Family Support
Hello! My name is Julie Plested and I am the Family Support Worker in school.
My role in school is to provide support, advice and information to the families within our school community. I can help you with any worries that you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing. I am also here as someone to talk to if you need it!
I can meet with you at home or in school at a time to suit yourself. Advice and support is confidential although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. I may not have all the answers, but hopefully I can help you to work out how to find them!
Support for pupils and families includes:
- promoting good attendance and punctuality
- promoting self-esteem and confidence
- promoting positive behaviour and positive attitudes to learning
- providing one-to-one support
- providing information and signposting to other services in the local area
- liaising with a range of external services such as housing and Social Care
- assistance in completing paperwork and forms
- attendance and support at school and other agency meetings
- advice and support in promoting positive behaviour at home
- head lice advice
How to get in touch:
I am normally based in school every morning from 8.00am and can be available in the afternoons by arrangement.
Please call the school office on 01244 667660 to make an appointment or pop in and I will be happy to see you as soon as I can.
I can also be contacted via email: jplested@thearches.cheshire.sch.uk
KEY INFORMATION
1-2-3 Magic is a behavioural management program for parents and other carers of young children. 1-2-3 Magic is easy to learn and it works. The basic logic and simplicity of the method means that it is easy to remember for both parents and children especially under conditions of emotional stress. 1-2-3 Magic is a parent-in-charge program that eliminates arguing, yelling or smacking.
TAF - Team Around the Family
For more information, please visit https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/health-and-social-care/children-and-young-people/team-around-the-family.aspx
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It's fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals.
They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.
When to use 111
You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.
Call 111 if:
- you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
- you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
- you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.
If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you're concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.
For immediate life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999
How does it work?
The NHS 111 service is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses and paramedics.
They'll ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the local service that can help you best.
That could be A&E, an out-of-hours doctor, an urgent care centre, a walk-in centre, a community nurse, an emergency dentist, or a late-opening chemist
The NHS Choices Website provides an overview of the most common services provided by the NHS in England, such as emergency and urgent care, general practitioners (GPs) or dental services. Explore each service and find out what you should expect from the NHS, how to access particular services, and the costs involved (if any). Choosing which service is right for you at a given time may not always be easy – often you have more than one option. Use the checklist on the website to guide you if you're not sure where to start.
Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need.
Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Visit a walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre if you have a minor illness or injury (cuts, sprains or rashes) and it can't wait until your GP surgery is open.
Ask your local pharmacist for advice – your pharmacist can give you advice for many common minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headache, travel advice or sore throats.
Make an appointment with your GP if you are feeling unwell and it is not an emergency.
CHESHIRE POLICE
For emergencies only contact 999
For non-emergencies contact 101
CHESHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
For emergencies only contact 999
For non-emergencies contact 01606 868465 (contact this number for Home Safety Assessments)
SUBTANCE MISUSE
www.wdp.org.uk
Chester (Aqua House) 0300 303 4549
Ellesmere Port (Unity House) 0300 303 4550
Northwich (Victoria House) 0300 303 4548
WDP Cheshire West and Chester is a fully integrated recovery service delivered by WDP.
We offer free and confidential support for individuals affected by drug and alcohol problems.
We also offer services to your family and loved ones so that they can receive help and advice on how best to support you during your recovery.
Our specialist team includes substance misuse workers, doctors, nurses and psychologists, as well as peer mentors and volunteers.
How to access our services
This service is available to all residents of Cheshire West and Chester. We have an adult service for those over 18 and also offer support to young people under 18.
You can visit the service in person or contact us by phone.
Any professional such as a housing support worker, social worker, GP or nurse can also make a referral on your behalf.
When you come into the service you will be able to talk to one of our duty workers who will help you decide what support best meets your needs.
Once you have been assessed, our team will work with you to create a recovery care plan.
We will regularly review and adjust your recovery care plan to make sure you receive the right support at the right time.
