The Family Service provides a range of advice and practical support to adults referred to the Cottage. As stated above, the referral and assessment process is based on the family unit as a whole and specific, task-centred work with adults is identified as part of this. The family support programme is aimed at strengthening relationships and supporting families who are or have experienced problems with homelessness, drug & alcohol misuse, domestic violence, etc – building on individual strengths and abilities – to make changes to their lives.
The family service employ a range of approaches geared to the needs and abilities of the individuals involved. Examples of this include:
- organising, coordinating and leading groupwork
- networking with local services or agencies to deliver groupwork approaches, support individual families and promote the develop local resources to meet the needs of families in the area, for example, Community Food Project
- individual support to attend appointments/ formal meetings, for example, legal, housing or medical appointments, in the capacity of advocate/ advisor
- individual advice/ guidance/ discussion/ emotional support
- ensuring that individuals are referred on to appropriate agencies where specific issues are identified, for example, money advice, housing, health related issues
In addition to the above, the family service workers also provide a drop enquiry service.
The family service workers work closely with other sections of the Cottage to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting families.