A Family Support Worker is someone who meets with a child / adult and actively listens without judgement. The focus is on helping people to navigate their way through their difficulty. Support can be as informal as a cup of tea and a chat or it may involve a multi agency approach with an inter agency collaboration. The role of the Family Support Worker is to help families and individuals in creating positive social networks and encouraging personal growth and development.
A Family Support worker uses early intervention and prevention methods to protect and promote the overall well-being, health and rights of all children and families – through best practice guidelines and community engagement, with particular attention given to those who are vulnerable or at risk.
Carrigtwohill FRC offers Family Support through one to one consultation, a listening service over the Phone, support in attending court and various appointments and facilitating the Meitheal programme. The FRC has provided extensive support to families in the local community over the past 27 years and endeavours to continue this work helping families with presenting issues which include, but is not exclusive to; marital/financial difficulties, bereavement, drug/alcohol addiction, literacy, elder abuse, homelessness, child protection, parenting difficulties, domestic abuse and advocacy on behalf of individuals.
Concerns are dealt with in confidence by trained staff who will give the appropriate support, advice and advocate. Referrals can be made to relevant agencies and services internally and externally such as counselling, play therapy, art therapy, Rainbows, support groups, activities in the community, youth workers/ clubs and the social work department.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
– Aesop, The Lion & the Mouse
“Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself.”
Saint Francis de Sales
