The family help service offers support for families with children and young people who need extra help.
This help is available for families with emerging needs who are already being supported by a professional (like a health visitor, school, school nurse, GP).
The service provides additional support, with the aim of resolving any issues without the need for specialist workers (like social workers) to be involved.
Who can get help
Families with children and young people from ages 0 to 17 who need extra help (more than other professionals like health visitors, school pastoral staff, school nurses, and GPs can provide).
This includes babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers.
Support for babies and young children (0 to 5 years)
Baby Buddies
Help for parents and carers to learn about early childhood development, including brain growth, attachment, play, and early talking skills.
Little Learners groups
Activities to help children get ready for school. Parents learn what their child needs to know and do before starting school.
Every Child a Talker (ECAT)
Support for young children to improve their speaking and listening skills.
Parenting support
Help for parents using the Solihull Approach to Parenting. This is a special programme to help parents understand their child's needs and behaviour. The support is available in-person at children's centres or online.
Support for older children and young people (6 to 17 years)
Parenting groups
Support for parents of children and teenagers, focusing on how to handle challenging behaviour. Groups include the Solihull Approach to Parenting and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). NVR is usually delivered to families where the child is aged 8 plus.
Support for young people
Group activities to help young people with healthy lifestyles and relationships.
Support for 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in education or employment
Help for young people aged 16 to 17 who are not in school, training, or work. We work with local schools and colleges to make sure every young person gets the right support.
Family help assistants
Family help assistants visit families at home to provide practical support. They help with setting up daily routines, creating boundaries, and reducing concerns about neglect.
How to get support
If a teacher, health visitor, or another professional thinks a family could use extra help, they should already be working with the family through an early help assessment and team around the family meeting.
The professional can then request some additional help by contacting the family help service through Derbyshire's Starting Point. Starting Point is the main place to request help for children and families in Derbyshire.
We always need the parent or carer's permission before providing support.