Early help is about helping children, young people and families deal with any issues as early as possible.
It's available to families with a child up to the age of 19, or a child up to the age of 25 if they've got special educational needs or disabilities.
How can I get Early Help Support?
The best way to get early help support is to talk to a professional who knows you already. This could be your child's doctor, teacher, support worker, school nurse, health visitor or early intervention and prevention worker.
They'll be able to talk to you about what additional help you may need and how to access it.
- Speak to a professional who already knows your child to ask for early help support
- Alternatively, you can contact us using the details on this page to ask for early help support
What can I get help with?
Your family can get help with a variety of issues you may need support for, including:
- Mental health support
- Advice about healthy relationships
- Help with money and buying food - such as discounted or free food club schemes
- Support for children with disabilities or behavioural issues
- Bereavement
- Anything else that makes you worried about your child
What is early help support?
Early help support is extra help we offer to children, young people and their families when they need it. This can prevent small problems from becoming big problems.
Every family is unique and everyone can go through problems that are difficult to deal with. Sometimes families need a bit of extra support. For example, you might be worried about your child's behaviour or development, or you might be experiencing some changes or difficulties that you can't manage by yourself.
Everyone struggles at times, it is ok to ask for help. We’re here for you and would like to support you with any issues as early as possible.
Who provides the help?
Early Help support can be provided by our early help team, a charity or a health provider. Key workers such as teachers or family hub staff can agree with you an action plan to make sure you get the right support.
Where more than one organisation is involved in supporting your family, we'll work together to create a single support plan which coordinates all our actions and activities.