Family Engagement Project (FEP) Background Information

Description of the Family Engagement Project

The Family Engagement Project (FEP) is funded by Trafford CYPS (Children’s and Young Persons Service) as a result of the Government initiative ‘Think Family’.  Funding has been secured by Trafford through the Think Family funding stream, Primary Care Trust investment and through the Sure Start Children’s Centres.  The project aims to improve support for disadvantaged families.

Light of Hope CIC at the Hope Centre in Sale will provide a support service through this project for children 0-16 with the following aims:

• To alleviate stress symptoms through the provision of holistic complementary therapies for children, young people and parents.
• To promote these activities to family members as common interests to develop positive relationships between family members.
• To target children and young people 0-16 and their families, in particular those working with Think Family projects (e.g.: Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TAMHS), Family Intervention Project (FIP), Parenting Support Team, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Primary Care Trust (PCT), and schools).

Service Provision

The Family Engagement Project at The Hope Centre will provide the following service for the children, young people and their families:

• A range of holistic therapies in 1:1 hour long sessions to include reflexology, massage, Reiki, Indian Head massage, Hopi Ear candles and other therapies according to need.  Children may only receive reflexology and Reiki.
• Initial Therapy Form assessments will be completed by the therapist for the child/young person/family members during the first 1:1 session.  A parent/carer must be in attendance during a child’s first appointment to help collate the relevant information with the therapist.  
• Support will be given through the introduction of various self help techniques involving visualisation, meditation and relaxation. Alignment practice is to be taught and encouraged during therapy sessions.
• Group meditations to develop the skills to practice at home supported by CDs. Each family will be allocated an ‘Emerald Alignment’ CD and a ‘Words of Light’ spoken meditation CD.  Family members over 16 will be accommodated in the regular meditations at The Hope Centre, while children (dependant upon age) will be taught and supported during therapy sessions (or in small groups according to demand).  Each family member over 16 will be issued with a Meditation Ticket  which entitles the family member to attend as many group meditation sessions as they wish (Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday lunchtimes). 
• Where appropriate and acceptable, Bach Flower Remedies, Gem Remedies and other tools to promote peace and well-being (e.g.: Peace cream) will be recommended.  Each family will be given 1 jar of Peace Cream. 

Outcomes

During the project, the following outcomes for the children, young people and family members will be encouraged:

• A reduction in stress symptoms and improved family relationships.
• To support and enable children and young people who are at risk of poor health outcomes (including poor mental health and emotional well-being) to develop the skills and mechanisms to improve their overall health and emotional well-being and build their resilience.
• To promote positive lifestyles in relation to physical and mental health.
• To increase participation in positive activities by both the child and their family members.
• To increase stability of home life and housing arrangements for the child and their family.

Referrals

Referrals to the project at The Hope Centre will be through a Common Assessment Framework (CAF) or a Single Agency Referral Form (SARF), completed by an agency working with the child that identifies an unmet need.  Referring agencies can make an appointment at The Hope Centre, identifying that they wish the child, young person and/or family member to receive a therapy as part of the Family Engagement Project.  A referral form must be completed by the agency and sent FAO: Alison Sargent (Project Co-ordinator) before an appointment can be made.

Referring agencies may include Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TAMHS), Family Intervention Project (FIP), Parenting Support Team, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Primary Care Trust (PCT), and schools.

Any therapist who receives a child for therapy will have an enhanced CRB check and will be suitably qualified for children’s work.  All therapists will be able to receive a referral for the adult family members in connection to the child.

Training

All therapists involved will attend and undertake training through Trafford Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (Child Protection) in addition to internal and CPD training.

Please refer any queries you may have about the Family Engagement Project and how it works to Alison Sargent.  Relevant in house training can be arranged if necessary.

Payment

All therapists have agreed to undertake this work at a discounted rate.

 Any queries should be refered to
Alison Sargent, Project Co-ordinator
or John Astbury, Centre Manager.