Family Support and Well-Being

We are pleased to introduce you to Kayleigh Hughes who is our new family support worker here at Antrobus St Mark's.

Kayleigh will be working closely with our families and children to offer support and guidance.

I am excited to introduce myself as your new Family Support Worker, committed to empowering families and improving the well-being of children. With over 11 years’ experience working across the federation as a class teacher, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges families face and the support they need to thrive.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Social Work (2011) and a PGCE in Primary Education (2014), which have equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide holistic family support. My background in education allows me to bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring that children receive the best possible support both academically and emotionally.

As a parent of three sons, I bring not only professional expertise but also personal insight into the realities of family life. I am passionate about building strong relationships with parents, carers and professionals to create a supportive network that fosters resilience and positive outcomes for children.

My role is to provide advice, support and information to the parents and families across the federation. I can…

• be a listening ear,
• signpost you to services and work alongside other agencies,
• offer you support to complete forms and paper work,
• liaise with local services such as housing and social care,
• offer support when planning for meetings,
• help with referrals to local food banks and offer financial assistance,
• provide students with 1:1 support around feelings and emotions.

For families who require additional support, there is Team Around the Family (TAF), which is a consent-based process, where parents and carers will work with myself and multiple agencies to provide the best support possible.

I can meet with you in school or at home and an appointment can be made through the office ([email protected]/ [email protected]) or you can email me directly ([email protected]). 

My hours and setting will vary based on need but will usually be Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am-2.30pm.

Additionally, I will be holding a half termly coffee morning at Great Budworth. This is an opportunity to have an informal chat 9-9.30 and to meet other parents. After that, there will be a focus for the final 30-60 minutes where you can choose to stay if these sessions would be beneficial to you. 

I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my experience, empathy and dedication to this role. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss how I can support families within your community.

Below are some links to various different support websites. 

Taf a guide for parents and carers

www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

www.changing-lives-together.org.uk

midcheshire.foodbank.org.uk

Please see below some links to support you with both your own mental health but also that of your children.

Parents' Mental Health & Wellbeing - 10 Top Tips for Parents

child-mental-health-10-tips-for-parents

Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust was established in 1995 to provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers across Cheshire and Warrington. The Trust has offices in Northwich, Chester and Crewe. They are a network partner of Carers Trust giving Carers links to over 100 local carers organisations.

The Carers Trust Offers:

• Quarterly newsletter: For carers and professionals.

• Carer’s Helpline Monday to Friday 9-5: Offering information, advice and support to carers and professionals.

• Monthly support groups: Social group for carers in Frodsham, Winsford, Northwich, Neston and Chester to encourage peer support and to give a break from the caring role. Refreshments included.

• Regular training for carers: Training takes place in Northwich, Chester and Ellesmere Port and covers topics such as First Aid, Moving and Handling.

• Benefits advice, form filling and advocacy: Help with filling in forms for Blue Badge, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and PIP. Help with appeals and benefits checks.

• Weekly drop ins: Regular drop ins at Northwich, Chester and Ellesmere Port resource centres – call in for information, advice and support.

• Monthly lunch clubs: Lunch club in Northwich, Chester and Ellesmere Port for carers including light lunch and a speaker.

• Events for carers throughout the year: Including Carers Celebration Day, Carers Rights Day and days out.

• Working carer groups and carer support: Regular working carer evening groups in Northwich and Chester, and specialist working carer support for those carers who juggle a paid job with their caring role. Support for employers to become carer friendly.

• Early identification of carers in Primary Care: Working with GPs to identify new carers at an early stage in their caring role and refer them to appropriate support services

• Personal Budget: To help carers access a break from their caring role. Each break is personalised to the carer. Examples of past breaks include visiting relatives, a gym membership, a day out or theatre trip.

• Carers in Crisis Fund: Small amount of money available to carers who find themselves in financial difficulty. At the discretion of the Chief Officer.

Helpline: 0300 102 0008

(Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) (answer phone outside of these hours)

Home - Cheshire & Warrington Carers Trust (cheshireandwarringtoncarers.org) 

If you would like any further information or to be referred, for this service, by our Family Support Worker - please contact Suzanne: [email protected]  [email protected]

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