Family Support Work (FSW) helps vulnerable families experiencing multiple challenges to access appropriate services, develop coping strategies and build their confidence. Working in rural and seaside towns in Sussex, they provide drop-in services, support groups and family activities.

L’s story

L who suffers with anxiety had recently moved to the area with her two young sons. Three weeks after moving her father suddenly died. She was overwhelmed and found it hard to keep on top of the paperwork and financial aspects of managing the move – which had triggered her moving onto Universal Credit and a month without benefit payments.

L is a carer for her older son who has autism. When she contacted us, she was distressed about not managing her finances and was feeling isolated in her new home. Gill, FSW Family Support Practitioner for Rye, worked with L to organise her bills, finances and put together a budget. Some money from the Winter Fuel campaign helped ensure L didn’t get into debt whilst adjusting to the lack of benefit payments.

Gill also took L to some local toddler groups, where she started to meet other parents and make social connections. L still finds the loss of her father difficult, and appreciates having space to talk about him, her memories and how she is coping.

L’s younger son has some developmental delay with his speech and is showing some indication of being autistic. Gill is supporting L to work with her Health Visitor to ensure this is being closely monitored so that he receives the correct support as he starts nursery. L’s son plays differently to other children and therefore other parents can often think he is being naughty or about to hurt another child when he isn’t. Gill is also supporting L to manage her anxiety around his behaviour, so that she can support him in social situations rather than avoid going due to feeling judged by other parents. Helping L feel confident to access services in the local community and reduce her isolation is a key aim for Gill as this will help her cope better.

Find out more about Family Support Works:

www.familysupportwork.org