Our School Based Family Support Worker

We have our own School Based Family Support Worker, Mrs Gemma Smith. Gemma is a Teaching Assistant at our school but is also our Family Support Worker for one day per week. She supports families needing extra support through the Child in Need or Early Help process, but equally is there to informally and confidentially support any families however they may need. She can advise on parenting courses and strategies, financial or housing support, help with accessing benefits or just if you want a coffee and a chat. She is always very busy but will find the time. Please contact the office and ask if you can talk to Gemma.

Free School Meals

Free School Meals is a means tested benefit (it is not the universal free school meals for children in reception, year 1 and year 2.) If you think you may be eligible for free school meals, please click the image on the left to apply online with Rochdale council. If you are eligible for free school meals please do apply as this gives us more funding from the government that we are able to spend on making school a better place for your child.

Rochdale Foodbank

Rochdale Foodbank helps local people in crisis. You can access the food bank by referral. Citizens advice, children’s centres, health visitors are just some of the people who can refer you for a voucher. Please speak to us if you require a referral and we will do all we can to help.

Housing or Tenancy Support

Stepping Stone Projects work with a broad range of agencies and have close links with local housing providers. They can be contacted on 01706 646922. Click the image on the left to go directly to their website.

Rochdale Borough Housing

Rochdale Borough Housing can help you find a a new home. For more information click the link on the left. To contact Homechoice phone them on 0800 027 7769 or email customerexperience@rbh.org.uk You can also visit them in person at St Alban’s House, Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1UQ.

Affected by Domestic Violence?

In Rochdale SafeNet will deliver safe refuge and support services alongside safe houses . Please contact 01706 868896 or the SafeNet Helpline 07866 510728. They can also be emailed at helpline@safenet.org.uk.

Resolve Counselling is a emotional and wellbeing support service for children affected by domestic violence. Please contact 07715 510710 or email resolve@childsoc.org.uk

Emotional and Mental Health Support

MindEd is a free educational resource for children and young people’s mental health.

Mind offers information and support for all adults on all aspects of mental health.

Healthy Young Minds offers support to parents who have worries or concerns with regard to their child’s wellbeing.

Child Bereavement offers support to families through all aspects of bereavement.

Kooth offers counselling and advice to children and young people.

Thrive offers mental health advice to children and young people.

The Families Directory signposts families to a number of local services for support within the borough of Rochdale.

Healthy Lifestyle

Living Well Rochdale Support for stopping smoking, starting exercise, oral health and feeling better. The health trainer service can help you support you to improve your lifestyle and health.

Shine +

This is a 5 week parenting group for parents/carers of primary school aged children who have social and communication needs

Shine + share lots of information on a range of topics e.g. communication, play, sleep, celebrating your child’s gifts and talents and who else can support. They also have input from Parent Carer Voice and Rochdale SENDiass

Parents have the chance to learn from other parents and increase their social network.

For more information please contact Barnados Services on 01706 769634.

Early Help

Early Help can support your family in several ways:

  • Family relationship difficulties and parental conflict
  • Parenting support and advice for children aged 0-18
  • Activities to keep your children entertained as well as home schooling
  • Helping your child become school ready
  • Feeding, weaning and sleep advice for babies

Please download the Early Help leaflet below for more information.

 EARLY HELP