What is Early Help?
Sometimes families need a bit of extra support. You might be worried about your child's behaviour or development. Or you and your family might experience some changes or difficulties that you can't manage by yourself. Whatever you are worried about, Early Help can support you and your family so that small problems do not become big problems.
- Early Help gives children and families the support they need, at the right time. We listen to your needs and bring together professionals who work with your whole family. This helps make things better for everyone.
- The professionals who know you will assess the needs of your family using an Early Help Assessment. This will help you to get you support as quickly as possible.
- It is a voluntary process. You choose whether to be involved and can withdraw from the process at any time. Sometimes, children and young people can make their own decisions about whether they need an Early Help Assessment, and who they want to support them.
Getting help
If you think you and your family might benefit from some support, you should ask a professional who you know. This could be your doctor, or a teacher at your child’s school. They can tell you more about Early Help.
If parent/carers have an urgent safeguarding enquiry, they can contact the Integrated Front Door on 0300 300 8585 (out of office hours please call the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0300 300 8123) or email ifd@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Sometimes a professional may approach you, and ask whether you would like to talk about Early Help and how it could help your family.