Two new link workers will help families through difficult times (From Free Press Series)

Two new link workers will help families through difficult times

COMMUNITIES First projects in Pontypool have been given a financial injection of £200,000 from the Assembly.

The money means a new dedicated support scheme for children and families in Torfaen has been given the green light.

Torfaen Voluntary Alliance will be employing two 'school family links workers' on behalf of Communities First Partnerships for Trevethin, St Cadocs and Penygarn.

The workers will be based within the grounds of Penygarn Junior School and will help children and families with any problems they may have, ranging from health to education and skills.

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle welcomed the announcement, saying: "This is a superb initiative from Communities First in Trevethin, St Cadocs and Penygarn.

"By placing two dedicated workers into the local school community, it will help build up trust from parents and pupils alike - too often people do not know who to turn to when they need help.

These workers have the expertise to help on a range of issues, but they can also act as a gateway to a whole range of education, health and job development experts.

"By working in classrooms, out-of-school activities and through home visits the team will be able to build up a picture of how each individual parent and child can be supported. This will build on the work that many teachers do already."

Lisa Whittington, Communities First partnership co-ordinator for the area, said: "The new innovative project will seek to effect positive engagement between children, parents, schools and their community. This work will ensure there is an early intervention in children's lives to help families through difficult periods.