What The GAF is and who we Support!!

Family Support

01483 560003

gaf@guildfordaction.org.uk

Supported by The Guildford and Waverley Voluntary Grants Panel

Working with Families

The GAF (Guildford Action for Families) main aim is to support families with issues such as parenting, substance misuse, mental health challenges, housing issues and isolation. Over a year we receive more referrals than ever for families who are having difficulties in one of these areas.

Tuesday is a small group session day that focuses on Parent– Child attachment for invited/ referred parents. Bookings are taken for these by writing to the GAF manager.

Friday is a drop-in day for anyone wishing to attend and there is also a parenting course run.

On all other days the GAF gives one to one support in families own homes with Wednesdays being specifically to areas where there are families who would like support but cannot get to The GAF drop in sessions.

  • Health issues (child/ parent/ carer)
  • Loneliness
  • Social Excluded or isolated families
  • Housing problems/requirements
  • Benefits advice
  • Parenting Skill
  • Debt
  • Training/ Education/ Employment
  • Domestic Abuse

The GAF operates an open door policy, which is part of Guildford Actions non-judgemental ethos. This means any family can access advice and meet other families, which may be facing similar issues or have had in the past. This brings communities together and gives parents/ carers the chance to discuss issues and support at a pace that suits the family. There is no time limit on GAF support; we will support families as long as they wish to be engaged with the GAF.

Housing Support

Supported by Surrey Children’s Services

Providing Housing Support and Advice

The housing support scheme that operates from within the GAF provides practical help and advice for parents/ carers who may be experiencing a variety of difficulties. These could include:

  • Housing problems
  • Family/ relationship problems
  • Money/ Debt
  • Eviction
  • Conflict with neighbours or others

We try to enable clients to deal with their problems in a more pro-active and effective way. Although the primary focus is on housing issues, the services deal with clients holistically and have expertise in many areas of support.

How We Support Families

  • GAF Drop-in Sessions
  • Outreach to those who cannot access services at the Centre.
  • Advice and support, which gives families choices and opportunities. The GAF will walk with them through these options until they have the self-confidence and self-esteem to take these on themselves.
  • Advocacy at a range of meetings from court to visits to and from other specialist agencies.

There is a wide range of activities at the centre, including: art, self-development, cooking lessons, baby massage courses (children mental well-being), parenting skills and healthy eating. The GAF organises trips away during the school holidays to allow for the older children. We also have a store of children’s clothes and nursery equipment.

Referrals are accepted from all agencies (via a referral form addressed to the manager) and we actively encourage self-referrals. Our support is confidential and we do not disclose any information to the referee without first getting permission from the client.

The GAF Team

Sonya Sewell– GAF Manager Mobile Number: 07976015958

Trisha Stanton– Family Support Worker Mobile Number 07989558625

Donna Webb– Family Support Worker Mobile Number 07917148943

Carolyne Skilton– Family Support Worker Mobile Number 07917148942

Guildford Action For Families Office Landline:

01483 560003