What is Early Help?
Early Help is support offered to families as soon as challenges start to emerge. It aims to prevent difficulties from becoming bigger and to ensure families get the right support at the right time. This support can be for any family with a child or young person up to 18, or up to 25 if they have SEND.
Early Help can also support parents or carers with issues such as finances, housing, mental health, or concerns about a child’s wellbeing, where these may affect family life.
How Early Help Supports Families
Early Help can provide:
- Practical support for day-to-day challenges
- Guidance around behaviour, routines, or parenting
- Help with managing health or emotional wellbeing needs
- A space to share concerns and feel listened to
- Access to local services without needing a formal social care referral
Support is designed to build on the strengths already within the family and to help make positive, sustainable changes.
Family Hubs in Norfolk
Norfolk uses a Family Hubs approach, offering help online, in the community, and through local centres.
Families can use Family Hubs to:
- Access parenting advice and workshops
- Attend support groups
- Get help from Early Help professionals
- Be connected to local services such as health teams, community groups, and youth support
See this link for more information on Family Hubs: Family hubs - Norfolk County Council
How to Ask for Early Help
Families can request Early Help directly through Norfolk County Council if they feel they need more dedicated support.
To request this support, follow this link: Early help for children and families - Norfolk County Council
Early Help professionals then work with families to:
- Explore what is working well and what is more challenging
- Identify the support needed
- Plan practical steps forward
Support may involve one professional or a team, depending on the family’s situation.