What we offer
- Information, advice & support
- Counselling
- Self-help & mutual aid groups
- Group work programme (including LGBTQ+, women-only & evening groups)
- Service user involvement
- A health & wellbeing service for people who use substances at lower levels
- Outreach & engagement in the community
- Reintegration services
- Family & carers’ support and advice
- Education, training & employment support
- Peer mentoring & volunteering opportunities
- Outpatient community detox
- BBV screening / vaccination
- Needle exchange & harm reduction advice
- Substitute prescribing
- Support for individuals in the criminal justice system
- Access to inpatient detox & residential rehab
- WDP’s Capital Card® (earn points by engaging in treatment & spend points on activities in your local community)
Hospital Alcohol Liaison Team (HALS)
01244 362 444
Al-Anon Family Groups
020 7403 0888 www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Helpline and groups for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether the person is still drinking or not
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
0800 9177 650 help@aamail.org www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Helpline and regular self-help meetings for problem drinks who wish to stay sober and support others achieve sobriety
Frank
0300 123 6600 www.talktofrank.com
Helpline and website for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse. Advice and information for drug users, their families, friends and carers
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
0300 999 1212 www.ukna.org
Helpline and regular self-help meetings for addicts who wish to stop using and support others to remain drug-free
Drinkline
0300 123 1100 www.drinkaware.co.uk
Information and advice about alcohol
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health services are free on the NHS but in most cases you will need a referral from your GP to access them
Some mental health problems can be managed without the help of GP. There are a variety of materials available on NHS Choices website (https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/mental-health-services-explained/Pages/accessing%20services.aspx) as well as online services (https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/?category=Mental%20Health) and national helplines (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/)
Samaritans
01244 377 999 (Local)
116 123 (Free Phone)
The Samaritans operates a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence
What happens when you contact us:
1. A volunteer will answer
If you phone us, we answer with something like ‘Samaritans, can I help you?’
With text, email, letter and face-to-face visits, how we respond to you depends on what you say.
2. You talk, we listen
We listen to you and help you talk through your concerns, worries and troubles.
We’ll focus on your thoughts and feelings rather than going into the details, so we may ask questions to help explore how you feel.
Most people aren't suicidal.
Most people who contact us are not suicidal. When you talk to us, we will give you an opportunity to talk about any thoughts or feelings you have, whatever they may be.
How does focusing on feelings help?
You'll be able to see things more clearly. You'll be able to think much more clearly about what your options are.
Sometimes people need to cry or show how angry they are at life, or go over their thoughts and feelings several times to make sense of them, and that’s fine. We're there for as long as you need us.
Sometimes even hearing a supportive voice can give you that little bit of strength to keep going.
We won’t tell you what you should do.
We won’t make decisions for you, and we'll support the decisions you make.
You are the expert on your own life. Our advice or opinions are not important.
If you want specific advice, we may be able to give you contact details for organizations that specialize in helping with a problem you may have.
They allow you to sensitively discuss your options and explore your own feelings. After all, you're best placed to solve your problems.
It’s not about us.
We won’t talk about ourselves, even if you ask us to. We’re there to give you time, space and support – you don’t need to ask how we are, or give us time in return.
We don’t impose any personal attitudes or beliefs on you. We’re not religious.
Dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency
A mental health crisis means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. You may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, can’t cope with day-to-day life or work, think about suicide or self-harm, or experience hallucinations and hearing voices.
A crisis can also be the result of an underlying mental health condition, such as confusion or delusions caused by an infection, overdose, drug use or intoxication with alcohol. Confusion can also be associated with dementia.
Whether you experience a sudden deterioration of an existing mental health problem, or are experiencing problems for the first time, you’ll need to get immediate expert assessment to identify the because cause of action and stop you getting worse.
If you’re already been given a crisis line number from a health professional, call it.
If you are under the care of a mental health team and have a specific care plan that states who to contact when you need urgent care, follow this plan.
