Our Work
Family Support
There is a strong connection between children growing up in an unstable environment and facing difficulties later in life due to early trauma.
In our experience, early intervention in the form of parental mentoring is an effective prevention strategy, and so, we have been delivering family support services for several years now.
In Buckinghamshire, we delivered our Boost Parenting Advice & Support Service, which matched volunteers with families who needed a helping hand in creating a positive environment for their children.
Over the year, our Boost service supported 116 families in creating a more stable home. This financial year marked the end of this service; however, we were successfully awarded funding to deliver Thrive - a new family support service which got underway in March 2023.
"Across the services, we manage more than £1.4m of funds on behalf of clients with disabilities, half of whom are children."
We provide Self-Directed Support Services across Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes, enabling clients to develop greater independence by taking control of their budget for support and tailoring their care arrangements to suit their unique circumstances and lifestyles. Across the services, we manage more than £1.4m of funds on behalf of clients with disabilities, half of whom are children. Our services support the person to employ a carer or personal assistant directly by helping to find suitably qualified employees, providing comprehensive employment advice, and offering a Payroll Service to process wages and administer HMRC responsibilities on the employer’s behalf.
Case Study
Nicola, a volunteer for Boost
Having had children herself, Nicola knew parents' struggles – particularly if they have little to no support elsewhere. Nicola had previously worked in a preschool, and with her knowledge from various courses, she could offer some valuable support to parents in need. With her children grown up and more time on her hands, Nicola has been volunteering with Connection Support for three years, providing valuable support to families on the Boost Service. With this service coming to an end, Nicola will soon be assisting families on our Thrive service.
Nicola is hands-on when it comes to offering support, often helping parents who are struggling with boundaries and behaviours of their children. In her role, she offers advice and guidance, and may signpost parents to websites and/or courses if she thinks they could be of benefit.
With her preschool background, Nicola brings a wealth of skills to her volunteer role and can confidently pass on information or strategies to families in need. When she sees the positive impact her advice has, and how effective her recommendations are, she gets a great deal of satisfaction. She knows that her input is helping to make family life just that little bit calmer for the families she supports. Not to mention that she enjoys getting to meet new people and develop good relationships with both the parents and children too.
Not only does Nicola provide invaluable support to families in need, she has also benefitted from volunteering. She said:
“I have gained new information which also helps me in my day job. I feel lucky that I have had a positive impact in my families lives, and I have been able to provide them with support for the time I have been with them.”