Finding the right support when you need it can make a big difference.
In Cornwall, support is available to help before small issues become bigger ones. We can provide advice and guidance and offer support to:
prevent problems
reduce barriers during tough times
and delay bigger challenges
Whatever it is you need advice for, the teams below ensure you get the help you need when it matters most.
Family Information Service
Our Family Information Service (FIS) provides information, advice and guidance on childcare, activities and services for children, young people and their families, as well as the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Local Offer.
Find out more about Family Information Service
Parenting support
We have a variety of help and support on offer for both first-time and experienced parents and carers to celebrate parenting, learn new skills and develop confidence.
Our parenting support focuses on child development, building positive relationships with children and creating opportunities to join parenting communities, have fun and access peer support from other families.
Family Hubs
Our Family Hubs support the delivery of services for families, children and young people aged from pre-birth to 19 years old (or up to 25 years for anyone with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). We have 23 Family Hubs across Cornwall.
Family Hubs offer a friendly, informal atmosphere for families to be supported by:
professionals
meet with other families and
access high-quality services
Ask for advice and guidance about education for your child / young person
The Kernow Education Advice Line (KEAL) provides early advice, guidance and information for parents, carers and students with questions or concerns about education. We help families understand learning, education choices and how children are feeling - and support them to get the right help at the right time.
Support for Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities
We know that it can be challenging for parents/ carers to navigate the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Our SEND System Navigators help with information, advice and guidance and often act as a first point of contact.
Contact our SEND System Navigators
Request help for a child / young person
Our 'front door' to Early Help services. The Early Help Hub looks at requests for help. These can be submitted by parents and / or professionals with consent, and identify:
the right help
at the right time
by the right service
The early help hub also looks at voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations who can offer help and support.
View more on the Early Help Hub
Raise a safeguarding concern about a child or young person
Our Multi Agency Referral Unit (MARU) provides a multi-disciplinary response to concerns about the welfare or safety of a child or young person. They will help to signpost you to the service that can help you best. They may also carry out an assessment to consider the most appropriate help.
Raise a safeguarding concern about a person who works with children and / or young people
Our Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) oversees allegations about individuals who work with children, including:
concerns about harm, risk, or suitability
ensuring cases are managed appropriately in line with safeguarding procedures
Health advice for children and young people
Our 0-19 Health Advice Line is a texting service and is a quick and easy way for young people and parents / carers to contact Health Visitors and School Nurses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They are able to provide health advice and support for a range of topics.
Find out about mental health support for children and young people
You can find support for children and young people’s mental health via the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s website. You can find information on services, referral routes, and resources.