SERVICE DETAILS
Family Support Work is offered in the form of independent advocacy in the area of health, poor socio-economic circumstances, and for welfare benefits purposes. The service is well utilised by women and their families.
The aim of the service is to provide independent support and advocacy to vulnerable families so that they receive appropriate and relevant services that help improve quality of life for them. Generally, although not exclusively, advocates provide support to people who need assistance to understand their options and assert their views, choices and opinions in relation to services they are receiving.
According to the users of the service at NKS, it helps them to access need-sensitive services without barriers that exist; mainly language, diverse cultures and lack of information. The families using the service have reported increased accessibility to other services in Edinburgh due to the support they receive from bilingual workers. The demand for one to one family support work has never gone down at NKS. The number of cases dealt with every year has gone up and the gap between supply and demand is widening.
The service is provided in the form of advice and information and users are encouraged to make informed choices. In most cases the family support worker advocates on behalf of the person and supports them to access relevant and suitable services.
NKS support women and their families in regards to: all types of health and welfare benefits; foodbank crisis support; tribunals; appeals; support with schooling and applying for free school meals and clothing grant etc. It is a much needed service that is well-used.
Please get in touch if you would like more information or help.
