – Recognising & Responding.
This training is delivered over 3 x 2.5 hour workshops through Microsoft Teams.
Delegates must attend all 3 sessions to complete the course and cannot rebook to attend dates on different courses. If the full 3 workshops are not completed, the delegate will have to register for another course.
This training is open to anyone working regularly with Shropshire children, young people or their families. This course contributes towards Level 3 intercollegiate competency standards for clinical staff.
Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership continues to have childhood neglect as one of its strategic priorities. We know that when children are neglected it can impact on their development throughout childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Early identification of neglect in families and the right support being offered at them right time is crucial in reducing and eliminating the harmful effects.
This training will allow participants to:
- Consider the daily lived experience of children who live with neglect including those with additional vulnerabilities such as disabled children
- Recognise and respond to child neglect at the earliest opportunity
- Contribute to chronologies effectively and understand why this is necessary
- Be able to use Shropshire’s tools and referral process
- Be confident in having difficult conversations with parents/carers
- Know where to access local, regional and national updates and research
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Picnic and Play event Telford Town Park – Wednesday 27th July 11am-1pm
Meet up and let the children explore and play together in the Town Park, bring a picnic if you wish, chat with members of the AWM team and (hopefully) enjoy some sunshine! To find out more visit the Autism West Midlands website
Historic Chirk Castle – Thursday 11th August 11am-1pm
The chance for Shropshire families to enjoy the idyllic surroundings of this National Trust property for free (parking charges apply). Beautiful relaxing gardens, explore the history of the castle, meet other families and the AWM team. To find out more visit the Autism West Midlands website
Get active at Attingham – Tuesday 23rd August 10am-12pm
Attingham Park has some great places for families to play, build dens, enjoy nature and spend time outdoors together. Bring a picnic too if you wish. To find out more visit the Autism West Midlands website
All In Short Breaks events for Teens (12-17 yrs up to 18th birthday)
Whether someone relishes trips out and about or prefers the familiarity of centre-based activities we have something to appeal to them throughout July and August – book as many sessions as you want, all young people must be registered with All In. Find out more about each day below…
Youth club based in Shrewsbury Monday 25th July Games/crafts/making pizza/yoga taster session
Youth club based in Shrewsbury Monday 1st August Games/film/baking/silk painting
Hawkstone Park Follies Wednesday 10th August Out and about – a great day exploring and burning off some energy!
Youth club based in Shrewsbury Monday 15th August Drama workshop/tie-dye t shirts/film/games
Whixall Marina with Shropshire Wildlife Trust Wednesday 24th August bug and beastie hunting/pond-dipping/3D sculpture building
Blists Hill Victorian Town (Telford) Wednesday 31st August – always a popular trip, step back in time with AWM!
WEEKLY Zoom Advice slots – every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
For those would like some face-to-face contact we are offering this virtually via video appointments. Zoom works well on mobile phones. To book a 45 min advice appointment with a specialist autism advisor please book via our shop.
Advice and support
We also offer advice and support over the phone and via email. Parents/carers and professionals can contact our small team directly to arrange an appointment please call:
Office - 01952 454156
Mon, Wed, Fri - Wendy Cowton 07900784186
Weds, Thu, Fri - Emma Hegenbarth 07881109480
Tue, Wed, Thu - Dawn Lewis 07706309382
Email shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Helpline 0121 450 7575
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The Let’s Get Ready Bookbags help children prepare for the next stages of their life. Designed for pre-school aged children, the bags contain 4 carefully selected books exploring daily routines and first experiences, as well as tips on how to get the most out of the bag.
The books are ideal to help support children who are preparing for their next step – whether into nursery, up to school or even just to visit a doctor or other formal appointments.
They can be borrowed from Shropshire libraries for 3 weeks using your library card.
The Let’s Get Ready Bookbags were developed in 2019 by Shropshire Libraries and funded by the Early Years Team.
Their use has dropped over the pandemic, so please share this very short video with all parent carers and colleagues supporting school readiness, and encourage them to borrow a Let’s Get Ready Bookbag from their local library.
CEOP are delighted to announce the launch of a new website for 4-7 year olds and accompanying guide for parents and carers
The website is based on the three-episode Jessie & Friends animated series, which aims to equip 4-7 year olds with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to stay safer online. It is intended to be used by 4-7 year olds alongside their parents and carers, or within education settings as a learning tool.
The new interactive website encourages 4-7s to engage safely online by helping them to recognise worrying, upsetting or scary situations and reinforcing the key message that they should ‘Tell A Grown Up’ in these instances.
The website is divided into sections for 4-5 and 6-7 year olds and features relevant and age-appropriate games for the chosen age bracket. Each game focuses on one of four topics:
- watching videos
- chatting online
- sharing pictures
- gaming online
The Jessie & Friends episodes are also available to watch on the new website to enhance understanding
There is also a guide to support parent carers in navigating the website alongside their child. It provides information on the background and purpose of the website, in addition to information about each of the games and conversation starters to use with children. The guide is available for you to download and share with parent and carer networks within your setting.
You can keep up to date with the latest news from CEOP Education by following them on Facebook and Twitter. If you have any questions or feedback about their resources, get in touch with them at ceopeducation@nca.gov.uk
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In classrooms across the UK 1 in 5 children are carrying the burden of someone else’s drinking.
Imagine coming home from school and dreading what you might find. Imagine having no friends because you’re too embarrassed to bring them home in case mum or dad are drunk, or worse. Imagine living in a home full of fear and having no-one to turn to because everyone denies there is a problem.
NACOA was set up in 1990 to provide information, advice and support to children affected by their parent’s alcohol problems. Their work is about planning for a more positive future. An opportunity for children and young people to see that the world can be different from the one they’ve always known and that they can, with help, go on to live happy and fulfilled lives and break the cycle of addiction.
Anyone can contact the Nacoa helpline by phone 0800 358 3456
Monday, Friday and Saturday 12pm-7pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm-9pm
Or email anytime helpline@nacoa.org.uk and they will aim to get back to you as soon as possible within the helpline hours.
You can find out more about NACOA on the Family Information Service Directory, along with other services and support for children, young people and families.
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