SUPPORTING FAMILIES WHEN PARENTS HAVE SEPARATED
Local Authority Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
24 Norton Road, Ingatestone, Essex.CM4 0AB. Tel: 01277 356940
Who is it for?
- For any parent who has experienced relationship breakdown within their family.
- For any parent who is worried about the impact of separation on their child/children.
- For any parent who is finding it difficult to manage relationships following a separation.
What does the group involve?
- This is an eight week programme. We will be meeting for 2 hours each week. Refreshments and a Creche will be provided.
- This group is a space to explore the impact of separation on families, and to consider what strategies may be helpful.
Where will the group be held?
- The group will be held onCanveyIslandfrom Friday 23 September
Information day
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There is an information day onFriday 16thSeptemberat9.30amatLittle Lions Childrens Centre;Northwick Park School Third Avenue,CanveyIsland.
INTERESTED PARTIES DO NOT NEED TO CONFIRM THEIR ATTENDANCE AT THE INFORMATION DAY; THEY ARE WELCOME TO SIMPLY COME ALONG AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GROUP.
Please contact Kelly Britton and Sharon Waller for further details at Local Authority Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service on 01277 356940.
The Family Information Direct Programme
The Family Information Direct Programme is a programme from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It aims to provide information, advice and support to all parents - mums, dads, grandparents, carers and other adults with caring responsibilities and families in England on a range of issues they may face bringing up children. Expert advice is available through existing telephone helplines, online or via mobile telephone. To find out more information on the programme visit: www.dcsf.gov.uk/familyinformationdirect
First Steps Parent & Toddler Group
FIRST STEPS IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO BUILDING WORKS
A safe, friendly environment for your child/children to learn and experience a range of activities & a chance for parents to meet and socialise with each other over a cup of tea.
Tuesdays 9.15am - 11.15am
£2.00 per family, refreshments provided
Lake View Hall, rear of Winter Gardens Primary School, Hilton Road
http://www.canveyschoolspartnership.co.uk/FirstStepsAdvert.pdf
For more information please contact Sharan on 01268 682273
Grandparent & Toddler Group
A grandparent and toddler group runs at Lake View Hall, Winter Gardens School, every Thursday from 9.30 am - 11.00am. All Grandparents are welcome. For more information contact either Dawn or Sharan on 01268 682273.
Community Family Centre
CSP parents and families can access the following support provided by the Community Family Centre:
• Parent and Toddler Group Thursdays 1.00pm - 2.30pm
• Parenting Programmes
• Parenting Course - First Steps to Confidence
For more information please contact the centre on 01268 690806.
Castle Point and Rochford Adult Community College - Family Learning
Family learning activities have successfully taken place in many CSP schools some of which are ongoing. Further details can be obtained by telephoning 01702 544900 (Rochford) or 01268 520599 (Basildon).
Family Holiday Activities
Many of the holiday activities run by CSP are for families and many include a family learning element. Examples include:
Family Cookery 
Science Museum Outreach
Museum of Childhood Trip
Have a FieldDays 
Hampton Court Palace Trip
Tate Modern Trip
Colchester Zoo Trip
Covent Garden Trip
Arts & Crafts 
Artfull Splodgers Workshop
Kew Gardens Trip
Teddy Bears Picnic
Greenwich Trip
Mother and Toddler arts and Crafts
Science Museum Trip
Tropical Wings Trip
Childrens' Centres
There are three children's centres on Canvey Island:
- Canvey Community Children's Centre located in Little Gypps
- Little Tewkes Children's Centre located on Dovervelt Road
- Little Lions Children's Centre located in Northwick Park School
To link directly to the Children's Centre website please use the following link:
www.yourchildrencentres.org.uk
Financial Services Authority
Designed to help new and expectant parents manage their money at a time when their financial situation is changing.
www.parentsguidetomoney.fsa.gov.uk
0845 606 1234 for a leaflet
Help with Childcare Costs
If you work 16 hours or more each week, your household is on a lower income and you are responsible for a child/children under 16, you may be eligible for Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards the costs of Ofsted registered childcare.
There are lots of useful websites to help you find out whether you are eligible. You can visit:
· HM Revenue & Customs www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qualify/whataretaxcredits.aspx
· Citizen's Advice Bureau www.adviceguide.org.uk
· Jobcentre Plus www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
· Working Families www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Parentline Plus
Parentline Plus offer support to parents through a free, confidential service. You can contact them about anything that is worrying you from having a new baby, starting a new relationship and disagreements in the family, to issues with teenagers, school, homework, sleep or eating patterns.
Parentline 0808 800 222
Text phone 0800 783 6783
Netmums
Netmums is a family of local websites set up and run by mums (but of course anyone involved in caring for young children are welcome). Each local Netmums website covers local information on places to go, things to do, education, childcare, community, social and employment issues. It also provides an opportunity for mums to get support and advice.
Families InFocus (Essex)
Families InFocus (Essex) are a leading independent parent led registered charity providing holistic support to families of children with disabilities and special needs (aged 0 to 19) across Essex, who require advice, information and support, particularly at times of change, challenge and crisis.
The service is accessible to all families from Essex whatever their background, as long as at least one child or young person in the family between the age of 0 to 19 has a disability or special need.
For more information visit www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk