Press Releases
New service takes action for vulnerable children and families (PR 987)
A new service to step in and support vulnerable children and their families on all fronts has opened in Southall.
Known as Southall 0-19 SAFE (Supportive Action for Families in Ealing), the local multi-agency service is a sign of what’s to come in other parts of the borough, with more localised services planned if Southall’s pilot service is successful.
It represents further strengthening of partnership working in Ealing, with the 10-member service team including social care, education, health and mental health professionals from Ealing Council, West London Mental Health Trust and Ealing Primary Care Trust.
Based in Talbot Road, the integrated team is primarily dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people aged from birth to 19 years, and their families.
It links in with local schools, GPs, community groups and other
agencies to identify children and young people in need. Services
provided include family therapy, support with mental health
concerns and home visits. Staff also provide a link between home
and school by addressing issues such as non-attendance and helping
those at risk from exclusion through one-to-one support or group
work.
In addition, the team offers broader services to the general
Southall community, such as parenting classes, early years play and
development opportunities and parent drop-ins. Families are also
invited to use the service’s information resources, pick up
leaflets and find out about other local services, activities and
community and faith facilities.
Councillor Ian Gibb, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This new service is a model of effective partnership working to meet the needs of vulnerable children on every front.
“By working together and linking in with GPs, nurseries, schools and community groups, we can better identify vulnerable children and young people and quickly step in to help them and their families.
“This early intervention will help to reduce the likelihood of them needing to access additional services in the future.”
Nick Bidmade, Service Manager, said: “The name 0-19 SAFE was chosen by service users and we have developed the service based on what kind of support they told us they need.
“The team is busy working with children and families already and they are also establishing effective relationships with schools, nurseries, health centres and with GPs in the area.
“These agencies see children and young people every day and are best placed to identify any problems that may be developing early and refer them to our team.
“The team is also making good links with other statutory services and particularly locally via the Southall Community Alliance and with representative groups from the community and voluntary sector.
“We want this to be a place where children, young people and families can come without referral for information and advice and to seek services directly.”
During the summer, the team will stage a number of family activities and events to promote the service and these will be advertised locally.
The service has been developed in line with Ealing’s Children and Young People’s Plan and the Government’s Every Child Matters agenda (which aims to ensure every child can be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being).
For more information contact Nick Bidmade, Service Manager, on
020 8825 9725 or email
bidmaden@ealing.gov.uk.