Hello, my name is Sandra. I am the Family Support Advisor (FSA) for Chester Park Federation. My job is to work alongside parents and carers providing information, advice, and support when they are experiencing difficulties. These may be short or long term. I have worked with families, children, and young people for over 35 years, the last 10 at Chester Park. I have 2 children of my own, and I know that family life can sometimes be challenging for many different reasons.
I work without ‘judging’ and with respect to all backgrounds. Parenting is an amazing role but also one of the most difficult to do, at the best of times. When other things in life become challenging, it can get even harder. Sometimes just talking to someone can help you to ‘see a way through’.
The children at school know me simply as Sandra, as well as most parents. Advice and support is confidential although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
You can contact me through reception at the Junior or Infant School or directly email me at: sandra.cirant@chesterparkschools.org
Below are a list and links to some of the organisations that can offer support to families on a range of issues:
If you are worried about the welfare of any child, please contact First Response on: 0117 903 6444
Other numbers you can call:
Support during Covid 19 Pandemic: #WeAreBristol - https://www.wearebristol.co.uk/covid-19/
There are ways you can help others, and receive help, during the coronavirus pandemic. People in urgent need can call the #WeAreBristol helpline to receive food, medicine and other necessities:
0800 694 0184 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am- 2pm)
ADULT EDUCATION
Community Learning West https://communitylearningwest.net/
Free courses for adults with little or no qualifications and receiving certain benefits.
DEBT ADVICE
Talking Money: https://www.talkingmoney.org.uk/ Freephone: 0800 121 4511
Tel: 0117 954 3990
The Money Advice Service: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/debt-advice-locator/bristol
DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the National Domestic Violence Helpline – Freephone 0808 2000 247
If you are worried about your safety, call 999
Next Link: https://nextlinkhousing.co.uk/ (including dedicated services for Black and Ethnic Minorities) Tel: 0117 925 0680
PARENTING PROGRAMMES
Free, and delivered by Bristol City Council and partners in the community https://www.bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/parenting-courses-currently-running-in-bristol
PARENTING SUPPORT
Action for Children: https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/ Tel: 03001232112
Family Lives: https://www.familylives.org.uk/ Tel: 08088002222
Home Start Bristol: www.homestartbristol.org.uk Tel: 0117 9501170 or 9501197
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE (SOCIAL SERVICES)
Family Rights Group – www.frg.org.uk Tel: 0808 8010366
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Bristol City Council: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/housing/homeless-or-at-risk-of-being-homeless Tel: 0117 352 6800
Shelter: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/local_services/bristol
Tel: 03445151430
CHAS Housing: http://www.chasbristol.co.uk/
Tel: 0117 935 1260
LEGAL ADVICE:
Including, Family Law, Immigration and Asylum, Employment Law, Discrimination
Bristol Law Centre: https://www.bristollawcentre.org.uk/get-help/
Tel: 0117 924 8662
Family Law – Bristol University Law Clinic - http://www.bristol.ac.uk/law/law-clinic/
Provides free advice on Family Law issues only.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH
Samaritans: - www.samaritans.org
116 123 (FREE PHONE)
Bristol Mind: www.bristolmind.org.uk/
MindLine helpline – 0808 808 0330
CHILDREN MENTAL HEALTH
Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk Tel: 0117 980 0370
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OR DISABILITIES (SEND)
Family Fund – gives financial grants for children with special needs or disabilities www.familyfund.org.uk
Supportive Parents - https://www.supportiveparents.org.uk/
Providing information, advice and support about SEND to children, young people and their parents and carers.
HEALTHY EATING - https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/food-facts
RACISM AND DISCRIMMINATION
SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality) – www.sariweb.org
Tel: 0117 942 0060