Last updated by Stephanie.Rosser@essex.gov.uk on Thursday, June 11, 2020
A new range of additional support has been launched by Essex County Council (ECC) this week to help children, young people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family Innovation Fund-Xtra (FiF-Xtra) services, offer early support across a number of key areas including children’s mental health, healthy relationships and coping with change. They are available to children and young people aged between 0 and 19-years, and up to 25-years for young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
The services are aimed at helping young people and families who are not already receiving specialist or statutory support. They can be accessed directly by families, through referral from a professional such as a teacher, via the Essex Welfare Service, the Getting Help in Essex Directory, or by calling one of the organisations themselves.
ECC is working with the voluntary sector and community partners who will deliver the services locally so that families receive help when and where they need it most.
The launch of FiF-Xtra follows the existing support already available in Essex through the established Family Innovation Fund (FiF).
Support can be delivered one-on-one, through group work, as a family group, or as a couple, around understanding Coronavirus; managing and coping with change; separation and loss; managing and coping with anxiety; healthy family relationships and staying active and curious.
To receive support via the Family Innovation Fund-Xtra service, young people and their families can contact one of the organisations listed below, depending on their needs.