Every Parent Matters conference

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
23/06/2008

Television’s Claire Halsey was guest speak at a special conference to promote the Every Parent Matters agenda.

Organised by the council, the conference was attended by members of the children’s Department, representatives of the local health services, early years professionals, those working with teenagers and other professionals directly involved with parents.

Claire Halsey, a renowned children’s psychologist, was the presenter of ITV’s Making Mum and Dad Mad and spoke alongside Jackie Harrop, Children's Services Adviser, at the Government Office for London.

The national Every Parent Matters agenda highlights the central significance of parenting in the lives of children and young people. While all parents have some instinctive grasp of what parenting is the conference aimed to celebrate the work that the various agencies in the borough already do and ensure that professionals know what services are available to give advice and support to parents. The 'Think Family' focus is at the heart of what we are trying to do to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Cllr Antony Lillis, Cabinet Member for Community and Children’s Services, said: “I am delighted that this conference was so well attended. The prestigious speakers were very well received and I am sure that all who attended will have taken back with them new ideas and inspiration as we work to ensure that children and young people in the borough are given the very best chances in life.”

The conference also comprised workshops featuring the Triple P Parenting programme used with lots of parents in many circumstances, working with parents so they can support their children in school, and stalls were provided by the Family Information Service and voluntary sector organisations, amongst many others……to provide further information.