About the service, who can refer, who we support and how to make a referral
About the service
Bristol Best Start Family Hubs provide a welcoming, integrated offer of support for children, young people, and families. We work alongside partners to deliver early help, strengthen family resilience, and ensure children get the best possible start in life.
Who can refer
We accept referrals from a wide range of professionals working with children, young people, and families, including:
- Health professionals such as GPs, health visitors and midwives
- Education staff such as schools, early years settings and colleges
- Social care practitioners
- Youth and community workers
- Police and safeguarding partners
- Voluntary and community sector organisations
Who we support
We support families from pregnancy through to young people aged 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities).
We can offer support where there are emerging needs, including:
- Parenting challenges and family relationships
- Child development concerns
- Emotional wellbeing and behaviour
- School attendance or engagement
How to make a referral
Professionals can refer into the Family Hub service by filling in a referral form. This form is for general referrals into the service, one-to-one support, Navigator appointments and Early Help Link Worker support.
You must discuss the referral with the family and get consent before referring.
What Happens Next
Once we receive a referral:
- it will be reviewed and triaged by the Bristol Family Hub team
- the family will be contacted by the Family Hub team
- we may signpost to other services or coordinate a multi-agency response
- referrers will be kept informed of the outcome, where consent allows
Parenting Group Referrals
Find out about Family Hub parenting groups.
If you would like to refer someone directly to a parenting group, fill in the Parenting Expression of Interest Form.
You must discuss the referral with the family and get consent before referring.
Domestic Abuse Group Referrals
Bristol Family Hub runs Domestic Abuse groups including the Freedom Programme, Hope2Recovery and Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit to support parents or carers who have experienced domestic abuse.
To refer someone directly to a domestic abuse programme fill in the Domestic Abuse Group Referral Form.
You must discuss the referral with the family and get consent before referring.
Professionals Newsletter
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