I have supported a number of families, all of whom have been faced with a range of challenges, never two the same. Upon meeting a family for the first time it’s not always easy to identify the challenges or issues being faced, but it’s vital to allow the family time to unravel their story at their own pace.
Some of the ways I’ve supported families include: accompanying to appointments, to family groups, volunteering in the Home-Start crèche whilst the parents attend courses, going to the shops, to the park, to toddler groups, taking care of the children at home so the parents can get on with jobs or do something leisurely, relay knowledge of services/useful information where appropriate and just listening.
Whilst offering emotional and practical support to the parent, I also have the privilege and absolute joy of entertaining the children and them me.