Difference we're making

Families First - Performance Data Report

You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period June 2023 - July 2024.

The report looks at Families First Assessments that took place within the period and highlights the presenting needs and outcomes broken down by district along with information about other support for families.

Families First Case Studies

Following on from a programme of Celebrating Excellence in Early Help sessions run in Children’s Services, which aimed to highlight the Families First approach and also included contributions from some of our partners, we are sharing some of the recent case below:

Case Study 1 - Intensive Family Support / Local Borough Council

Scene Setting

The Intensive Family Support team (IFST) began supporting this family of nine in Spring 2021.

As support got underway the third youngest child Tia* was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the family are struggling coming to terms with Tia’s diagnosis and her life expectancy of one year. Tia is 11 years old.

On learning of Tia’s prognosis and following discussion with Keech Hospice an Occupational Therapist (OT) appointment was arranged for the family’s home. This assessment identified that the three-bedroom home was not suitable for end-of-life care and was not suitable for adaptation as the access was too narrow and steep for a ramp.

The Family Intervention Worker (FIW) made contact with the local Borough Council’s Aids and Adaptions Team for support.

Scene Setting

This case study provides some insight into the journey of Fran* and her family. Fran is an eight year old girl who worries about her mum, she knows mum is different when she is with her drinking friends. Fran’s Mum has a diagnosis of unstable personality disorder and has previously used drugs and alcohol as coping strategies, she has been in a cycle of poor mental health and whilst their wider family network have been supporting Fran and her mother they sought out some external support via a Families First Assessment.

Scene Setting:

This case study provides some insight into the support provided to Sanz* from one of our Employment Advisers. Our Intensive Family Support Teams include Employment Advisers who provide tailored support in areas such as employability; taking time to understand skills and experiences, any barriers or challenges preventing employment, identification of any training to support employability, preparation of supporting statements and CVs and job search support, including mock interviews.

Our Advisers can also provide guidance on how to navigate the benefits system, including benefit entitlements and claims, as well as how changes in circumstances impact benefits.

They work in parallel with Family Intervention Workers. This case study summarises support given to Sanz, the mother, to support with employability and benefits.

READ MORE

Case Study 4 - Local Schools Partnership

Case Study 5

This case study follows a mum who suffers from depression and anxiety. She was distrusting of professionals due to a negative experience with Children's Services in another local authority. Dad had recently moved out of the family home so she cares for her three children alone. Read more about the support the family received and the tools mum now takes forward in her parenting skills.

Please share anonymised case studies highlighting how early help and partnership working has provided support to local families with us at familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk. Please ensure you have consent from the family.

Intensive Family Support Team : Summer Fun Days

Lots of fun family days were organised by our Intensive Family Support Teams over the summer, here are some of the highlights:

East Herts and Broxbourne Intensive Family Support

During the summer, East Herts and Broxbourne IFST organised exciting water activity sessions at the Lee Valley White Water Rafting Centre in Waltham Abbey, bringing together the children, young people, and families they support.

The sessions were spread over two days to ensure that all families had a chance to participate. On the first day, participants enjoyed canoeing, while the second day featured paddle boarding.

Parents, carers, and children suited up in wetsuits and engaged in team-building activities led by Lee Valley instructors, all while soaking up the sunshine.

Despite age restrictions on the activities, younger children still got to join in the fun by dipping their toes in the water and cheering on their loved ones.

As always, the team received generous support from local partners. Tesco Brookfield (Cheshunt) kindly donated an assortment of drinks and snacks for the families to enjoy after their sessions.

Lisa Lester – SFIW shared

"It was really nice to see the families come together and enjoy the sessions. Many of the families we support do not have opportunities like this, so it was great to see them getting stuck in and having fun."

Eve Righelato – FIW Shared

"The activity day at Lee Valley Water Park was truly fantastic. It brought families together for a day of fun, and quality time. It was heartwarming to see parents and children bonding, laughing, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It was especially great to see so many dads getting involved, making the day even more special. Their enthusiasm and engagement added to the vibrant atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories for everyone."

