Family Support Service

Volunteer Befriending Service

The Volunteer Befriending Service is a well-established scheme, which offers support and friendship to families with young children aged 18 and under, who are finding it difficult to cope. It could be loneliness, depression, a child with special needs or parenting issues; whatever the reason, our aim is to enable a family to overcome problems and difficulties. We do this by offering the support of a trained volunteer.

Bringing up children is not always easy. Indeed, it can be one of the most demanding jobs we do. There are times when we all need help – supportive friendship can make a real difference. Having someone to talk to and share experiences can see families through a difficult time and make a positive difference to children and young people.

Parent Support Groups

The aim of the groups, which meet at Families’ House, is to help reduce feelings of isolation in parents by providing them with reassurance, support and friendship. To help boost their confidence we also aim to increase their knowledge, by providing information on parenting skills/strategies and communication and life skills. We work with the group’s needs in mind and present material accordingly.

ADHD Support Group

Norfolk and Norwich Families’ House, in partnership with Norfolk Primary Care Trust’s Community Psychology and Nursing Team has launched a support group for parents and relatives of children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

The group meets twice a month at the Families’ House headquarters on Ber Street in Norwich. Different topics are covered each session to help parents understand the causes of ADHD and also pick up information on health and diet. In addition, parents get the chance to meet each other socially and share their experiences over a cup of tea.

Make a Difference - Become a Volunteer

Volunteers visit a family on a weekly basis. They share ideas, listen, help with filling in forms, understand the ups and downs of family life and develop a positive and supportive relationship.

• Would you like to use your experience and develop your own skills and make a difference by supporting a family?

• Do you have a few hours to spare each week; and have the ability to listen without judging and to encourage and reassure parents who are struggling to meet the needs of their children?

• If you would like to join our busy team of volunteers, we run an eight-week training course, one day per week. This provides new volunteers with a great opportunity to develop listening skills, learn about children and play, confidentiality, boundaries, child protection and much more. Volunteers benefit from excellent on-going training, support and paid expenses.

For more information contact Anna Hiscox, Volunteer Co-ordinator admin@familieshouse.org.uk.