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
Educational advice and guidance 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
SEND Local Offer
Our SEND Local Offer provides information, advice and guidance on a range of services.
Help for children and young people with disabilities
Our Disabled Children and Therapy Service supports children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, and their families, by providing coordinated services that help children thrive at home, in education, and in their communities. They do this through the following:
Portage
Supporting Change in Partnership (SCIP)
Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings
Find out more about the Service
Help and Support (Family Help) and Safeguarding Advice
The Multi-Agency Support and Safeguarding Hub (MASSH) brings together professionals from social care, health, education and police to respond to concerns about children and young people. They provide:
Safeguarding response for children at risk
Help and Support (Family Help)
Advice and guidance for professionals, families and the public
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 Help, Advice and Support from our Health Visiting and School Nursing Teams
Our health visiting and school nursing teams provide advice and information for children, young people and parents. They are able to provide health advice and support for a range of topics. There are a few different ways you can contact us.
Healthier Together
Healthier Together is an NHS website that provides advice, guidance and local care pathways in Cornwall. It also includes the Neurodiversity Hub website.
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.