Feedback from families who attended included.

Parent - "Thank you to you and your team for another amazing day. You really change people lives"

Parent - "Thank you for fab day and love the photos x"

Child – "I had the best time; I have never done anything like this but I’m really good at it. I can’t wait to do it again."

Child - "Had the best time and made a friend, thank you."

St Albans & Dacorum Intensive Family Support Team

Hygiene Workshops

On the 23rd and 27th of August, the team ran two separate health and hygiene workshops aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16. The Girls Workshop, facilitated by Keely and Charlotte, looked at general health and hygiene practice. They also had discussions and answered questions around puberty and bodily development. A similar workshop was run for the Boys, facilitated by Henry and Kingsley, which looked at the same topics but relating to Boys. All the children got to take home a hygiene pack, donated by the Harpenden Hygiene Bank, which contained a range of useful hygiene products, from deodorant to body wash. The workshops allowed for an informational environment for the children to discuss any concerns and ask any questions relating to hygiene. The informal nature of the sessions allowed them to feel comfortable while doing so. Feedback was very positive and due to the success of both workshops; the St Albans & Dacorum IFST Team will look run future versions of the sessions.

Party in the Park

On the 21st of August, between 11am and 1pm, the St Albans & Dacorum IFST Team hosted a Party in the Park, where families were invited to Verulamium Park in St Albans to have some outdoors fun. IFST brought a multitude of activities and water for the children to enjoy, including football, frisbees, giant Jenga, swingball, cricket amongst others. Accompanied by stunning weather, families enjoyed themselves, giving a chance for the children to run free and enjoy themselves in a safe environment while also giving them a chance to meet each other and socialise. It also gave an opportunity for the parents to talk to the other parents and workers, as well as getting stuck into the activities with the children themselves. The turnout was fantastic, and due to how smooth the event ran, it led to a pleasant and enjoyable time for all involved.

Watford and Three Rivers Intensive Family Support Team

Summer Fete

Watford and Three Rivers IFST held their annual summer fete on Wednesday 21^st August and as always, were raising funds to go towards the Peace Hospice in Watford. They were delighted to announce so far, they’ve raised £650 but this is likely to increase slightly with more contributions.

This year was particularly special as the one and only Mr Marvel came to Watford to entertain the crowds, along with his famous fluffy friend Roger rabbit. The kids made sure to get plenty of snuggles in with Roger before he went home with Mr Marvel. Many families and children attended and stayed for a fabulous raffle at the end. Prizes were donated from various places including, Willows Activity Farm, Cloud 9, Glow in one mini golf, and Asda.

There was also some great partnership working as various partnering agencies attended and participated with the fete. Their help was greatly appreciated as always. Many thanks to Lauren’s mum for her knitted toys stall. And also, to Three Rivers District Council, the Play Rangers, South West Herts Partnership, and Home-Start for their support on the day. The day would not have been a success without your presence and help.

Summer Holiday Activities:

Otleylympics

Our energetic Family Intervention worker Michelle Penny hosted her very own Otleylympics at Hayling Road Playing field in South Oxhey this summer. The event went down a storm with a good crowd of local children and parents attending and taking part.

They took part in some classic games such as the egg and spoon race, the sack race, the 3-legged race and balancing the bean bags. The kids had bundles of energy and had loads of fun taking part.

A well-deserved picnic followed with the children being awarded medals and goody bags at the end.

Help us promote the Families First Website

Our Families First Website is a great central resource for early help support for families and young people, with links to many services such as mental health support, Services for Young People, SEND Local Offer, parenting courses etc along with a link to the Herts Directory and the Families First professionals area.

We would like to encourage all partner agencies to help us promote the Families First website to parents and carers in Hertfordshire.

Campaign Tools:

Please add the web address to your own website:- https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/families-first/families-first.aspx

September 2024