Family Funtime

The Pitch

Problem statement

We are the only(NACCC) National Association of Child Contact Centres, Enhanced Accredited contact Centre on the isle of Wight for separated families. We have seen a 73% increase in in the number of families accessing our contact services, this year includes a 54% increase in local families self-referrals. The IW was ranked 96 out of 317 Local Authority areas for average rank, in 2019 on the indices of multiple deprivation. It is now ranked 80 in 2023. IW is the third most deprived area in the Solent region. Over 70% of the families we support are struggling to pay contact fees. so have no money to afford community contact outside of the centre which requires paying for two supervisors.

Solution

For us to offer Family time contact sessions for the parent and or extended family member that the child/ren does not live with, due to parental conflict, which is often related to Domestic abuse/substance misuse or poor mental health, Many of the children have suffered trauma as a result. This funding will give 10 families living in poverty the opportunity to spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment. The sessions will be up to 4-6 hours in the community at The Christmas Steam Railway Santa Special event. Funding will mean non resident parents will be able to make positive memories. without our support these children would not have contact with their family member.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

All Tidal supervisors delivering this provision are trained to a min level 3 or above in Health & social care . Tidal Family support is the only NACCC Enhanced Accredited Child Contact Centre on the Isle of Wight. All staff have experience of working with families with multiple and complex. Tidal Family Support have been recognised by Mayor of Ryde for providing outstanding contribution to the Ryde community during the Covid19 pandemic, awarded 11.09.2021. Awarded in February 2022, a High Sheriffs award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community. Tidal Family Support won “South England Prestige Awards” Charity of the year for the last 3 years in a row.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

40 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

Without Tidal’s contact services on the island, parents that are court directed or under a Child Protection plan would have to travel to a mainland contact centre to spend time with their children. Our aim is to support families to remain outside of the court process (where it is safe to do so). By accepting help and intervention and taking accountability for their behaviours, we see positive outcomes for families. Modelling on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Tidal aims to supports parents to improve life chances for themselves and their children by: 1. Reducing communication breakdown 2. Improving and enhancing Co-Parenting that is sustainable. 3. Raising aspirations of the whole family. 4. Improving Parenting skills. 5. Support children to express their wishes and feelings. 6. Develop Conflict resolution skills. 7. Coping strategies to prevent escalation of conflict and crisis prevention. 8. Improving families social and economic position by linking with partner agencies.

Track record

We have seen a significant improvement in (April- Sept 2024) of 71% of families moved to a handover service. we work with families to enabled and developed effective communication between parents, rebuilt trust and allowed their child to have a voice, so their wishes and feelings are heard and considered in any decision making. This can include but writing a co-parenting agreement for all parties to follow, but also by using the new Digital “Our Family Wizard”. This app allows parents to communicate using an online platform that is child focused and cannot be deleted but supports parents to think about the way they are communicating and the language they are using. By supporting families in this way, we have reduced the likelihood of returning to court following a final order where a breakdown in communication may have occurred. Thereby the child's contact with their non-resident parent has not been impacted. TFS provide drug and alcohol testing to ensure safe contact.

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