Bristol City Council has launched a virtual family hub that includes an e-learning package to support families with children.
It said the service is aimed at helping parents and carers to better understand their children’s feelings and how they can provide support as they grow.
The courses cover a range of topics including pregnancy and post-pregnancy support, advice for how to understand your child or teenager’s mental health, help for understanding relationships, and support for understanding children with additional needs.
There are also courses for teenagers to help them understand their mental health and feelings. These are all available in nine languages.
They have been developed by the Solihull Approach – an NHS body dealing with the emotional health and wellbeing of children – along with health experts and parents.
The move follows the opening of three physical family hubs in Bristol as part of the council’s children’s service.
Accessible help
Cllr Asher Craig, deputy mayor for children’s services, said: “We want to make sure that early help is easily accessible for all families in our city. The purpose of a family hub is to help people navigate the challenges they might face with confidence and provide any necessary help. A family hub is not an individual service – it is part of a whole system of support designed to help families thrive.”
He added: “This new online offer will complement the help and support that families can access in-person through the physical family hubs network – making sure that help is easily on hand to everyone in a way that works for them.”