Family Support Advice

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:

• NSPCC 24-hour Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (free from a landline)
• NSPCC Text helpline: 88858 (service is free and anonymous)
• Police: 101 (non-emergency calls)
•  

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