Birmingham Children’s Partnership - Resources
Families are telling us about the many challenges they face, together with their concerns as a result of the after-effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
As partners across Birmingham we are connecting together to support families who want early help. These are conversations around initial help and support for things such as food, fuel, mental health and loneliness.
The following sectors are connecting together in 10 localities:
- community
- voluntary and faith sectors
- health, family support
- social work
- schools, education
- further education
- nurseries
- children’s centres
- health visitors
- GPs
- West Midlands Police
Ongoing support in 10 localities
Each area has a voluntary sector Locality Lead and staff from a range of services, see our list of the 10 Locality Leads.
The 10 Locality Leads have close relationships with partners and communities, so they can help the whole family.
Types of support
Support includes:
- family support
- advice and guidance, including linking to food banks
- connecting families to the professionals who can support them and coordinate the help
- supporting early help assessments - evidencing what the needs are, identifying the family strengths and finding the right solutions to support the journey of the family
- connecting families with local community resources to help families be independent and resilient within their communities
Family Connect
Some families need support from more than one professional. We no longer make referrals for early help, but connect and work together to support families, continuing to build relationships and supporting a range of needs of all family members.
To get support for a child, young people, or a family, complete the Family Connect Form for Professionals. Give as much detail as possible. This will enable us to understand the family needs and provide appropriate support from within the Early Help Partnership.
New Family Connect link available
From 28 November, there will be a single link for all Family Connect forms.
Old links will no longer work. If you have saved any previous links as favourites, remove them and update to the new link.
The new link gives access to all form types in one place.
Access the Family Connect form
Access the Birmingham Children’s Trust – Family Connect form
Family members
Select “as a parent, carer or family member”
Use this option if you are seeking advice or support.
Provide as much detail as possible.
Professionals
Select “as a professional on behalf of a family”
Use this option to request additional support for a child, young person or family.
Provide as much detail as possible.
If you cannot access the form, ask your IT administrator to adjust permissions or remove firewalls.
Barnardo’s ASD Specialist Support
Select “as a professional requesting Barnardo’s ASD specialist support”
Schools and partner organisations can now request support directly from Early Help commissioned services where a child, young person or family needs a specific intervention.
About the service
Barnardo’s Autism team provides direct support for children and young people with autism and their families.
Support focuses on:
- increasing understanding of autism
- helping families apply effective strategies
- tailored interventions, including 1 to 1 work with parents and children and young people
To help you complete the Family Connect Form, see the guidance and a sample completed form
Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
Vulnerable residents and families meet professionals from public services every day.
Making every contact count (MECC) is about using these interactions to be curious and see if there is anything else they can help with.
They provide advice and guidance for issues such as health, wellbeing, debt, housing, adaptations, environment and social needs.
From Birmingham with Love
For a simple list of universal early help that is available from partners for all families, visit our From Birmingham with Love webpage.
The information can be viewed online or downloaded as a flyer, available in different languages.
Government vision for early help
The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government have published a vision and toolkit for early help.
Download the Supporting Families: Early Help System guide from the GOV.UK website
Page last updated: 28 November 2025
