The BCM Parents’ Support Project began in January 2014. We provide early intervention and promote parental competency through practical and emotional support and creative play. We work with parents with children up to 17 years of age, many of whom are non-English speaking, and aim to reduce the need for social service intervention. Those using the service are young parents who have recently left care, those with mental health needs, those experiencing often severe poverty and parents who are socially isolated and have little in the way of family or other support.
The project was viewed initially as a service which would offer added value to BCM’s Housing Support for Young People (a Floating Support service). Currently the project employs one part-time Support Worker and is part-funded by the Southern Outcomes Group and by Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP).
Parents’ Support works in the Armagh and Dungannon locality in disadvantaged urban and rural areas, where those using the service are parents often experiencing severe poverty and who are socially isolated. The service reduces the need for social service intervention by offering one to one emotional and practical support. A key element of the support is the flexibility which is offered to parents, e.g. the Support Worker can visit in the evenings to assist with developing bedtime routines.
To find out more about BCM Parents’ Support and how to make a referral, please contact:
Project Manager Joanne McCourt
Tel: 028 8775 0175
Email: jmccourt@belfastcentralmission.org
32a Sunnyside House
Coalisland Road
Dungannon
BT71 6LA