The Samaritans operates a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence. Call them on 116 123
You can call NHS 111 if you or someone you know requires urgent care, but it is not life threatening. For example:
- If you have an existing mental health problem and your symptoms get worse
- If you experience a mental health problem for the first time
- If someone has self-harmed but it does not appear to be life-threatening, or is talking about wanting to self-harm
- If a person shows signs of onset dementia
- If a person is experiencing domestic violence or physical, sexual or emotional abuse
Alternatively, contact your GP practice and ask for an emergency appointment. Your practice should be able to offer you an appointment in a crisis with the first available doctor
A mental health emergency should be taken seriously as a medical emergency
Call 999 if you or someone you know experiences an acute life-threatening medical or mental health emergency
You can go to A&E directly if you need immediate help and are worried about your safety. You may be close to acting on suicidal thoughts or have seriously harmed yourself
Once at A&E the team will tend to your immediate physical and mental health needs. Many hospitals now have a liaison psychiatry team which is designed to bridge the gap between physical and mental healthcare
If this service is not available, the A&E team will contact the local on-call mental health services, such as the crisis resolution and home treatment teams
The team in charge of your care will assess you, decide on the best course of care, and whether you can go home or need to be admitted to hospital
DOMESTIC ABUSE
Domestic Abuse Intervention & Prevention Service (DAIPS)
0300 123 7047 (option 2) www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/domesticabuse
Support service for victims of domestic abuse assessed as being at high risk of serious harm from partner, ex-partner or family member. Support can be offered to men and women in same sex or heterosexual relationships, as well as those at risk of “honour” based violence and forced marriage
National Domestic Abuse 24 Hour Helpline
0808 2000 247
Helpline to discuss what domestic abuse is, safety planning advice, look for safe accommodation and refuge spaces, contact numbers for local support, emotional support and signposting to other sources of information and advice
DV Assist
0800 195 8699 www.dvassist.org.uk
Help to obtain non-molestation order, occupation order and/or prohibited steps order
National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)
0800 970 2070 www.ncdv.org.uk
Help to obtain non-molestation order, occupation order and/or prohibited steps order
Women’s Housing Action Group (WHAG)
0151 356 4686 www.whag.info
Refuge accommodation, resettlement and community support, medium risk support service and complex needs project for victims with substance misuse and mental health issues across Cheshire West & Chester area
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC)
01925 221 546 www.rapecentre.org.uk
Support for people affected by rape or sexual abuse no matter how long ago it occurred or what happened. Services include specialist counselling, pre-trial counselling, group work, and support and help through the criminal justice system
Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service (CSASS)
0808 284 0484 or 01244 307 499 www.csass.org.uk
Free independent counselling and telephone support line for anyone affected by any form of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives. Also support people who many not necessarily been abused directly, but who might have witnessed the abuse or been affected by someone’s disclosure to them
The live chat service was recently launched to provide emotional support and information for adult survivors of sexual violence. It has been funded by David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner, from his Safer Communities Fund. The service runs Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6 – 8pm, via the CSASS website: www.csass.org.uk
St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
0161 276 6515 www.stmaryscentre.org
St Mary’s SARC provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service for men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past. Services include immediate crisis support, medical examination, pregnancy advice, sexual health screening and counselling.
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
020 3866 4107 www.paladinservice.co.uk
Advocacy for anyone at risk of serious harm or homicide from a stalker by giving initial advice, completing assessment, aiming to improve access to the right kind of support.
National Stalking Helpline
0808 802 0300 www.suzylamplugh.org
National Stalking Helpline is run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust providing information on the law in relation to stalking and harassment, reporting to Police, effective gathering of evidence, ensuring personal safety and practical steps to reduce risk.
Galop
0800 999 5428 www.gallop.org.uk
LGBT+ anti-violence charity offering advice and support to people how have experiencing biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence, domestic abuse or who had problems with police or criminal justice system
Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247 www.karmanirvana.org.uk
Confidential helpline for people at risk of forced marriage or “honour”-based violence, and professionals who have concerns.
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse offering emotional support, providing practical support and signposting to other services for specialist help.
Respect
0808 802 4040 www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Confidential helpline offering advice, information and support to help stop being violent and abusive towards partner.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
The Hideout www.thehideout.org.uk
Website created by Women’s Aid to help children and young people understand domestic abuse and how to take positive steps if it’s happening to them. There is also advice for adults about domestic abuse and effect it has on children and young people
Childline
0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
Childine is a free, private and confidential help from trained counsellors for anyone under the age of 19 with any issue their going through
Kooth https://kooth.com
Kooth is free and anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service for children and young people. They can join to chat to friendly counsellors (online Monday-Friday 12pm-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 6pm-10pm), get support from Kooth community, write in daily journal and read articles written by young people.
ThinkUKnow www.thinkuknow.co.uk
ThinkUKnow is education programme by Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) aimed at children and young people around how to use internet safely based around three key themes:
- How to have fun
- How to stay in control
- How to report a problem
The website is broken down into sections for children aged 5-7, children aged 8-10, children aged 11-13, young people aged 14+, parents and carers, and professionals.
