A new family support service based in Lewis has been launched by the Deputy First Minister.
John Swinney welcomed the start of the Safe Families branch based at The Shed project by Martin’s Memorial Church.
Mr Swinney and MSP Alasdair Allan visited The Shed on Monday afternoon.
Safe Families is a UK-
Over the last nine years they have worked with over 7000 families, over 16,000 children have benefited, and they are working with over 1000 church and community groups around the country.
Trained and experienced staff work with partner agencies to understand what support is needed and then connect trained and approved volunteers to walk with families through challenging circumstances.
‘Family Friends’ offer befriending to children under 12 and/or parents who are needing extra support or who are going through a crisis.
In other circumstances, host families provide day or overnight hosting for children or families in need of emergency support or who are just feeling overwhelmed.
In most cases Safe Families work in partnership with local authorities and health boards for financial support and for referrals; although referrals can come from a variety of places including health visitors, GPs, schools, Third Sector organisations, and families can self-
The Shed Project is the lead organisation for Safe Families Western Isles.
Local staff will support local families drawing on the experience of Safe Families existing best practice and experience.
A number of paid staff are being recruited to rollout the service with a vision to provide the Safe Families service from Butt to Barra.
Staff will train local volunteers and support them as they work with local families. The major benefit of this being that volunteers would be able to support and journey with people within their own rural community.
Safe Families will provide training for all staff, and they will then deliver regular training to the volunteers recruited throughout the Western Isles.
Jack Libby, chief social work officer for the Western Isles, also welcomed the new service.
He explained: “Families can experience adversity and hardship at any time, when least expected and when we are unprepared.
“Some families benefit from their own internal support network, but others may be less fortunate.
“This is why having services such as Safe Families within our community provides vital support and a safety net.
“If it was ever needed, it is now, what with dealing with the impact and legacy of the pandemic and the financial hardship arising from cost of living increases.”
Launch of family support network service
16 May 2022
John Swinney with The Shed team