This is a free service for Pine Rivers families with children living at home, between the age of birth to 16 years. The aim of family support is to develop trusting relationships to support and strengthen families. We do this by working  together to enhance the ability of parents to provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children.  Family Support assists families experiencing increased stress or disruption to family life due to physical or mental health issues, loneliness, isolation or a breakdown in family relationships cope with the demands of children, parenting and managing home and family life.

The Family Support team consists of:

Family Support Workers: qualified to support you in reaching your goals as a parent.

Family Support Visitors: friendly, caring volunteers selected for their personal qualities and experience of family life. Family Support Visitors receive training so that they are better able to support parents and children at times when they need it most.

Family Support Visitors are not “Home Help” but they are people who:

• listen to you and offer support and reassurance
• know about and make sense of children’s development and behaviour
• know about other services and how to use them;
• are willing to work through issues with you.

Home visits are generally for about 2 hours weekly, though this can be more or less often according to needs.  Support is offered for a 12 week period and is reviewed regularly.