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Group work offer

Who is this page for?

This page is aimed at professionals and provides details of the Families First evidenced-based programmes and priority ‘needs-led’ groups that are operating across the county. They are accessible to all families where there is an identified level 2 or above targeted need and where a little extra support is required in managing the everyday role of being a parent.

All parents are welcomed with a smile and a friendly face. Not only will they learn some new tips and suggestions, they will be with other local parents who all have their own experiences and advice to share, so they may also make friends within their community; potentially building some positive social networks and strengthening their long term resilience.


 

What's happening?

This page shows what groups are running in each district, the venues and how to make a referral. Parents/adults or the referrer will need to make their own travel arrangements to and from the venues. Referrals are not restricted to one locality; they can be made to any of the district groups being run. We are unable to provide crèche facilities with the adult only groups.

Dates will be updated as they become available, but most will run each term time, ideally with January, April, July and October start dates.

For further information please contact Debbie Fogg or your district local support team.


 

Reasons for referral

As part of your involvement with a family, you may identify parents ‘skills/wellbeing/confidence‘ as an area for development, whether that be via:

  • an assessed need
  • as a BRFC family
  • a TAF
  • CIN
  • CP Plan
  • Parenting/Court order
  • or legal requirement

Our groups span a range of skills, including:

  • understanding the needs of unborn children
  • bonding and meeting the developmental milestones of babies/toddlers
  • coping with difficult behaviours
  • and maintaining consistent and constructive boundaries in the home

Our groups aim to encourage both parents and relevant adults to take part. We also encourage parents to attend even where they are not living with their child.

The facilitators do not hold case responsibility, but our groups can form part of your existing plan of Intervention and where relevant attendance and feedback can be shared, particularly if required for court.

Referrals to the group

  • Identified need: Where families have identified and acknowledged with the referrer that their skills, well-being or confidence, are impacting on their ability to improve outcomes for the child/ren.

  • Co-working: Where parenting strategies/development is identified in your overall plan but you continue to maintain overall case management responsibility for the family.

  • Exit Strategy: Your work with a family may have reached, or is reaching a positive outcome, however the family may benefit from further developing their parenting strategies and linking with other families in their locality to share advice and build confidence. Our programmes are ideal for empowering families and encouraging parents to work out their issues for themselves in a safe and friendly environment.

How to refer

To register for a group you will need the consent of the parent/adult and to complete our short referral form. These forms will need to be sent via email to the local Inboxes and organisers of the groups. The details of these are detailed in the ‘scheduled dates’ pages.

Induction to the programmes generally forms part of the first group session. In some cases however, the facilitator maybe able to meet the family beforehand, where possible with the referrer, to encourage participation. Please include specific requirements on the referral form or ring the relevant organiser for advice and guidance.


 

Programmes

Bump to baby: B2B (antenatal club)
2-hour sessions over 6 weeks

Bump to Baby is an antenatal programme for both mum and dad to be, or even grandparent! The programme aims to decrease concerns and stress levels during pregnancy. It helps parents understand how to prepare babies for social interaction from birth and emphasises the importance of early interaction for babies’ brain development.

There are activities, practical skills and tips which promote stress reduction for both parents and babies, supports attachment and bonding; develops awareness of babies’ social capabilities and the value of early intervention.

Peep: Simply play for babies (0-12 months)
1.5-hour sessions over 10 weeks

Adult and baby course (0-12 months) which is suitable for adults who have not accessed other children’s activities and/or are wary of being in a group situation. The course encourages parent’s early attachment and to communicate and understand their babies cues. Every session has a focus around child development, safety, play and provides a safe, stimulating but calm environment which supports parents to interact and try a range of new sensory activities. Many opportunities to support parenting and develop adults confidence as parents.

This course can be used as part of a contact arrangement.

Peep: Simply play course (0-4 years)
1.5-hour sessions over 10 weeks

Adult and child course (mixed age sessions 0-4 years) which is suitable for adults who do not access other children’s activities and are wary of being in a group situation. The course strongly supports adults to interact and play with their child, to understand basic child development and encourage their child to make choices and explore new activities. Lots of support for adults to parent appropriately and manage their child’s emerging behaviours and develop realistic expectations of their child’s development while trying out lots of different activities. Many opportunities to support parenting and develop adults confidence as parents.

