Back in the summer JCC was approached by Fegans to see whether we would be open to supporting them as they begin to work with children and families in the East Grinstead area. Fegans is a 146-year-old Christian charity that has continually delivered care to children and families according to the needs of each succeeding generation.
Today, it counsels children and provides parent support, intervention and training. Combining these disciplines gives Fegans the opportunity to work with families holistically…counselling the child, supporting the parent.
In East Grinstead Fegans is now providing counselling to children and teenagers either at their schools or here at JCC.
I have now been employed by Fegans for 1 day a week to set up the other strand of supporting families, the Parents Supporting Parents programme. This is an 18 week course that is run by trained volunteers to help parents improve life at home, deal with challenging behaviour, establish routines and enhance their relationships. It also links families so they do not feel isolated and encourages to get involved by volunteering in their local community. The impact of this programme has been amazing in other areas, where children’s school attendance, relationships and parent’s wellbeing has been dramatically improved.
We are very excited to be starting this service for East Grinstead families, and now have a team of trained volunteers ready and our first referrals in. We are hoping to start our first course later this month and so watch this space for updates…..
Sarah Wallis
Parent Support Coordinator, East Grinstead
If you would like to know more please contact sarah.wallis@fegans.org.uk or check out www.fegans.org.uk
