The Early Help Multi Agency Panel meets weekly playing a key part in ensuring that needs are identified early, and that services are integrated and tailored to the child, young person or family in need of early help. It mobilises resources swiftly across the partnership, helping to build capacity in families to be resilient and manage their own difficulties and reduce the need for statutory agencies to become involved.
It provides a regular forum for professionals to meet in which:
Whole system information can be shared to make decisions
Families can access the resources they need rapidly
Agencies collaborate to ensure children, young people and their families receive the right help, for the whole family, first time
Lead professionals are agreed to drive joined up assessments, plans and interventions for children, young people and their families
The need for children, young people and their families to have to tell ‘their story’ more than once is reduced
Support plans can be reviewed, support when needs and/or risks change to minimise the risk of children, young people and their families being referred to specialist or statutory services.
We welcome self-referrals from families, please click portal link, ‘Request Early Help’, to refer. For advice and support regarding Early Help Panel, please contact earlyhelp@torbay.gov.uk
Meet our Early Help Panel members:
Lisa Pitcher Torbay Council Chair Service Manager – Torbay Early Help (CSC)
I chair the Early Help Panel weekly coordinating and overseeing the collaborative efforts of different agencies working together to support children and families. My role is Service Manager for Early Help which involves leading and managing the Early Help service, ensuring high-quality support for children and families.
Lauren Rigby Torbay Council Deputy Chair Assistant Team Manager – FIT Torbay Early Help (CSC)
Kirsty Mascard Torbay Council Deputy Chair Assistant Team Manager – FIT Torbay Early Help (CSC)
Ros Avery Action For Children Service Coordinator
I have worked in Early Help for over 12 years , starting off in the Local Authority and now working for Action for Children. I line manage a talented team of committed individuals who are passionate about improving the lives of children and their families. We offer one to one support in the home using a strength-based approach and listening to the family’s needs.
Sonia Duggan Action For Children Family Support
I have worked within Action For Children for over 20 years, and my current role is to support the Service Coordinator and family support team who work to improve the lives of children and their families. We offer one to one support in the home using a strength-based approach and listening to the family’s needs.
Kimberley Roberts Early Help Housing
Paul Blake DWP Supporting Families Employment Advisor
I Work with whole families in their own homes or in the local community: I can support with personal challenges i.e. benefits, debts, housing, health related issues, childcare and caring for others. Help and encourage people to realise potential for getting back to work or moving closer to the job market and how work / benefits can be beneficial for your finances. Help to find voluntary/work experience to improve confidence, help with CV writing, interview skills, and provide support with gaining access to training and job opportunities.
Katie Harris Torbay Council Torbay Education Safeguarding Service (TESS)
I support schools with any safeguarding concerns or questions. I am the TESS Early Help lead so attend the early help panel and support children and families in team around the family meetings. I also sit within the MASH (multi agency safeguarding hub) and gather information when there has been a safeguarding referral.
Beth Horsey Torbay Council Education Mental Health Practitioner – Torbay Mental Health Support Team in schools (MHST)
My role involves supporting children and young people with their mental health through 1:1 intervention in schools, we also have community practitioners for those not in school or in a school where MHST are not present. The team offers workshops to school staff and parent/carers to improve their understanding of mental health and how they can support their young people.
Robyn Osborne Torbay Council Early Years Development Worker and HAF co-ordinator
My role is to support early years settings and HAF providers in Torbay with ensuring high quality provision.
Shirley Westaway What’s Your Problem Community IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate)
I provide emotional and practical support, advice, information, referrals on, signposting etc. to victim/survivors of domestic abuse in the Torbay Area. These are usually assessed at low and medium risk levels. I am employed by What’s Your Problem?, but take the Standing Tall DA referrals.
Kelly Fundrey Torbay Council
Reducing Parental Conflict Coordinator – RPC My role as RPC coordinator involves the early identification of parental conflict and supports in the planning of support whether that be advice, guidance, signposting and making referrals to support services available. So that children and young people are protected from harm where their parents are in conflict.
Family Group Conference Coordinator – FGC In my role as FGC coordinator, I help families prepare for their FGC which is a family-led decision-making process in which the family and friends network come together to make a plan for the child/children. I also help children and young people share their voice and be a part of the planning process.
PC Rachel Thomas Police Youth Liaison Team
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Janine Donald Torbay Drug & Alcohol Service Clinical Team Lead
