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Teams that Support the Start for Life Offer 

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The 1001 days team

The 1001 Days Team gives support to families, either on a 1-2-1 or small group basis. They'll work with you for between 3 - 6 months depending on what you need. 

How We Help:
The 1001 Days Team gives support to families, either on a 1-2-1 or small group basis. They'll work with you for between 3 - 6 months depending on what you need, some of the courses they provide are below:


  • 👶 Triple P Baby gives you the skills and support you need to make this special time with your baby even better. You'll get practical tips and tricks to help you take care of your baby, like how to understand what your baby needs, how to set up routines, and how to handle things like feeding, sleeping, and crying. We'll show you how to create a strong bond with your baby through lots of cuddles, smiles, and positive attention. You'll have the chance to meet other parents with babies, so you can share stories, make friends, and support each other. You can choose to get help one-on-one, or in a group.
  • 🍏 H.E.N.R.Y. (Health Exercise & Nutrition for the Really Young) is about helping families live happy, healthy lives together. 1001 days workers will share fun ideas for activities that get your family up and moving together. Whether it's playing at the park, dancing in the living room, or going for a walk, they'll make exercise something you look forward to. You'll learn about healthy foods and easy recipes that your family will love. You'll talk about topics like breastfeeding, feeding your baby, and how to handle picky eaters. It's a chance to meet other families and share tips too.
  • 📹 Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) VIG is like having a friendly parenting coach to help you along the way, cheering you on to be the best you can be. It's all about celebrating what you're already doing right and helping you build an even stronger bond with your child. During a session, you and your baby or child are filmed doing everyday activities, such as playing, feeding, or reading. You and your 1001-day worker watch these videos together. They point out all the wonderful things you do with your child, helping you see just how amazing you are as a parent. Together, you decide on small things you can do to make your time with your child even better. These are simple steps that help you grow as a parent. You'll keep recording and watching videos, and your coach will keep giving you tips until you are feeling happy, and confident.
  • 🤱 PEEP (Parent-Infant Programmes) or Parents as Early Education Partners is about helping parents understand and support their child's growth and development. 1001 days workers will give you fun and easy ways to learn about how your child grows and learns. they will talk about things like how to play with your baby when they should be reaching milestones, and how to help them learn new things. They'll show you games, songs, and ways to play that help your child learn and grow. It's all about having fun together while helping your child develop important skills. You'll get tips for reading to your baby and talking with them in ways that help them learn language and get ready for reading. Even tiny babies love hearing your voice and seeing colourful pictures in books! You'll get ideas for things to do at home that support your child's learning and development. Whether it's singing songs during bath time or playing peek-a-boo during nappy changes, every moment is a chance to learn and grow together.
You can watch a short video from The 1001 Days Team below:



Who can get support from the 1001 days team?
If you're feeling the challenges of being a parent, dealing with some stress during or after pregnancy, or worried about connecting with your baby, we're here.


The Barnsley Family Hubs & Start for Life 1001 days team can help if:
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 You are a mum, dad, partner, or main carer.
  • 🤰 You're in the phase from pregnancy up to your child's second birthday.
  • 💔 You've had a tough time before or are facing challenges now, like a difficult childhood yourself or other issues.
  • 👨‍⚕️ You or your baby have health concerns identified during or after pregnancy.
  • 📄 You've filled out a form about how you're feeling with your doctor, midwife or health visitor. If you haven't done this yet, we can help you with that.


What we focus on with you:
  • Helping with feeling down or stressed during pregnancy or after having your baby.
  • Supporting dads and partners during the pregnancy and early days.
  • Helping families build a strong connection with their babies.
How to get in touch
To ask for help or find out more about the 1001 Days Team, just fill out the 'Request for Support Form' and send it to earlyhelpmash@barnsley.gov.uk


If you're interested in the Triple P for Baby Group Program, fill out the parenting referral form and send it to parentsupport@barnsley.gov.uk.


Start for Life Phoenix Team

Start for Life Phoenix Team Pilot

A new service for eligible families.

The Start for Life Phoenix Team are based at North Family Hub and provide services for families who are expecting a baby or have a baby less than 2 months of age.

The team aim to ensure that families get the right level of support at the right time, from the right service and in the right place

The core team has a
  • 🤰 Midwife,
  • 👩‍🦰 Maternity support worker,
  • 👩‍🦱 Health Visitor,
  • 🤱 Infant feeding worker,
  • 👧 Child Development Practitioner,
  • 💚 Supporting Families - Support Worker
  • 👨  Dad’s worker.

Working alongside Family Hub Practitioners, the team offer a personalised service to families, tailored to their needs and preferences.

They can provide help with a wide range of family services, such as preparation for birth and beyond, infant feeding support, emotional health and wellbeing support, and support with early learning activities and play to keep their babies development on track.