Children & Young People’s Out of Hours Advice Line
01244 397 644
Are you worried about a young person’s mental health? Would it help to talk to a mental health professional? You can now access mental health advice and support outside of usual working hours by calling the Children & Young People’s Out of Hours Advice Line Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm and Sat-Sun 12pm-8pm
SAFEGUARDING – CHILDREN & ADULTS
Integrated Access & Referral Team
Children’s Social Care and Early Help and Prevention Service
0300 123 7047 option 1 Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm and Fri 08:30am-4:30pm
Cheshire West Community Access Team
Adult Social Care
0300 123 7034 Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm and Fri 08:30am-4:30pm
Emergency Duty Team for out of hours emergencies for children or adults
01244 977 277 Mon-Thu 4:30pm-8:30am, Fri from 4pm, 24 hours at weekend and bank holidays
HOUSING
Cheshire West & Chester Council Housing Options
0300 123 2442 housingoptions@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
If you feel you are at risk of harm and you think you need to leave your home, you should contact the Council’s Housing Options team as soon as possible. Housing Options can provide confidential advice and discuss and arrange with you alternative housing options including finding a place of safety (refuge), helping you to stay safe in your home, or looking at alternative permanent housing in the private sector, or from the Council’s housing register. Housing Options can also refer you to specialist agencies for further advice and support. Do not make a decision to give up your home permanently until you have spoken to a Housing Options adviser and considered all your options.
Housing Options Accommodation Self-Help Pack
Housing Options Accommodation Finder Self-Help Pack can be used by anyone trying to find accommodation in the Cheshire West and Chester area. You can increase your chances of finding something suitable by considering the full range of housing options available to you as well as knowing what you can afford.
West Cheshire Homes
0300 123 2442 www.westcheshirehomes.co.uk
West Cheshire Homes is a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester and the main Housing Associations in the area which are For Housing, Sanctuary and Weaver Vale Housing Trust. Cheshire West & Chester’s West Cheshire Homes Team are responsible for the administration of the housing register. You can speak with a member of the team if you need help completing the online application or bidding.
For Futures
0300 123 2442 www.forfutures.co.uk
For Futures work with customers to prevent them from becoming homeless. They give advice, information and signpost to support available from appropriate partner agencies. This will cover a range of subjects including benefits, housing issues, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, offending, substance misuse, mental health issues and learning disabilities as well as opportunities for learning and personal development. Service include:
- Mediation between immediate or extended family members, or with landlords
- Preventative support for people in any accommodation at risk of homelessness
- Specialist support service to help young people aged 16-25 stay at home
- Temporary supported accommodation for those who have lost their home
- Women’s Group which meets fortnightly at Storyhouse in Chester – contact for info
- Training and personal development opportunities to improve life skills to find employment (e.g. CV writing and interview skills), live independently, manage money, get online and use technology
- Advice and Information Hubs open Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00
- For Housing & For Futures Office, 7-9 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0AX
- Northwich Information Centre, 1 The Arcade, Northwich, CW9 5AS
- Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH
- Temporary base at 102 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LF
- Wesley Church Centre, St John Street, Chester, CH1 1DA (Monday 13:00-16:00)
- Hawthorn House, Hawthorn Road, Chester, CH4 8HX (Friday 12:00-14:30)
- Neston Community Youth Centre (Thursday 10:00-12:00)
- Ellesmere Port Salvation Army (Friday 13:00-15:00)
Shelter
0808 800 4444 https://england.shelter.org.uk/
Free national emergency helpline open 365 days a year for people facing a housing issues or homelessness. Having relevant documents (e.g. tenancy agreements, council letter etc.) to hand will help advisors to deal with problems – you will be asked to explain what’s going on and these documents can help advisors understand the situation
Home Group
0300 304 7935 / 0300 304 7933 www.homegroup.org.uk
Cheshire Housing Related Support Service for clients over the age of 25 who may be vulnerable and have multiple or complex needs. Moore House provides accommodation for those who require support with their mental health and wellbeing.
Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH)
01244 314834 https://cath.org.uk
CATH provides day services at The Harold Tomlins Centre at 24 Grosvenor Street, Chester, CH1 2DD is open five days a week 9am-1pm where clients can get help with anything from accommodation to health and wellbeing. CATH has five locations across Chester city centre which provides beds for homeless people with two properties in Hoole, two in the Garden Quarter and one on Nicholas Street.
