The Family Support Team is open to enquiries from families themselves or from professionals with whom they may be involved throughout Rushden and its surrounding area. This includes working with a range of ages, cultures, genders, sexes and religions.

The Family Support Team offers three main services; Young Parents Group, Supervised Play Area and Family Focus, each of which has various ways of meeting the differing needs of families. These services are provided within the FAIR centre at Rushden or off site at other venues.

Once an enquiry is received by the Family Support Team, consideration will be given as to which service is most appropriate for each referral.

The Young Parents Group takes place every week during school terms at FAIR in the Park Road Baptist Family Centre. It costs nothing to attend.

At the centre there is a large crèche for the children with activities that suit all ages from birth to pre-school.

Throughout the sessions parents take part in a variety of social, educational, personal and child development activities. This means that each week is different, for example, outings, guest speakers, learning new practical skills or ideas for responding to children’s needs.

After each session parents, children, staff and volunteers all share lunch together.

Most young parents have their details referred to FAIR through their health visitor; however parents may approach FAIR themselves or be recommended to come to the group by one of their friends or family. Once a parent and their child have been referred they will be contacted to discuss how they can become involved with the group.

Making visits to a prison can be very stressful, particularly for children. The Supervised Play Area gives children the chance to relax and play. The parents or carers can then chat in the knowledge that their children are in a friendly and safe environment.

Children of all ages from many different towns and cities use the play area. They can enjoy a variety of toys and games suitable for all ages.

Supervising staff provide a craft activity which is always popular as things made are often used by the children as presents for the person they are visiting.

This support to families often looks at problems experienced by parents. Input is tailored to meet each individual family’s need. This may include working with other agencies, support completing forms, attending meetings and appointments or home visiting. The length of time involved with each family is flexible depending on the agreed approach.

Families are referred to FAIR by a variety of professionals, for example social workers, health visitors, other voluntary groups or through a parent requesting support themselves.

Once FAIR works alongside families they are automatically invited to our Family Focus Group. This group offers an opportunity for parents and carers to make new friends whilst taking part in a variety of activities. These are aimed at boosting self esteem and confidence alongside learning new skills, sharing experiences or discussing focused topics within the group.

If there is a pre-school child in the family the parent is welcome to bring the child along as age appropriate activities are provided.

The Family Focus Group takes place at FAIR in the Park Road Baptist Family Centre on alternate weeks within school term times.