Transformational early help – relationships, partnerships, schools and families

A relationship-based model of care is core to Birmingham Children’s Trust and the Pathfinder is an expression of that – it is led by BCT staff and we’ve been pleased to sponsor and support it.

We strive for relationship-based approaches in all of our services – peer support, holding people in positive regard, working in a non-judgemental way – this is core to what we do and it is what we see in the practice of the Pathfinder. These ideas apply to all areas of our work including the partnerships we have with other organisations, and our relationships with colleagues too – it is important that we are modelling good positive behaviours and care for each other all the time, not just when we are with families. We need to sustain the same ethos throughout all aspects of our work. We work closely with families, doing joined up work that is mutually agreed. We do need to have professional curiosity – our duty is to protect children at the end of the day – but clearly if the adults in children’s lives experience wellbeing, this is best for everyone.

Within this context, we see the Pathfinder approach as transformational. It is helping schools embed Early Help as part of their core business – not as an add on. Once this work is done, Pathfinder can step away, leaving an embodied Early Help offer in place. It also encourages schools to develop their partnerships and to extend their reach, while maintaining sustained relationships with their families. We support the idea of ‘confer not refer’ – families don’t want to be passed on. School-based support around the family, through the Pathfinder’s embedded workers is transformational – it is part of embodying Early Help in every profession.

The Pathfinder has worked with nearly 1,800 families who have received support, social prescribing, connection with other partners and peer support from other parents. The Pathfinder is very strong on this last point (one of its core values is ‘shared authority’) and it is important the families don’t feel that they are out there on their own.

So, I would say to families – be honest and open with your worker to get the best outcome. Speak your truths. We are not there to judge you or remove your children. Quite the opposite. We want to make sure you get as much support as possible to avoid things escalating.