FINANCIAL ISSUES & DEBTS
If you are struggling with debt and money worries, you may need to seek help and advice. With lots of free confidential help and impartial debt advice services available there’s no need to use a fee-charging debt management company.
Always contact your creditors and explain your circumstances. Don’t ignore your creditors as things could only get worse and interest will be added to your accounts.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
0800 328 0006 https://capuk.org
Charity offering support around debt, unemployment and life skills. Use website to search for local services:
CAP Debt Help – If you are feeling weighed down by debt, CAP can help by providing a listening ear in the privacy of your own home and provide a real solution to your debts
CAP Job Club – Get practical help to seek employment. It’s a relaxed environment with the chance to meet other jobseekers, get support and gain tools you need to find work
CAP Life Skills – Friendly group where you’ll gain practical skills to stay on top of household bills, see your money go further, eat well on a budget and grow in self-confidence
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
0344 576 6111 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
CAB provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including employment, benefits, housing and debt
CAB have offices at following locations open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm:
Chester The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 4EE
Ellesmere Port 1 Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 8AA
Northwich Meadow Court, Meadow Street, Northwich, CW9 5FP
Winsford Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH
CAB also provide outreach services in local community which are offered at
Frodsham 61 Main Street, Frodsham, WA6 7DF Thu 10am-1pm
Blacon, Chester Children’s Centre, Carlisle Road, CH1 5DB Tue 1pm-4pm
Lache, Chester 89 Cliveden Road, CH4 8DT Wed 9am-3pm
Neston Parkgate Road, CH64 9QE Wed 9:30am-1pm
You will be offered a short session with an assessor who will identify they most appropriate way to help you. This could be giving you information you need to solve your problem yourself, or it could be making an appointment to discuss your problem further – in person, by phone or by email. Sometimes you might be directed to a different organisation that is better placed to help
Debt Advice Network
0151 356 8200 www.thedebtadvicenetwork.org.uk
Debt Advice Network is a registered national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt. Our aim is to help you regain control of your finances by:
- reducing monthly repayments to a realistic and affordable level
- stopping creditors taking enforcement action against you
- protecting important assets such as your home
- implementing an appropriate solution to assist in resolving financial issues
If you are struggling to keep up with credit card, loan or debt consolidation repayments, have arrears or are facing legal action from lenders as a result of being unable to repay unsecured or secured debts, our debt helpline advisors are standing by waiting to help
We advise on the full range of debt solutions including bankruptcy, debt relief orders, free debt manage plans, IVAs, administration orders and debt consolidation
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
DHP is a benefit that you might get if there is a difference between the amount you receive in Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and how much your rent is. It can also be for help towards housing costs, such as the costs of moving
You can apply by completing DHP application form available at: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing-benefit-council-tax/housing-benefit/discretionary-housing-payments.aspx
If you would like help to complete your form you can call into any of the main council offices or request a home visit by emailing visits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or filling in form at: https://eforms.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/?page_id=782
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Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP Scheme)
HELP Scheme is a discretionary scheme offering local welfare assistance including:
- support for exceptional needs
- limited payments for emergency funding in a crisis
- to help people moving out of care
Funding will be made on a one-off basis and will be restricted to one award in any 12 month period. Normally awards will be restricted to provide help with food vouchers or recycled goods
You can apply by completing HELP Scheme application form at: https://cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing-benefit-council-tax/help.aspx
If you need help with your application you can call 0300 123 7065 or email help@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for assistance
Money Advice Service
0800 138 7777 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Free and impartial money advice set up by government on debts and borrowing, homes and mortgages, budgeting and saving, work and benefits, etc.
