Kinship care can pose challenges on occasions, and it is important that any support is identified and provided as early as possible. Families may need advice and support to decide when thinking about who is best placed to care for a child or young person and the options available to them. Advice can be accessed from a variety of sources including the Family Rights Group and Kinship.

In Telford and Wrekin, Family Help is delivered through Family Hubs which are welcoming community spaces that offer a wide range of support services tailored to family needs. Families benefit from improved confidence, stronger relationships within the family and easier access to coordinated support, reducing stress and isolation.

Family Hubs provide:

· Information, advice, and guidance on everyday parenting challenges

· Support with infant feeding, mental health, and healthy lifestyles

· Drop-in sessions and workshops on topics such as behaviour, routines, and emotional wellbeing

· Connections to local services and professionals, helping families access the right help at the right time

Support can be accessed in several ways:

· Walking into a Family Hub during opening hours

· Calling the Family Hub team on 01952 385385

· Visiting online via the Telford Family Hubs website

· Referral by a professional, such as a Teacher, Health Visitor, or Social Worker

When multiple services are involved, a Lead Professional may be assigned to coordinate support. This person helps complete an Early Help Assessment, acts as the main point of contact for the family, ensures services are working together effectively, and can refer the family to Family Hubs or other relevant services.

The SEND Local Offer is designed to bring together essential information across education, health, and social care to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In line with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015), every local authority is required to publish a Local Offer that outlines the services and support available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in one accessible place. 

The SEND Local Offer provides:

·       Guidance on how schools and educational settings support children with SEND, including access to specialist services and personalised learning plans

·       Information on physical and mental health services, such as therapies and assessments

·       Support for key life transitions, including moving into further education, employment, and independent living

·       Assistance with transport arrangements for eligible children and young people

Family Connect is a single point of contact or ‘front door’ for Telford and Wrekin Children and Families Services. Family Connect is a free, confidential service providing, impartial advice, information, guidance and support on a full range of children's services available across the borough including childcare, activities, school admissions and finance.

Citizens Advice is a UK-based charitable organisation that provides free, confidential, and impartial advice to help people resolve a wide range of issues. This includes:

·       Legal problems

·       Debt and money management

·       Consumer rights

·       Housing

·       Employment

·       Benefits and welfare

The Traveller Movement is a UK-wide civil society organisation that advocates for and supports Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities. Their work focuses on promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and improving access to services for GRT individuals and families.

The organisation offers a wide range of support, including:

·       Health and Wellbeing - Resources and guidance on topics such as mental health, COVID-19, and general wellbeing

·       Family Support: Practical advice on parenting, education, and child development

·       LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Tailored resources and support for LGBTQ+ members of the GRT community

·       Youth Programmes: Initiatives aimed at improving access to education and employment opportunities for young people

Support is available nationally through phone and Skype consultations, face-to-face appointments, and online resources. The Traveller Movement also works in partnership with other charities and legal centres to ensure comprehensive support is accessible to those who need it.