Family Centre

Level 2

A home from home

Residential Family Centre for women, (and their children), with medium level support needs. We offer support and accommodation to single women and women with children who are, progressing from Stage 1 of Residential Recovery, needing Refuge Accommodation due to fleeing Domestic Abuse, those who are Homeless,  or those needing support due to learning difficulties, poor mental health or safeguarding needs.

Our underlying belief is that it is beneficial to the resident to be able to maintain the care of and for their children throughout recovery, it means less adjustment and fewer complications when returning to a normal life outside residential support. Far less disruption and insecurity for the children and a consequential benefit to society as a whole.

Although Charis House is a large building, visitors often remark on its “homely” atmosphere in the spa town of Buxton, we provide supported accommodation in comfortable, furnished bedrooms, residents can cook their own meals in a spacious, modern kitchen and there are two lounges where residents can relax, chat, read or watch television/DVDs.

What support is included

We offer several elements of support including Residential Recovery and a Structured Day Programme

  • 24 hour cover (on call between 20.00 and 08.00)

  • Key-worker system and support plans/reviews for women and their children

  • Family Support

  • Parenting Skills Training and Mentoring

  • Participation in case conferences, core groups, planning meetings and court attendance

  • Support in accessing the Work Skills Projects

  • Courses and individual support; available to residents and outreach participants, including: Money Matters, Self Esteem, Building Positive Relationships, Anger, Management, Recovery Stage 2 specific courses/individual counselling and a variety of Parenting Courses.

  • Day Nursery and Play Centre with Baby Unit and Early Years Education, Ofsted registered with funded places available for 2-4 year olds.

  • Community drop-in groups throughout the week

Referrals

Each referral is carefully assessed by our Care Panel who decide whether or not our facilities and resources are able to meet the particular needs of the parents and children.

For current vacancies please call 01298 24761

Who’s eligible?

Women and their children are eligible for our accommodation if they:

  • Are homeless

  • Need safe accommodation due to risk of domestic violence/abuse

  • Need support due to learning difficulties

  • Need support with their parenting skills

  • Are a vulnerable young person

To be offered a place, women must meet the requirements of our referral process, agree to the terms and conditions of the licence agreement and recognise that they need support.

We Accept

•  Women from the age of 16
•  Girls with their mothers
•  Boys up to the age of 10, with their mothers (we will consider boys up to the age of 12 on an individual basis)

We are unable to accept

•  Pets
•  Boys over the age of 12
•  Women who are using
non-prescribed substances*
•  Women who are on a
methadone programme*
•  Women who are
dependent upon alcohol*

* these clients may be eligible for our Recovery Support

Download the referral form here.

Other Services

Our services are offered to people from all backgrounds – regardless of age, ability, nationality, race, sexual orientation or religion. Families who need help can approach us directly or they can be referred by a third party – such as a Voluntary or Statutory Agency, General Practitioner, Health or Social Worker, Probation Officer or a Christian Organisation. We consider referrals of single and expectant mothers and women with no children.

Moving on

When residents move into their own accommodation, they remain part of the GNFC family and are still welcome to attend Community Drop-in groups, the Work Skills Projects and to see us at Charis House for company, friendship and advice.

Partnership working

GNFC works in a joined-up partnership with Social Care, Health and other statutory agencies, Local Housing, voluntary organisations and churches.

Referrals

Families may be referred by statutory and voluntary agencies – including Social Care and the Probation Service. We work in partnership with these agencies to achieve common goals. Download the referral form here.

Family Contact Centre

Charis House has a Contact Centre which is well equipped to provide a relaxed, safe and secure environment for parents and their children who are not currently living together.

Please contact a member of staff for more information on 01298 24761 or email us at mail@gnfc.org.uk.

If you wish to discuss a possible referral, please contact Hazel Guest or Johanna Collier by ringing: 01298 24761 or email us at mail@gnfc.org.uk

Enquire now