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About the Enhancing Families Programme
The Enhancing Families Programme will replace the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) in St Helens for families requiring additional support.
The team includes three specialist nurses and it is hoped that following the pilot evaluation each nurse will support up to 50 clients each.
Referrals into the programme
Referrals into the programme are made via the dedicated referral form. You can complete the online referral form or download it and email a completed version to [email protected]
All referrals will be screened at weekly team meetings with the Specialist Nurses and Enhanced 0-19+ Service Lead.
It is expected that the Specialist Nurses will take a maximum of 5 new referrals each month initially, which will allow enough capacity for the more intensive antenatal visiting offered within the programme.
The criteria for the programme includes:
- Isolated and or unsupported teenager
- Current mental health concerns
- Current drugs and or alcohol misuse
- Current concerns of domestic abuse in relationship
- Looked after child or care leaver
As there is no parental upper age limit, the programme will have a wider reach and subsequent positive impact within the borough. Clients should be less than 32 weeks gestation at the time of referral and can access the programme for up to two years. The client can also return to the 0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Service (Healthy Child provision) at any point should they complete the interventions or decline further input.
If the team receive an increase in referrals each one will be assessed and prioritised as per the pathway. When the pilot comes to an end this process will transfer so that there is a clear way of triaging clients should the referrals outweigh available places within the team.
Outcomes will be measured using the Journey of Change model and clients will be asked to identify two areas that they require support with from seven domains:
• Physical health (including accessing appointments, drugs/ alcohol use)
• Emotional health (including mental health)
• Relationships, safety, and health
• Home environment and routines
• Support networks and services
• Goals and aspirations
• Connecting with and supporting baby development
The programme’s success will require strong links and working in partnership with other agencies and services.
The 0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Service Lead will contact all service leads from partner agencies to allow for multi-agency dialogue and decision making.