Families and change

Becoming a parent is a time of huge change for every family.

Family Action’s Perinatal Support Services provide early support for those with low to moderate level mental health issues or who are at risk of developing perinatal mental illness. Our services aim to improve mental health, attachment, parenting confidence, and social support networks. They have been running for over 10 years, and most recently we worked with the Institute for Health Visiting to evaluate our Stockton service.

88% of parents using our Stockton service now feel more confident in their parenting skills

Our Friendship Works service matches volunteer mentors to vulnerable children and young people, providing them with access to new opportunities and experiences.

78% of parents using our Stockton service felt more connected to others

The service aims to build selfconfidence and resilience so that children and young people are better equipped to manage adversity now and in the future. Mentors and young people meet at least three times a month over a minimum of two years. We recently worked with Research Partners to evaluate the service.

91%

91+ of children and young people have high hopes for their futures after receiving support from Friendship Works

79% think their ability to weigh up decisions has been improved

“Lots of professionals are involved with me but [my mentor] is different. Out of everyone that I talk to, me and my mentor have got a really good bond. I’m able to open up to her about anything.”