A team at Cornwall Council has won a national award for its new website which offers information, advice and support for children and families.
Cornwall Family Information Service (FIS) was awarded ‘Best Directory’ at the National Association of Family Information Services Awards 2024.
The team has worked hard over the past year to design a new and improved Service Directory that includes everything from family activities and attractions to vital support services.
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said:
“This national award is well deserved and testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic Family Information Service team.
“It makes me very proud that our staff continue to be recognised for the high-quality services they provide, all of which help to make Cornwall a brilliant place to be a child and grow up, which is one of the council’s top priorities.
“Well done to the FIS team for everything you do to improve the lives of parents, carers, children and families across our communities.”
The FIS website is designed to act as a ‘front door’ for parents, carers and young people looking for help with things like childcare, activities and support for children and young people, and the SEND Local Offer for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
FIS is part of a wider, multi-disciplinary team based in the council’s Early Help Hub supporting swift and easy access to child and family services.
The team offers free, confidential and impartial information about local settings, services and support for children aged 0-19 years (or up to 25 for children with disabilities). This includes funded childcare, activities, youth clubs and services, and the ‘Local Offer’ for children with SEND.
It also maintains an online Family Information Service Directory that is constantly updated to make sure all childcare and family services information is accurate.
Tiffany Kerr-Knight, Early Help Hub Coordinator and FIS Team Lead, said:
“Winning this award makes me incredibly proud of my team and the hard work and commitment they put in to ensuring families, parents and parents-to-be in Cornwall have access to all the right support and information.
“We know there is always more that can be done to make our offer and services even better and we are determined to keep doing everything we can to ensure families are equipped to make the best choices.”
Check out the FIS website for more information. The team is also available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, if you need any extra help. Get in touch via email at fis@cornwall.gov.uk or by calling 0800 587 8191.
Press release issued on December 10, 2024.