Information for families

What is ‘Early Help’?

In ‘Early Help’, we offer support to children, young people and families through universal early help and targeted early help services. Families across Lewisham can access this support before the birth of their child up to the age of 18 years (25 years for people with SEND).

Support can include services such as GPs, children's centres, and family hubs. We can also provide intensive targeted services, such as Family Thrive. We're opening family hubs across Lewisham, providing a range of early help services. There are also various children’s centres across the borough, which can provide support and advice about babies, parenting, domestic abuse and more.
You can also receive support through your children's school or nursery, who can help you contact any necessary support.

What is Family Thrive?

Family Thrive is the targeted parenting support service in Lewisham. It’s an intensive support service that works with families for up to six months, following the completion of an early help assessment. The service brings family members and professionals together for ‘Team Around Family’ meetings, to ensure children, young people and families are best supported to achieve their goals.

Family Thrive work with families in their homes to support with parenting interventions, using a variety of approaches. Family Practitioners will work with children, young people, and their parents/carers individually as well as together to achieve positive, sustainable change.

All referrals to Family Thrive are via the Lewisham MASH on 0208 314 6660 / MashAgency@Lewisham.gov.uk