In response to the needs of a growing Jewish community in Hertfordshire, Norwood’s Family Support service is branching out to help children and families in need living in the area. Social Workers, Counsellors and Family Support Workers based at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre in Hendon already provide support to many families in Hertfordshire.
However, the demand for services is growing and, from 13 October, families wishing to use the service will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Family Support team at Allum Lane Community Centre, in Elstree, every Wednesday between 9am and 12pm. A registered Norwood professional will be on-hand to provide a range of practical and emotional support, although initial meetings are by appointment only.
Eileen Martell, Norwood Family Support Service Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer increased support to those children and adults in south Hertfordshire who are in need of the range of vital services provided by Norwood. The Charity is committed to providing a safety net to the children and families in the community who need it most. We are also looking forward to developing alliances with local Jewish organisations and schools.”
Members of the Family Support team are trained to deal with a wide range of issues. These may include supporting parents as they cope with the uniqueness of bringing a new baby into the world, through the early years and beyond to the complexities of living with teenagers. Cases of bullying, peer group pressure, low self-esteem and family crisis, including family breakdown and personal loss, also commonly feature in the work undertaken. Meanwhile, the team supports families with a child who has a disability or learning difficulty, and Norwood’s Transition service helps young people with a disability who are moving from children to adult services.
Members of Norwood’s three Family Support teams, based at our centres in Hendon, Hackney and Redbridge, will provide assistance to all family members going through issues such as abuse, bereavement, parenting concerns, divorce and separation, financial hardship, as well as work directly with children and parents to provide confidential advice and support, which may include home visits.
A social worker is always available on weekdays to take new referrals and offer telephone advice. Where the team is not able to help a person directly, it can advocate on behalf of the family to ensure they receive the right services from the appropriate agency.
To make an appointment or speak to a member of the Family Support team, please phone the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre on 020 8457 4745.
