David Harris, Director of Operational Services, addresses guests
Norwood has launched a new Family Support Service for families living within the growing Jewish community in Hertfordshire. Although Norwood social workers, counsellors and family support workers already provide support to many people in Hertfordshire, the demand for its services has increased steadily.
From 13 October, local families 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.
Yesterday, Norwood hosted a launch event for health and social care professionals from local organisations to introduce them to the Charity’s work and explain how the new service would function.
David Harris, Norwood’s Director of Operational Services, said: “Norwood is delighted to offer this service to families and children in Borehamwood, Elstree and surrounding areas in Hertfordshire. We already know that around a third of the families who use the Family Support services based at our Kennedy Leigh Family Centre in Hendon are from this area, so this initiative should make us even more accessible. We also plan to explore opportunities to extend our services to adults with learning disabilities into this area.”
Members of Norwood’s Family Support teams, based at centres in Hendon, Hackney and Redbridge, are trained to deal with a wide range of issues. They provide assistance to all family members experiencing issues such as abuse, bereavement, parenting concerns, divorce and separation, and financial hardship.
The teams also support families with a child who has a disability or learning difficulty, while Norwood’s Transition service helps young people with disabilities that are moving from children to adult services.
Throughout all their activities, they work directly with children and parents to provide confidential advice and support, which may include home visits.
A Norwood 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, our professionals 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.
