Agenda item

(a)      That the Committee supports the ongoing work and commitment to the Early Help Hub as part of wider programme to support families experiencing trauma aligned to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); and

(b)      That the Committee supports the newly developed Information, Advice and Assistance Services in providing support to families through skilled conversations which will clarify people’s thoughts and explore their circumstances so we can understand “What Matters” most to them and how best to support them.

The Service Manager reported that the Early Help Hub (EHH) was developed in 2017 to bring together agencies to target support for families in need who did not meet statutorily thresholds for children’s social care but had clear indictors of need often aligned to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s).

She explained that the demand for this service had increased significantly over the years and that the majority of referrals were from parents of children aged between 10 to 15 seeking information and advice.  So in late 2022 a series of workshops were set up which led to the development of the Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) which became operational in February 2023.  The service provided support to families via conversations with a team of skilled workers.

Councillor Debbie Owen sought clarification on how to contact the IAA service and the Service Manager explained that as it was a new service at present, people should contact Children’s Services and ask for the IAA Service but they that they were looking into having a separate number subject to demand of the service.

In response to clarification between the EHH and IAA raised by Councillor Mackie, the Service Manager explained that because of the increase of referrals to the EHH that were taking 4 to 6 weeks, the IAA service filtered out those who only needed information and advice and not a support package.

Councillor McGuill suggested that with the explanation that was given between the EHH and IAA, that the IAA should be the single contact number for parents to seek advice and then they could be referred to other services if needed.  She also requested a breakdown of all of the referrals and where they were coming from as the report suggested that they were all coming from Deeside - which the Service Manager agreed to circulate.

Councillor Gladys Healey questioned whether any referrals came from rural areas.  The Service Manager pointed out that the report reflected the highest recorded areas and that referrals were received across Flintshire.

As an observer Councillor Parkhurst questioned what steps were being taken with carers having a healthy attachment with their children.  In response, the Senior Manager said that she worked closely with Gail Bennett and her team and that her team worked closely with Early Years and Health visitors supporting those families with difficulties with attachment which linked in with adoption services as well.  They advised that they also had close links with statutory partners and front door services.

Councillor Mackie gave his support to the initiatives that the Service Manager was looking into and where those may lead as he believed that was the way forward.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Hilary McGuill and seconded by Councillor Gladys Healey.

RESOLVED:

(a)          That the Committee supports the ongoing work and commitment to the Early Help Hub as part of wider programme to support families experiencing trauma aligned to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); and

(b)          That the Committee supports the newly developed Information, Advice and Assistance Services in providing support to families through skilled conversations which will clarify people’s thoughts and explore their circumstances so we can understand “What Matters” most to them and how best to support them.