Haringey Council launches new initiative to help troubled families

Haringey Council has announced a new scheme designed to support low-income families, help them find employment and stay together.

The local authority has recently received new funding after it was confirmed as one of the top performing local authorities in the DCLG’s Troubled Families Programme - a national scheme designed to help families facing difficulties.

This new funding will enable the council to continue the work that it does with vulnerable families and tackle issues such as alcohol dependency, ill-health and truancy.

Commenting on the latest developments, councillor Claire Kober, leader of Haringey Council, said: "We welcome the fact that our work with local families has been recognised by Government. Our selection as an ‘early starter’ on this programme clearly demonstrates the council’s commitment and ability to prioritise early help and intervention and empower families and communities to better support themselves.

"The Haringey Families First team has been working hard to bring together all the various sources of support available to families in one place. Today’s announcement shows that this approach is paying dividends, benefitting not only the families we work with directly, but also the wider community."

Last year, in phase 1 of the initiative, the local authority helped 700 families out of a life of poverty and help to reduce the rates of youth re-offending, anti-social behaviour and offered employment support to those out of work.

Phase 2 is set to begin next month, which will focus on preventing problems from occurring.

The council will also collaborate with the DCLG  and other local authorities to help shape the evolution of the Troubled Families programme.

Published 20th August, 2014

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