If you're in immediate danger
If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 999 straight away and ask for the police. If it is not safe for you to speak the police can still help you by using their 'Silent Solution'. Simply stay silent and press 55 when prompted.
Look out for the 'Ask for ANI' logo on display at some pharmacies as they can help you. They can provide a private space, a phone and ask you if you need support from the police or local services.
Safe and healthy relationships
When relationships are healthy the relationship and people involved are able to grow with help and guidance through good and bad times. However, some relationships aren't always healthy and you don't need to stay in an unhealthy relationship. All good relationships should be based on respect, trust, and communication. This includes all relationships from partners to carers people you meet as you go about your daily business.
Working out who is who can be challenging for the best of us so using your pathway advisor (PA) and the others around you to explore your thinking about some of the relationships is key to development.
Sometimes its hard to talk about this but ultimately when you are in a relationship your partner should appreciate you and allow you to still be your own person, this includes socialising with friends, wearing the clothes and eating the food you like and not being controlled by the other person in the relationship.
If you feel as though you are in an unhealthy relationship or need more information around relationships, read the Brook website for advice.
Family and friends
We will support you to reconnect and stay connected with your family when this will be in your best interests. We will also help you to maintain contact with the significant people in your life - your family, friends and previous carers. Speak to your PA about the different social groups and opportunities to connect either with your family or new friends as developing the strategies to do this and managing through the dynamic’s often requires a listening and supportive ear.
Support for care experienced parents
Before you become a parent find out about help making choices about starting a family. We can help you start a family at a time that is right for you and can prepare you for being a parent.
To support with this, we can discuss:
- sexual health
- healthy relationships
- family planning advice
Your care experienced nurse will make sure that you have access to family planning advice and contraception, or your pathway advisor can help you access your local family centre, where you can learn about caring for babies and children.
If you are pregnant, you can get support from health professionals. This is called antenatal care. Your PA will support your wellbeing. They understand that all individual needs and circumstances are different. So will help you plan your antenatal care visits and support you to develop a relationship with your midwife. Being a parent comes with lots of worries from how you will manage being a first-time parent to worries about your baby’s health and money matters. Your PA is there to support you and when it comes to money matters it is helpful to refer to the financial guide to understand what you are entitled too.
To find out more look at the Sure Start Maternity Grants on GOV.UK
As there are several things on offer such as:
- If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may receive help to buy healthy food and milk
- You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child
Its also worth understanding what support is on offer through the family hubs in your local area. There are loads going on here which helps you connect with other parents.
Cumberland also have the Bright Sparks Group which is the cared experienced group for parents and their babies and children. This is a great opportunity to be around other parents, connect and be part of a group which supports you.
Support for non-birthing parents
If you are the non-birthing parent, we will offer you opportunities to access support during the pregnancy as the birth will affect you too. We’ll suggest ways you can support your partner during pregnancy. Again speak with your PA about the support that is on offer to you and what is about in your local area.
Support with the children's social care process
Find out about support if you have contact with children's social care. Referrals are only made to Children’s Social Care when there is a concern, and not automatically because you are care experienced.
If your child is known to children's social care, your pathway advisor can help you with this. This can include supporting you in meetings. If an assessment is needed, we will make sure you receive fair treatment, and that your rights are respected.
Your pathway advisor will make sure that:
- your opinions are heard
- you understand what is happening and you have the right support as a parent and a care experienced young person in your own right
- you understand what plans are in place and what happens next
Whatever the situation, we will support you in building and maintaining a relationship with your child and to have your voice heard.