- Advice and guides to help improve your finances
- Tools and calculators to keep track and plan ahead
- Support over the phone an online
National Debtline
0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.org
National Debtline is a debt advice charity with experts offering free help and advice on dealing with your debts
Website has four simple steps to dealing with your debts, which will take some time, but you can access extra support via helpline
- Increase your income
Lots of people are in debt because they don’t receive all the money they are entitled to. There may be benefits, tax credits or universal credit you can claim, help from grants, help with energy costs or other ways of bossing your income
- Work out your personal budget
A personal budget is essential to help you tackle debt problems. Our budget tool will help you work out a detailed personal budget. You can then see how much you have left over and this will help you work out the best way to deal with your debts
- Deal with your priority debts
Once you’ve worked out your income and outgoings, you need to work out which are the most important debts – the ones you need to start paying off first. Priority debts include mortgage, rent, council tax, gas and electricity, magistrate court fines, parking penalty charges, child maintenance, social fund loans, benefit overpayments, tax credit overpayments, tax debts, hire purchase or conditional sale and TV licence
- Deal with your non-priority debts
Once you have deal with priority debts, you can move on to non-priority debts. These are debts where the creditor hasn’t got extra powers to make you pay (e.g. taking your home). Common non-priority debts include credit card debts, personal loans with finance companies, bank and building society loans and overdrafts, charge cards, catalogues, personal debts to family and friends, doorstep-collected loans, payday loans, water rates and business debts
PayPlan
0808 278 9044 www.payplan.com
Free debt help and free debt management plans. At PayPlan we understand the impact that debt can have on you, your family and your life. We believe that you can, and should, live a happy life while repaying your debt. We offer guidance on a range of practical debt solutions. We will help you become debt free, protect your family and your home, and deal with your creditors on your behalf
Step Change
Team of debt experts helping people deal with their debt problems and get their lives back on track. We’ll look at your financial situation and give you expert debt advice and recommend debt solutions to suit your situation. We can also help you set up and support your chosen solutions
Whether you get advice online or over the phone, you’ll follow a straightforward advice process giving you a clearer picture of how to deal with your debts
- Tell us your situation
Give us details about your debts, income and outgoings, and we’ll help you create a budget
- Explore your options
You’ll get a personal action plan and recommend debt solutions that suit your situation
- Choose your debt solution
We’ll help you get things set up and give you the support to deal with your debts, however long it’s needed
We offer a wide range of practical debt solutions to suite every situation including
- Debt manage plan – helps you repay your debt by making lower monthly payments
- Debt relief order (DRO) – can write off debts if you have a few assets and low income
- Individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) – pay a reduced amount over fixed period
- Bankruptcy – clear unmanageable debts
- Equity release – for people aged 55+ to release money tied up in your home
- Token payment plan (TPP) – offers temporary breathing space with reduced payments
- Mortgage advice – specialist advice including re-mortgaging and interest only options
OTHER USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Age Concern
01244 401500
Deaf Support Network
0333 220 5050 dsn@dsnonline.co.uk
Dial House
01244 345655 Dial House Hamilton Place, Chester CH1 2BH ·
Support for those with Disability
Cheshire Carers
0300 303 1979
As well as the academic support offered to all children, non academic support is also available in many forms. Family support is lead by Mrs Julie Plested, our Learning Mentor and lead Family Support Worker.
Mrs Plested is available and appointments can be made with her via the office. Please contact her if you would like further support on non academic, family related concerns or queries. Or, email her directly on jplested@thearches.cheshire.sch.uk
HEADLICE
Please stay alert for the tiny terrors that like to lurk in young children’s hair.
Comb hair through with a fine tooth nit comb on a regular basis. Only use the chemical treatments if you can see live lice, otherwise use a nit comb and lots of conditioner to remove any eggs. Tea tree shampoo and conditioner is said to help rid the hair of lice and prevent re infection.
If your child does have little ‘pets’, there is nothing to be embarrassed about! Please let school know as soon as possible so we can work together to get rid of them.
TOGETHER
WE CAN MAKE
ITCHY SCRATCHY HEADS
A THING OF THE
PAST!
Head lice are a problem for every school at some point, as there are SOOOOOOO many heads together, and we understand that some of you are very concerned about your child having ‘pets’, you treating them and them becoming reinfested.
WE WILL ONLY GET ON TOP OF THIS PROBLEM IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER, NO EXCEPTIONS!
It is recommended that parents should be responsible for checking their child’s head at least weekly, to keep on top of the problem. The guidance says that having someone in school acting as a ‘nit nurse’ is not effective, as you need 15 minutes plus to have a good old mooch to be sure there is nothing lurking…that said – we need to take action to bring about positive change!
So, by popular demand by parents, school will be donning rubber gloves again and checking every child in school. This will happen on a termly basis. For this, we need your permission and of course you would be more than welcome to be present whilst your child is checked.
For this to be effective EVERY CHILD needs to be checked.
If you choose to withdraw your child from any of the proposed nit checks to be held this academic year, you will need to meet with Mrs Plested to explain your reasons WHY.
If you require any further support please contact Mrs Plested who will be more than happy to help!
