Family Support
A kiosk is available which provides regular updated information on family services within Harrow.
Stay and Play Toy Library
For children 0-4 years with their parents/carers (Drop in service)
Stay and play sessions where you can borrow toys and equipment for children aged 0-10. Special needs toys are included in this range. Experienced staff offering support and advice on parenting issues.
Early Intervention (Toddle In)
This group is for a maximum of 8-10 children aged between 18 months until their 3rd birthday with parents/carers. (Application form needed)
Experienced PAFT trained staff will support and guide parents/carers in providing enjoyable play based experiences, learning about the importance of play and setting appropriate boundaries for positive experiences within a safe environment. Parents/carers learn skills to transfer to the home environment.
Baby Group
This group is for a maximum of 8-10 children aged between birth and 18 months with parents/carers. (Application form needed)
Experienced PAFT trained staff will support and guide parents/carers in providing enjoyable play based experiences, learning about the importance of play and setting appropriate boundaries for positive experiences within a safe environment. Parents/carers learn skills to transfer to the home environment.
Parent/carers workshops (Adult learning)
Adult learning can be accessed within the centre, a crèche will be provided where needed.
A variety of workshops and sessions can be accessed within the centre which:
Provide parents/carers with ideas, activities and information to support their child’s learning and emerging skills.
- Empower parents/carers to manage parenting issues ie. challenging behaviour
- Foster positive and effective interactions between adult and child.
Workshops are delivered by professionals from a variety of different disciplines for example, Childcare and Education Workers, Health Visitors and Speech and Language Therapists.
Parents As First Teachers (PAFT) and Outreach work
PAFT is a parenting support programme, base3d on Neuroscience. (Application needed)
The PAFT programme can begin as soon as someone knows they are pregnant, or after birth and can continue until the child is 3 years old. The programme consists of individual visits and group sessions.
Social Welfare Worker
Social Welfare Workers are available to support children and their families across the Children’s Centres. (Appointments to be made)
St Joseph’s Children’s Centre has a Qualified Social Worker, Osbourne Powell available to work with families to support any social welfare issues they may be experiencing. This can be in the form of one off advice sessions or for ongoing support. He is able to offer outreach and can: therefore, meet you in your home as well as at the Centre. He is able to go with, or meet at other venues as necessary, for example: Housing Office, Library etc.
Counsellor
Counselling is available for any parent (mum, dad or carer) with a child under 5 years old. (Appointment to be made)
If there is anything that is worrying you that you would like to talk over with someone, you can meet with the Children’s Centre Counsellor. Sally Wood is able to offer one to one sessions. We also offer Relate counselling for couples of families. Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space for you to talk in confidence about any aspect of your life.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
(Appointment to be made)
This service offers advice and information on a wide range of services. The appointments are 45 minutes long and must be booked in advance. These sessions are held with an experienced and qualified CAB Officer.
Fathers and Male Carers Group
This group runs fortnightly and is held across the Children’s Centre. It is run by Osbourne Powell and Brian Lewis who are part of the Outreach Team.
This group values the important role that fathers/male carers play in their children’s lives. The group provides early learning play activities for children aged 0-5 years. This is a great opportunity to meet other fathers/male carers in a welcoming and friendly environment.