A, from the Horn of Africa, lives in the UK with her 3-year-old child, S. Her older child lives abroad. English is her second language. A faced challenges with managing S’s behaviour and suspected additional needs but lacked knowledge about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A kept her concerns to herself and felt stress, leading to isolation and depression. Public judgement and unkind remarks from friends about S’s behaviour and F’s parenting led A to avoid social interactions and feel ostracised. Attending the Dagenham Library launch and joining the Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC) programme provided her with support and confidence. Enrolled S in nursery and accessed additional support services. A opened up to friends, family and S’s father about her concerns. She now regularly takes S out on outings and manages her emotions better. A has embraced S’s unique temperament and enjoys special activities together and has also gained a better understanding of child development and behaviour. A adopted a healthier lifestyle and became a positive role model for S. She feels more confident and assertive in seeking help. A Is receiving support to bring her older daughter to the UK, giving her hope for reuniting her family and creating a stable environment for her family. A now feels free and more empowered in her role as a mother. If you are interested or know of anyone who would be interested in joining this course – please use the link below: LB Barking and Dagenham SFSC referral form (google.com)    

J first attended a PEEP play and talk at Valence library where mum shared, she has seen the health visitor and was under Speech and Language Therapy. They had been receiving SALT videos which she was completing at home, and they had been recommended to attend play sessions.   I completed an assessment with J which showed J was behind in expressive language and play.   When J first attended the sessions, he cried a lot, would not give eye contact to us or engage in activities, he rolled around on the floor a lot and made single vowel noises.  He would not sit for story or singing time.   Concerns:  Mum was concerned that J was not saying many words and not yet using sentences.  Support Program:  Already under SALT  Invited to Targeted PEEP sessions.  Encouraged to keep attending PEEP play and talk drop-in sessions  Outcome:  After attending 6 weeks of targeted PEEP sessions as well as some Play and talk drop-in sessions. J was engaging in activities during play time but still staying with mum.   He was no longer getting upset so frequently and giving better eye contact. He would sit for a story on my lap and allow me to do hand over hand for actions during singing time.   At the end of the 6 weeks, I updated his assessment which showed he had improved in his Play and social communication, Attention and listening, and expressive language, learning a few new words.      

On Monday, June 17th, we opened the North Locality Family Hub in Marks Gate. This is the second of our three hubs to open. Nausicaa Konstantinidis, who is 4 years old, officially opened the hub with help from Elaine Allegretti, our Director for Children’s Services. Katie O’Neil, a parent, and Aysha Meah, a local volunteer, spoke about their positive experiences with the hub. Many local families attended, enjoying activities like a children’s entertainer and face painting. Families also joined ‘PEEP’ sessions, which help with learning at home. The ‘PEEP’ sessions happen every Wednesday from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the North Locality Hub. We have many other services too, which you can find in our timetable. A big thank you to the Literacy Trust and the Warren Junior School choir for making the day special. For more details, visit our website at www.startforlife.lbbd.gov.uk or come to the centre to talk with one of our Family Navigators.