This course can be used as part of a contact arrangement.

Family caring trust: From pram to primary (0-10 years)
2-hour sessions over 8 weeks

Suitable for adults 19 years+ who are struggling with a child’s behaviour; mealtimes/ bedtimes/ lack understanding of how to talk and listen to their child, set fair, consistent boundaries, consequences and rewards. The course focuses on children’s behaviour aged between 2 and 10 years primarily. Many opportunities to support parenting and develop adults confidence as parents.

Adults do not have to be living with their child to access this course.

Family caring trust: Primary to teenage years (11+ years)
2-hour sessions over 6 weeks

Adult course.

The programme offers weekly sessions to help parents create positive boundaries and respect within the home; how to set limits and how they endeavour to keep their child safe. It is useful in reducing tensions, squabbling and fighting within the family and offers more constructive strategies for understanding and responding to the child’s behaviour. The course seeks to encourage parents to establish clearer parenting guidelines and encourages the group to build on their learned and shared experiences throughout the course. The programme can work with parents/adults of children within a specific age range or offer a more generic course covering 11-19 years, depending on local need and the referrals received.

Adults do not have to be living with their child to access this course.

Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing
2-hour sessions over 8 weeks

Suitable for adults 19 years+ who have poor mental health, struggle to go out and about or meet new people, who do nothing for themselves because their family situation dominates their week. A low key course where adults can take their time to settle into the sessions, do a shorter session if necessary but offers opportunities to try new craft / food activities which can easily be reproduced at home.

The course aims to support adults to develop their wellbeing, gain confidence and learn to enjoy being in a learning environment/group situation.


 

Locally funded 'needs-led' programmes

Teen spirit (Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffordshire districts)
2-hour sessions over 6 weeks

Positive Teens is a targeted programme delivered to vulnerable young people in participating schools. Schools identify and refer young people at risk of CSE, Pregnancy, Teen Parenthood and becoming NEET. During the 6 weeks we cover: self esteem, confidence, safety (including social media, online safety), grooming, healthy/unhealthy relationships, sexual health (including distributing the C Card) and raising aspirations.

Tweensafe (Newcastle)
1-hour sessions over 6 weeks

A partnership run program for year 6 pupils that looks to develop a young persons self esteem and confidence, provides opportunities to consider friendships and peer pressure.

Explores safe internet and social media use.


 

Programme information

Available programmes:

Bump to baby / antenatal club

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates.

Moorlands -  LST Moorlands

  • Staffordshire Moorlands children's centre
  • Bishop Rawle School, Cheadle

Newcastle - LST Newcastle

  • Newcastle Children's Centre

East Staffordshire - East Staffs LST

  • East Staffs Childrens Centre, Burton

Tamworth - LST Tamworth

  • Families First, Basin Lane

Lichfield - Lichfield district LST inbox

  • This is run on a need-led basis in the district; please contact the duty for further information.

Cannock - Cannock Rugeley LST

  • Cannock Chase Children's Centre

  • Western Springs Children's Centre, Rugeley

South Staffordshire - South Staffs LST

  • Wombourne library

  • Bilbrook fire station

Stafford - Stafford District LST

  • Silkmore Children's Centre

Peep: Simply play for babies

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates.

Moorlands - Kelly Grice

  • Bishop Rawle School, Cheadle

Newcastle - Kelly Grice

  • Newcastle Children's Centre and Home Start

East Staffordshire - Debbie Fogg

  • Burton Children's Centre

Tamworth - Debbie Fogg

  • Glascote Children's Centre

Lichfield - Debbie Fogg

  • Charnwood Children's Centre

Cannock - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Cannock Chase Children's Centre

South Staffordshire - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Landywood Children's Centre

Stafford - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Silkmore Children's Centre

Peep: simply play

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates.