The team will also collect feedback from families to improve the service quality and outcomes. The team is part of Barnsley's new Family Hubs model, which brings together different services for families under one roof and makes them more accessible and integrated.

Find out more 
To find out if you are eligible to work with the Phoenix Team speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor on 01226 774411. 

Early Help Navigators - Barnsley Hospital

Our Early Help Navigators can be seen in the emergency department, neonatal unit and midwifery clinics at Barnsley Hospital. They also do daily ward rounds, where they visit families in the children's ward to see if they need any help and support.

Find out more
Watch Andrea talk about about the Early Help Navigators based at Barnsley Hospital.



Families Information Service

Families Information Service (FIS) is here to help you with all aspects of family life. They maintain The Virtual Family Hub, and the Local Offer Websites, and manage the Barnsley Family Hubs and Local Offer Facebook Pages. 

Here’s how else they can support you:


  • 📱 Information and Advice - FIS provides free, confidential advice on everything from childcare and schools to parenting support and local activities. They’re usually the first point of contact for family-related information and are part of Barnsley Family Hubs
  • 👩‍👦‍👦 Childcare Support - Need childcare? FIS can help you find nurseries, childminders, preschools, and after-school clubs. They also offer advice on childcare costs, which schemes you are entitled to, and how to apply for them. 
  • 👫 Parenting Support -  FIS can help you to access Family Hub Parenting Programmes and support groups, to help you build confidence and handle challenges. 
  • 🎨 Activities and Things to Do in Barnsley - Keep your kids engaged with information on local activities, events, and family-friendly places to visit. FIS can help you discover what’s happening in your community.
  • 👩‍⚕️ Find Local Services - FIS can get you to the right service, at the right time.  They also signpost you to local mental health support and healthy living for your family.

Find out more

📱 Ring 0800 045 340 option 1. (Lines are open Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and on Fridays 9am - 4:30pm)

📧 Infofis@barnsley.gov.uk 


The Family Nurse Partnership

The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) in Barnsley supports first-time parents under 19 through regular home visits from early pregnancy until the child's first or second birthday. Trained nurses help with attachment, relationships, and independence.


Your family nurse will build a supportive relationship with you to help you:
  • Adopt healthier lifestyles
  • Provide good care for your baby and toddler
  • Plan your future

Our nurses help young parents understand pregnancy and care for themselves and their babies, offering advice on:

  • 🤰 Having a healthy Pregnancy
  • 👶 Planning for labour and birth
  • 🧒 Child health and development
  • 💐 Building positive relationships
  • 🚭 Making beneficial lifestyle choices
  • 🎓 Achieving personal goals like education or employment
What’s involved?
Regular home and community visits from your family nurse, tailored to your needs and schedule, until your child’s first or second birthday. Dads or partners are welcome to join.


Find out more:
Contact the team or your midwife if you are 19 or under, less than 28 weeks pregnant, live in Barnsley, and want support from a family nurse on (01226) 774411.

Health Visitors

Health visitors are specially trained nurses or midwives who support families with children under five. Their goal is to help your child have the best possible start in life. Here’s how they can help:

  • 👨‍👧‍👦 Supporting Families and Children - Health visitors give advice on topics like feeding, sleep, immunisations, and parenting. They’re there to answer your questions and offer practical support, helping you feel confident in caring for your child.
  • 👧 Monitoring Child Development - they track your child’s growth and development, making sure they’re hitting key milestones. Regular health checks help catch any issues early, so your child stays on track.
  • 🍏 Health Education and PromotionHealth visitors offer tips on healthy eating, dental care, and safety. They also promote mental well-being and can connect you with local services and resources.
  • 🤰 Supporting Maternal Health - They support your health too, from postnatal recovery to breastfeeding advice. If you’re feeling low or anxious, they can help or refer you to someone who can.
  • 🏡 Home Visits -  A Health Visitor will see you before your baby is born, and then again after 10 days. You will get an appointment at 6 - 8 weeks for a review. They will see you again for your baby's 8 -12 month review and 2 - 2 1/2 years review.
  • 🤗 Building Community Connections -They work with GPs, midwives, and Family Hubs to make sure you have a strong support network. They help you access the services you need to keep your family healthy and happy.

The team can also support you with:

  • 🤱 breastfeeding
  • 🍓 weaning
  • 🚽 bed wetting
  • 👧 child development
  • 💔 emotional difficulties.

Find out more:

📱 Ring 01226 774411 Monday - Thursday: 8:45am-4:45pm and on Fridays: 8:45am-4:15pm



Infant Feeding Team

Ensuring your baby receives the best nutrition is a top priority for new parents. Our Infant feeding team is here to guide and support you, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or introducing solids.


