You and your child - How patch can help

Who PATCH can help...
Any parent/carer with a young child
Anyone who would like support before their baby is born

How can PATCH help...

We can help families in a variety of ways, depending on your needs. We provide the following services to families.

Family Outreach Support
For many people, being a Parent/Carer of a young child can be a demanding, exhausting or isolating experience.

If you feel that you could benefit from on-going, non-judgemental support from an experienced and reliable volunteer, then the Family Outreach Support scheme could be for you.

All the volunteer support workers and staff are recruited and trained for their ability to offer confidential support and their childcare expertise.
The volunteer support worker can visit on a weekly basis for as long as support is required.

What we provide:

• Weekly confidential visits
• Emotional support
• Befriending
• Un-biased, independent advice
• Listening skills
• Help to manage children's behaviour
• Aid in setting up routines for children

If you would like to speak to someone about your concerns, or needs, or want more information about the scheme, please ring Sheila in confidence at the PATCH office.

Parent and Toddler Support Groups
Our groups are held in various venues throughout Hartlepool. At our groups you will experience a friendly and welcoming environment, where our volunteers are there to offer support and a listening ear. Your children will have the opportunity to play with an excellent range of age appropriate toys and take part in art and craft activities.

All the children are encouraged to sit at the table and enjoy a healthy snack and drink with their friends.

Parents and Carers can relax and socialise in a safe and friendly environment where they are able to spend some quality time interacting with their children.

All this for a cost of 50p per family.

If you are interested in attending one of our Parent and Toddler Support Groups please contact the PATCH office and speak to a Group Support Worker.

Home Safety Loan Equipment
We operate a scheme where families with a child/children under 5 years old can borrow home safety equipment such as safety gates, fireguards etc for a small one-off fee per item.

We also offer a starter pack to young parents 18 years and under, consisting of:- Cot & Mattress, Bath & Thermometer, Sterilizer, Breast Pump, Baby Monitor, Carbon Monoxide Detector.

All equipment is delivered and fitted by a PATCH employee.

For more information contact Margaret at the PATCH office.

Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteer Support Workers are given full training to support their role. This is a 12 week, one day per week course which is accredited to OCN Level 1 or 2. The course is free and crèche and expenses are provided.

For more information contact Jan at the PATCH office.

Family Training
We are able to support families with training and development, the training can vary between 1 - 2 hours, half or full days or may be one day per week for a few weeks. All the training provided is free.

If you would feel you would benefit from accessing further training or would like further information please call Jan on 01429-862727.

Listed below is an example of some of the training our families have accessed.
PATCH Preparation Course
Basic Skills - numeracy
Basic Skills - literacy
Positive Parenting
Assertiveness and Confidence Building
First Aid

Speakeasy
We also deliver the 'Speakeasy' course, which helps parents/carers feel more confident in talking to their children about sex and relationships. The course is free. For more information contact Jan at the PATCH office.