Early help is providing the right children, young people and families with the right support, in the right place at the right time. We all believe that by supporting children and families earlier we can stop any problems they are facing from getting worse and help them to find the solutions that will make their lives better in the future.

We can do this by working together, building on children’s and families’ strengths, and developing their capacity to make positive changes for themselves.

The Early Help journey for families in Peterborough starts with an Early Help assessment. It is an impartial and honest assessment of strengths, opportunities and challenges that is undertaken with the family, and only ever with their permission. It should be completed when more than one unmet need would benefit from a multi-agency support approach.

The Early Help Assessment is normally initiated by a trusted professional with whom the family already have a relationship and with whom they are happy to share their concerns and worries. This might be a Learning Mentor, Student Support Officer or Family Worker at the child’s school or setting. Equally, it might be a Housing Officer or Health colleague. All professionals supporting families will have been provided with the opportunity to engage in training to ensure they are skilled and knowledgeable to work with the family.

For more information regarding Early Help please follow the link to Peterborough City Council’s Early Help page. https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/early-help