Early help is about providing the right support to children and families, at the right time, to meet a family's needs and achieve positive change that lasts.

Early help can be provided at any stage of a child or young person's life, from birth through to the teenage years or up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Early help services can be delivered to children, parents or the whole family, with the main focus being to improve outcomes for children as soon as problems start to emerge or to help prevent situations from escalating or further problems arising.

If you are experiencing any difficulties within your family, you can contact your GP, Health Visitor, nursery, school or college for information, advice and support.  You may also want to take a look at the additional support available within Herefordshire.

Children's Help and Advice Team (CHAT)

This confidential service is open to all families living in Herefordshire, with a child or children aged 0 to 18 years, or up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Our friendly and professional team will listen to your worries, offer advice to support your needs.

We can offer support, advice and guidance for families and young people on:

• Family relationships
• Challenging behaviours
• Housing and financial matters
• Emotional and mental health worries
• Keeping your child safe (on-line and in the community)
• Child well-being and development
• Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families
• Any issue affecting you and your family

Call the Children's Help and Advice Team on 01432 260261 (available Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.45pm) and speak with an experience supporting families advisor.

Support for families page

You can find a list of available parenting courses by clicking on this link:

Being a parent – Herefordshire Council