Strengthening Families

We are currently not accepting new referrals, as our funding has come to an end. If you are looking for family support, the services below offer family-based approaches with a mix of free and paid options, available in Southwark or online.
Southwark Council Family Early Help Service
  • Offers whole-family support, parenting programmes, and family workers 

FEH is suitable when: 

  • A family needs more than one type of support 
  • There are concerns around school attendance, behaviour, or wellbeing 
  • Parents would benefit from structured support or parenting programmes 
  • Issues are emerging but do not meet the threshold for social care intervention 

 

Important Notes 

  • Consent is required before making a referral 
  • FEH is voluntary and supportive (not statutory social care) 
  • It focuses on early intervention to prevent escalation 

How to Refer to Family Early Help (FEH) – Southwark
For Professionals
  1. Complete an Early Help Assessment (EHA)
    • This outlines the family’s needs and desired outcomes 
    • Should be completed with consent from the family 
  2. Submit the referral 
  3. Next Steps
    • The Early Help team will review the referral 
    • A lead professional or family worker may be allocated 
    • Support may include parenting programmes, family support, or multi-agency intervention
For Parents / Families (Self-Referral)
  1. Families can contact the Early Help team directly to request support: 
    • A practitioner will discuss needs and guide the next steps, which may include completing an Early Help Assessment. 
    Waterloo Community Counselling
    • 020 7928 3462 / info@waterloocc.org.uk 
    • Details: 
      • Low-cost counselling, including relationship and family-focused support 
      • Accessible option for early intervention 
      • Sliding scale fees based on income 

            Systemic family therapy delivered from our hub in Peckham or at Rye Oak Children’s and Family Centre.

            “I’m grateful that I found the Strengthening Families programme when I did. Being able to unpack everything I had bottled for many years, has really lifted a weight off my shoulders.”

            Parent/Carer Champion

            What is the Strengthening Families Programme?

            a blonde lady speaks to a crowd, gesturing toward a whiteboard

            What does the Strengthening Families Programme offer?

            • One-to-one and/or group family therapy sessions, designed to strengthen family relationships

            • Support to empower parents to navigate the challenges their family faces

            • Advice on finding emotional wellbeing support services for them and their family

            How do parents benefit from the Strengthening Families Programme?

            • Enhanced Parent-Child Bonds: Strengthen the connection with your child by improving communication and gaining a deeper understanding of their needs

            • Effective Problem-Solving: Acquire the skills and knowledge to address family challenges with greater effectiveness.

            • Stress Management: Discover strategies to cope with the stresses of parenting and prioritise self-care

            • Supportive Family Network: Build connections with other families in the program, fostering a sense of community and mutual support

            More information about the Programme

            Sessions occur weekly for up to 12 weeks, with options for online or in-person delivery, depending on parents’ availability and access to our facilities.

            What does the Strengthening Families Programme Offer?

            One-to-one and/or group family therapy sessions, designed to strengthen family relationships
            Support to empower parents to navigate the challenges their family faces
            Advise with finding emotional wellbeing support services for them and their family

            What does the Strengthening Families Programme Offer?

            Enhanced Parent-Child Bonds

            Strengthen the connection with your child by improving communication and gaining a deeper understanding of their needs.

            Stress Management

            Discover strategies to cope with the stresses of parenting and prioritize self-care.

            Effective Problem-Solving

            Discover strategies to cope with the stresses of parenting and prioritize self-care.

            Supportive Family Network

            Build connections with other families in the program, fostering a sense of community and mutual support