Family support localities service

Family support localities service

Supporting families to help themselves

The family support localities service offers ‘early help’ for families. This offer includes a range of support packages depending on the issues identified. We aim to build confidence within families in order to support them as they work to help themselves. This enables them to reduce their dependency on public services.

How can we help you..?

You are experiencing problems within your family and there is the potential for the issue to worsen. What can your localities team do for you?

• We focus on getting help to your family early. Our aim is to offer the right help to as many children and families as possible at the earliest opportunity. We offer support before problems escalate and things become harder to manage. We’ll help your family to keep your children safe and healthy, to ultimately reduce the likelihood of any child coming into care.

You feel you could use some support with your family and children but don’t want to traipse all over the borough to access the different agencies.

• We will offer you support from one of our three local teams, so you will not need to travel to seek help. The localities service are made up of three local support teams who will be located in the north, centre and south of the borough. By being based within your community, we have a better knowledge of the local area and this means we can make better connections with the families we support.
• By offering you a range of service areas within one locality team we are increasing the ease for you to get assistance. By creating joined-up support packages we can help families to build their resilience and ‘bounce back’.

You are feeling weighed down by a number of problems right now. This could be anything from feeling afraid of your partner within your home to having concerns about paying the bills and rent and this is having an impact on your children. You’re not sure where to start the process of seeking help.

• We recognise that at certain times you may require support from a number of services and agencies. The localities service can offer you expert advice on key issues for your family including debt and housing advice, domestic violence support as well as advice and help with mental health concerns and school attendance.

You have a problem with your school, which localities service will you be allocated to?

• Generally, you will receive support the localities team based on your home postcode. However, the nature of your request for support may determine what localities team will work with you.

Request for support form (PDF and online Word versions available)
This form is for people who work with children and young people and who have concerns about their welfare, for example - teachers, social workers, youth workers. Neighbours, parents and other family members who think additional support would help a child or family can also fill in this form. This extra help could include: parenting classes, advice on setting household budgets, healthy living and nutrition advice, making sure children are attending school and ensuring children are registered with their local GP.

Request for support (Online version)
Request for support (Word online)
Request for support (pdf)

You have a serious concern about child, who can you contact?

• If you have a child protection concern, the duty service is available 24 hours a day on 020 8753 5392

The localities service supports families in the following ways;

• Identifying the problems that children, young people and families are facing and ask “why” this is the case
• Offering support to children, young people and families, to develop resilience to these problems and help to provide the tools to  ‘bounce back’
• Encouraging families to make safe and healthy life choices
• Promoting learning skills within the family and encourage attainment in school
• Preventing children and young people from engaging in drug and alcohol misuse
• Reducing the likelihood of involvement with the police

 If you have any concerns or questions please contact the localities service:

A: Localities service
    Hammersmith Town Hall,
    Hammersmith,
    W6 9JU
T: 0208 753 6446   
E: localitiesservice@lbhf.gov.uk