Family and child support

Yvonne Markou-family and child support worker

Hello!

My name is Yvonne Markou and I am pleased to introduce myself as the Family Support Worker here at The Promise. I am able to offer practical support to the whole family to empower families to improve the short or long term problems they may face with a view to improving the outcomes for children and young people at school.

I have worked in schools as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant for 20 years supporting children to alleviate their barriers to learning and develop greater confidence, self-esteem and achievement.

I am mum to 17 year old twin boys and have experienced challenges along my parenting journey which enables me to see things from a parent’s point of view. I may not have all of the answers but I will endeavor to explore, gather and share information to best support you and offer a listening ear in a non judgmental way.

Our aim at The Promise School is to work in partnership with you –creating an open and positive relationship - at school we want to maximise each child and young person’s potential, despite the challenges they have experienced or are facing, by helping them to develop physically, flourish socially and educationally, preparing them for adult life.

If you think you could use a little support and guidance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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 Policies.

Please contact me at;

tel: 01837 510337 or 07720 159865

email: ymarkou@dmatschools.org.uk

What is Early Help?

Early Help is an early intervention from the Devon Children Safeguarding Partnership and is an approach that brings together people from a range of services and teams who will work with your whole family to help improve the situation for everyone. By identifying and building on your strengths as a family, Early Help can help and support you to find long term solutions as well as developing your skills to help you manage any future challenges.

As the Family Support Worker at The Promise, I will be known as your lead worker, be your main point of contact and will help you access the services that could make a positive difference.

If you would like to know more about how Early Help could help you, please ask for the DCFP’s Early Help leaflet, visit www.dcfp.org.uk/early-help or contact me at school where I will be happy to chat to you.

The information you and your family provide will only be shared with the people who need to know about it, and only with your permission.

How can I support you?

Wellbeing Information & Links:

DiAS (Devon Information Advice and Support) www.devonias.org.uk tel:01392383080

Provides information, advice and support on special
educational needs and disability (SEND)

Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership
www.devonscp.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing/

Offers support for the health and wellbeing of children and young people together with mental health advice and support for eating disorders, suicide and self-harm.

NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/

Provides a whole host of parenting advice from managing family life to specific child and adolescent concerns.

Devon School Nursing Service
www.healthforteens.co.uk/devon/ tel: 07520631722

Young people aged 11-19 who live in Devon can contact a school nurse for confidential advice and support via text.

Citizen’s Advice
www.citizensadvice.org.uk tel:0800 1448848

Offers advice and signposting to support on a range of issues - benefits, debt, money, work, consumer issues, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health.

Turn2Us

Getting Support Sometimes it can be difficult to access the relevant information and support when you need it, which is why Turn2us are dedicated to keeping their website up-to-date with the latest information on benefits and available charity grants. If you find yourself struggling to afford the essentials, be sure to check out their free and easy to use Benefits Calculator and Grant Search to ensure you are accessing all the financial support that’s available. To find out more go to:

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Get-Support

AUTISM

Ambitious About Autism: Ambitious about Autism | National charity for autistic children and young people

Autism & Us Programme: Autism and Us - Education and Families

Autism Education Trust: Autism Education Trust

National Autistic Society: National Autistic Society

NHS UK: Where to get autism support - NHS

Action For Children: Child autism, ADHD, neurodivergence diagnosis and support

ADHD & Autism.ORG: Home - Centre for ADHD and Autism Support

AFD Autism: North Devon Forum for Autism

ADHD

NHS UK: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Living with - NHS