HAPPY FAMILIES

The new and improved Family Wellbeing Centres are now open and supporting families. Sarah Whyte found out what help is on offer

The mural at Preston Park

FAMILY WELLBEING CENTRE MURALS

In the autumn issue of YourBrent magazine we asked for young people to come forward to help paint some of the Family Wellbeing Centres. Thanks to everyone who got involved. This is how the Preston Park mural is currently looking. The council is planning to finish the rest of the Family Wellbeing Centre murals when it’s possible to do so.

Although the Family Wellbeing Centres are mainly operating online, there are still lots of services available for families.

Brenda lives with her son Adam, 14, and daughter Shona, aged 2. The Family Wellbeing Centre was able to support Adam with a new phone, donated by a charity, which helped him access his psychotherapy. This helped Adam to continue to receive the support he needs and reduced his anxiety.

While face-to-face sessions are not possible at the moment, Brenda and her daughter Shona can access virtual sessions through the Family Wellbeing Centre. These online sessions help keep Shona entertained and meet new people. They also help give Brenda and Shona structure to their week.

The Family Wellbeing Centres provide help and support to families with children under the age of 18 (25 for those with SEND) in one place.

Cllr Mili Patel, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care, said: “Despite the current lockdown restrictions, our Family Wellbeing Centres are already supporting local families in a variety of different ways online. If you need help there is a wide range of services you can assess from the comfort of your home.”

To find out more about what is on offer and to register, go to www.brent.gov.uk/familywellbeingcentres

‘If you need help there is a wide range of services you can assess from the comfort of your home.’