Pobl’s FIPP Team: Still Supporting Families
The number of families being supported by Pobl’s Family Intervention and Prevention Project (FIPP) has doubled over the past few weeks, with case workers going above and beyond to help everyone - even those on the waiting list - at this challenging time.
Covering Monmouthshire, Newport and Blaenau Gwent, the team helps families to overcome challenges that lead to antisocial behaviour and tenancy issues.
Karen Barnes, FIPP Area Manager says, “Antisocial behaviour is a symptom of a deeper problem. Our team gets to the root of it, supporting families with debt problems, challenging home conditions, child protection issues, domestic violence and much more.”
In the current situation, isolation is exacerbating many of these issues, so the team is being leaned on more than ever.
At a time when we are all being asked to stay apart, the team is helping families to make connections. Parents are supporting each through telephone calls and children are making friends by becoming pen pals.
The team is also working to deliver food parcels, school meals and medication. They’re helping people suffering with low moods, mental health issues and domestic abuse.
Karen says, “Being apart doesn’t mean being alone.”
And the support that the FIPP team offers is based on that principle. Each team member often spends around 9 hours with each family, each week over a period of 12 to 18 months. And the help doesn’t stop there.
Karen explains, “We work holistically with family members individually and help them to implement changes. We then make sure these changes are maintained, offering support for 6 to 9 months after the initial period.”
FIPP is funded by Charter Housing (part of Pobl Group), Monmouthshire Housing Association and the Housing Support Grant teams in Monmouthshire, Newport and Blaenau Gwent.
And what sets this scheme apart from many others is the fact that once a family is back on track, the support doesn’t go away.
As Karen says, “They can come back to us. We’re here for them, months and even years down the line, if they need us.”
Karen adds, “We get to know these families and the support we provide is led by them. We find out where they want to be and we help them to get there.”
Often, continuity, stability and a helping hand is all anyone needs and the FIPP team provides just that.
If you know anyone who could benefit from this kind of support, contact Karen for an initial conversation about how the referral process works and she will be able to provide guidance relevant to the area and the circumstances.
