THE Western Trust has launched the ‘Together as One’ Parents Forum, consisting of 11 parents, social workers and senior managers from Safeguarding Family Support and Looked After Services within the Western Trust.
The group evolved from a parenting programme, based in Shantallow Family Centre, which recognised that parents who have social work involvement and can share their experience which would be beneficial to others who are embarking on their journey with Social Services.
The group progressed in response to the support and help the parents got from each another providing motivation in working together, with social work staff to help improve and develop services in the future.
Chairperson of the Forum, Suzanne Mahon Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Family Support for the Western Trust said:
“The aim of the ‘Together as One’ Parents Forum is to work in partnership with parents to improve and develop services for families and children in the Western Trust area.”
Speaking at the launch, Nicky Fallon, Family and Childrens Manager said: “Together as One Parents Forum continues to evolve and we are learning from one another.
“It is hoped that in 2019, parents and Family Centre staff will meet up with Social Work managers and teams across the Western Trust to introduce the Forum and to explore ways of developing parents input into service improvement and development.”
The group meet quarterly to talk about parents’ experiences, share good practice and what is helpful, agree areas of improvement and involve parents in the development of new ways of working.
To find out more about the Forum or to become involved please contact Shantallow Family Centre Tel No: (028) 71352522.