Working with families in a school setting often presents unique longer-term relationships where trust is formed and change can happen slowly, although we recognise school staff may be stretched to provide all the support necessary or available in the town.
CommuniCare is a Reading-based support, care and information charity, where people can be given the relevant help, support and information needed and receive information about wider support available locally, regionally and nationally.
Friendly trained staff provide non-judgemental information on Social Security benefits and welfare rights, advocacy, help with form filling, information and support on issues of drug and substance misuse, information for disabled people and their carers, health issues, key health services and health information. Some families may face challenges securing adequate food over the summer months, or affording school uniforms, in these cases CommuniCare can help with referrals and possible grant applications to cover those costs.
CommuniCare offers face-to-face support by appointment at their East Reading office, support via telephone and email, in addition there are trained staff who host 1:1 sessions in neighbourhoods 10am to 12:30pm every Monday and Wednesday at the South Reading Community Centre working with Whitley Community Development Association and every Tuesday at the Weller Centre in Lower Caversham. These sessions are first come, first serve. No appointment or referral necessary.
Please consider CommuniCare when working with families as their expertise could help alleviate or prevent anxieties or disorganisation for families in the future.
See here for more information: https://www.communicare.org.