  • 🤱 Breastfeeding Support-  Breastfeeding offers many benefits but can come with challenges. The Infant Feeding team provide personalised advice on techniques, positioning, and overcoming common issues, helping you to enjoy a comfortable breastfeeding experience.
  • 🍼 Bottle Feeding Guidance For parents who choose or need to bottle feed, they offer guidance on formula, preparation, recognising hunger cues, and responsive feeding. They work with you to develop a plan that meets your baby’s nutritional needs and fits your family’s routine.
  • 👶 Nutritional Advice As your baby grows, their nutritional needs change. The Infant Feeding Team, part of the 0-19 Health Team can offer advice on introducing solids. 
  • 👩‍🦰 Support for Every Feeding Journey The team can support you through every stage of feeding, your baby, to learn more about our infant feeding support services and how we can help your little one thrive get in touch. 

Find out more 

📱 Ring 01226 774411 



Midwives

Midwives are essential healthcare professionals who support you throughout your pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of your baby’s life.

Here’s how they can help:


  • 🤰 Pregnancy Care - Midwives provide comprehensive care during your pregnancy. They monitor your health and your baby’s development through regular check-ups, screenings, and tests. They offer advice on nutrition, exercise, and preparing for birth, ensuring you and your baby stay healthy.
  • 🌷 Birth Support - When it’s time to give birth, midwives are there to support you through labour and delivery. They help manage pain, offer encouragement, and ensure a safe birth experience, whether at home, or in a hospital.
  • 💜 Postnatal Care After your baby is born, midwives continue to support you. They check on your recovery, help with breastfeeding, and monitor your baby’s health. They guide you on newborn care, from feeding to sleeping, and address any concerns you might have.
  • 👩‍⚕️ Emotional SupportPregnancy and early parenthood can be overwhelming. Midwives offer emotional support, helping you manage anxiety and connecting you with additional resources if needed. They’re there to listen and provide reassurance.



Family Hub Engagement Practitioners

Early Help Engagement Practitioners, are based in the Family Hubs and deliver groups and face to face Parenting Programmes. 

Here’s how else they help:


  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Identifying Families in Need They listen to your concerns and work with you to figure out what support you need. They often work closely with schools, and community groups to identify families who may be facing challenges such as financial difficulties, housing issues, or parenting struggles.
  • 🤝 Building Relationships They take the time to understand your family’s needs and build a supportive relationship with you
  • 📋 Assessing Needs Early Help Engagement Practitioners can help you identify the specific needs and challenges you might be facing. This might be a conversation about what you are worried about, identifying strengths within your family, and what you'd like to change. Whether it’s finding housing, getting financial help, or dealing with parenting issues, they’ll help you figure it out.
  • 💚 Early Help Assessments If you are unable to get an Early Help Assessment through school, or if you aren't working with any professionals but feel you would benefit from Early Help, you can speak to an Engagement Practitioner in any of our Family Hubs. 

  • 👨‍🦰 Providing Parenting Support - They can offer practical parenting advice from tots to teens, either answering quick questions to do with potty training or more in-depth conversations about behaviour right through to group parenting programmes
  • 🪁 Connecting Families to Services Engagement Practitioners act as a bridge between families and more targeted support services. 

Find out more

📱 To speak to an Early Help Engagement Practitioner, ring 0800 0345 340 option 2 or pop in to your chosen Family Hub 




Family Hub Targeted Early Help Support Practitioners

Our team of Targeted Early Help Support Practitioners are here to provide support to your family when you need it. 


  • 👩 Targeted Family Support They give you personalised help and advice, understanding your family’s needs and offering support that fits your situation. They work closely with parents and children to understand your specific situation. 
  • 👩‍👦 Parenting Help -If you need tips on parenting or dealing with tricky situations, they’re there to offer advice and support. They can show you evidence-based strategies, to build your confidence and reassure you. 
  • 🔎 Finding Services If you’re not sure where to go for help, or need more specialist help they can guide you and refer you to other services like drug and alcohol services, healthcare, education support, mental health support and more. 
  • 🌼 Emotional Support Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, to help you identify what's going well and what you'd like to change. They’re here to listen, offer support, and help you find solutions to problems.
  • 👦 Early Help They work with you to catch issues early and prevent them from getting worse, helping your family stay on track.
  • 👧 Supporting Children They offer support, working directly with children to help understand their behaviour, feelings and emotions. 
  • 👨 Bringing Services Together If you need help getting what your family needs, they can speak up for you and make sure your voice is heard, they may support you by coming to meetings with school, and pull other professionals together to make sure things are progressing, and getting better for you and your family. 
  • 🌈 Following Up and Monitoring Progress They will continue to work with you over time, providing ongoing support and monitoring progress towards your goals. 

Find out more:

💻 Read more about Early Help & Requesting Targeted support here



Great Childhoods Ambition

Explore what’s possible for children, young people and families in Barnsley. 

Barnsley's Great Childhoods Ambition 

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As part of our Great Childhoods Ambition, we've partnered up with the Children’s University Trust to launch the Barnsley Children’s University.

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