Moorlands - Kelly Grice

  • Bishop Rawle School, Cheadle

  • Staffordshire Moorlands children's centre

Newcastle - Kelly Grice

  • Newcastle Children's Centre

East Staffordshire - Debbie Fogg

  • Burton Children's Centre

Tamworth - Debbie Fogg

  • Glascote Children's Centre

Lichfield - Debbie Fogg

  • Charnwood Children's Centre

Cannock - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Cannock Chase Children's Centre

South Staffordshire - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Landywood Children's Centre

Stafford - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Silkmore Children's Centre

**courses will be run during term time dates and will not include half term breaks

Family caring trust: from pram to primary (0-10 years)

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates’

Moorlands - Kelly Grice

  • Staffordshire Moorlands children's centre **Leek Fire Station**

Newcastle - Debbie Fogg

  • Newcastle Children's Centre

East staffordshire - Debbie Fogg

  • Burton Children's Centre

  • Uttoxeter Fire Station

Tamworth - Debbie Fogg

  • Glascote Children's Centre

Lichfield - Debbie Fogg

  • Charnwood Children's Centre

  • Spark, Burntwood

Cannock - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Cannock Chase Children's Centre

South Staffordshire - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Bilbrook Fire Station

  • Wombourne Library

Stafford - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Silkmore Children's Centre

Family caring trust: from primary to teenage years (11+ years)

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates.

Moorlands - LST Moorlands

  • Leek Fire Station

  • Cheadle Fire Station

  • Staffordshire Moorlands children's centre

Newcastle - LST Newcastle

  • The Kings School, Kidsgrove***

  • Newcastle Children's Centre

East Staffordshire - East Staffs LST

  • Uttoxeter Fire Station

  • East Staffs Children's Centre

Tamworth - LST Tamworth

  • Glascote Children's Centre***

  • Families First, Basin Lane

Lichfield - Lichfield district LST inbox

  • Chase Terrace Community Fire Station**

Cannock - Cannock Rugeley LST

  • Bilbrook Fire Station, Codsall***

  • Cannock Chase Children's Centre

  • Cannock Chase Children's Centre

South Staffordshire - South Staffs LST

  • Bilbrook Fire Station, Codsall***

Stafford - Stafford district LST

**Lichfield District - this one particular group is aimed at females only

***Newcastle/Cannock/South Staffs/Tamworth - September programmes running alternative 6 weeks strengthening families group

Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates.

Moorlands - Kelly Grice

  • Bishop Rawle School, Cheadle

Newcastle - Kelly Grice

  • Home Start

East Staffordshire - Debbie Fogg

  • Burton Children's Centre

Tamworth - Debbie Fogg

  • Glascote Children's Centre

Lichfield - Debbie Fogg

  • Charnwood Children's Centre

Cannock - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Cannock Chase Children's Center

South Staffordshire - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Landywood Children's Centre

Stafford - Lynda Hartshorn

  • Silkmore Children's Centre 

Needs-led programmes, delivered locally

Tweensafe

Programs planned for January, April, July and October 2019 – Please contact the district for exact start dates.

Newcastle - LST Newcastle

  • Newcastle schools provide the venue for their year 6 pupils

Teen spirit project

Unless start dates are detailed below, groups will ideally start around September 2018, January, April and July 2019 during term time. The referral contact for this is Teen spirit

  • Venues: Tamworth - TEC/East Staffs Children's Centre/Lichfield - The Friary, Nether Stowe
    Referral to:  Teen spirit

  • Venue: Tamworth - Rawlet x2 Groups
    Referral toTeen spirit

  • Venue: East Staffs Children's Centre/Lichfield - Nether Stowe
    Referral to:  Teen spirit

  • Venue: Cannock - Staffordshire University (**positive teens)
    Referral to: Sam Aiton

  • Venues: Schools to be confirmed for East Staffs Tamworth and Lichfield
    Referral to:  Teen spirit

  • Venue: Cannock school to be confirmed
    Referral to:  Teen spirit

  • Venues: Schools to be confirmed for East Staffs, Tamworth and Lichfield
    Referral to: Teen spirit

  • Venue: Cannock school to be confirmed
    Referral to: Teen spirit

 


 

Contact us

For further details, information or advice about the groups please contact the relevant duty number:

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