What are family centres?
Family centres provide assessment and support for families and children in need. The staff in family centres are trained to provide:
- assessments of the needs of children and their families;
- working in groups with children and adults;
- direct work with children;
- working with adults to develop their relationships with children; and
developing parenting skills.
Family centres work in partnership with children and their families and other agencies providing services for families such as:
- Home Start;
- Sure Start;
- Barnardo’s
- National Children’s Homes;
- NSPCC;
- East Cumbria Family Support;
- Early Years Partnership;
- Health services
Who are family centres for?
Family centres provide assessment and support to children in need and their families. Children and their families may need support where:
- the child is likely to suffer serious impairment of their physical, social or emotional needs; or
- parents are under stress which could result in illness or family breakdown.
Where do family centres come from?
Children's Services run 3 family centres in Cumbria:
- Ormsgill Family Centre, Barrow-in-Furness telephone 01229 894847
- Carlton Road Family Centre, Workington telephone 01900 325380
- Botcherby Family Centre, Carlisle telephone 01228 607184
How do I apply for support from a family centre?
If you would like support from a family centre for yourself and/or your child, please contact Customer Services at your local Children's Services office and ask for an assessment of need from a social worker.
Your social worker will discuss your situation with you and suggest what kinds of support may be available to meet your needs. This is called an assessment of need.
How much does support from a family centre cost?
Support from family centres are provided free of charge to children and families assessed as needing this.
How do I change the support I receive from a family centre?
If you would like to change the support your receive at the family centre, discuss this with the staff at the centre or with your social worker.