Early Help
Early help means providing support to our families as soon as a problem emerges, at any point in a child’s life.
We understand just how complicated family life can be. Every family can have ups and downs. Being a parent is hard work and there are no instructions.
From time to time, there may be situations where you or your children need some extra help and support. If things are not right at home, please come and talk to us. We can help in many ways.
We want to make sure all young people in Merton have a great future where:
• Children are happy and have good opportunities to develop skills
• Children are safe at home and in the communities where they live
• Children are enabled to live healthy and fulfilling lives
• Children receive a good education, suited to their needs, which supports them in staying safe and achieving their potential
Early Help Assessment:
If you or your child/ren need extra support, we might suggest an Early Help Assessment is completed to support your family. We will lead the process and be your Lead Practitioner/s. The Early Help Assessment is a simple, easy to use form. This helps you and your Lead Practitioner think about what is working well for you and your family, if there is anything you are worried or concerned about and what extra support you think might help. Together with support from other practitioners/services working with your family, you will think about the next steps and create an action plan. We call this a family plan.
Meet our Early Help Support Coordinator
Hello, My name is Debbie Magee, I am one of the Early Help Support Coordinators from Merton Council, I’m excited to begin working closely with Merton Park Primary school .
Every family has its ups and downs and sometimes you or your children may need extra support. My role provides guidance and support to help families build strength and resilience during challenging times, helping you find solutions to small problems before they turn into big ones.
You can arrange to meet with me within the community at one of our family hubs or I may suggest having a meeting with the school and other services supporting you to make sure you get the best support.
Whether you need advice or assistance, I am here to work alongside you, and Merton Park primary school to ensure you and your family get the support you need.
I look forward to working with you all!
The types of things an Early Help Assessment can support you with:
• if you’re struggling to get your children to school on time
• helping you with your children’s behaviour and development – things like setting boundaries and routines
• if you’re feeling you just can’t cope and it’s all getting too much – so feeling overwhelmed
• if any of your family are drinking a lot of alcohol or using drugs
• if you are in a relationship that is making you unhappy or scared
• if your family are struggling to communicate - maybe there are lots of arguments
• Not having a job and struggling to provide for your family
• if any of your family are involved in crime or anti-social behaviour – and maybe you’re at risk of losing your home
Early Help Assessment & Team around the family guidance
How do I access support?
You can speak to any professional currently working with you or your family, for example, a health worker or a teacher, if you feel you need extra support.
Families can also access support from the Family Services Directory
You can also access information, advice, and guidance from our Family Information and Support Hubs (FISH). Family Information and Support Hubs (FISH) give you the chance to speak to an Early Help Support Coordinator about any issues that may be affecting your child/ren or family. The Early Help Support Coordinator will offer support and guidance, helping you access relevant information and services to help you. More information can be found here.
Sessions take place Monday – Friday, with a mixture of face-to-face and telephone appointments available
Appointments can be booked via Eventbrite by clicking here.