A Parent/Carer Guide to the Early Help Process
For us, safeguarding is about more than just responding to serious incidents when they occur – it is also about the continual work we do with families and other agencies to prevent concerns from escalating. One of the key ways we do this is through engagement with the Early Help process.
What Is Early Help?
'Early Help' means offering support for children, young people and families when a little bit of extra help is needed, but before difficulties reach a crisis point.
Many families experience challenges at different times. Often, support from everyday services such as school, a GP or health visitors is enough. Sometimes, however, families benefit from a more coordinated approach, where professionals work together to support the whole family.
Early Help brings services together to:
- Identify what is working well
- Understand what is worrying for the family
- Agree what support could help improve things
What Kind of Concerns Might Early Help Support?
Early Help can help with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing
- Difficulties attending school or changes in attendance
- Challenges with routines, boundaries or sleep
- Friendship issues or risk‑taking behaviour
- Health, mental health or wellbeing worries
- Housing or financial pressures
- Young carers and additional responsibilities at home
Support can range from a one‑off conversation and advice, to ongoing family or group support, depending on need.
How Can You Access Early Help?
There are two main routes into Early Help in Hampshire.
Route One: Families Ask for Support
Parents or carers can speak to a professional they already know and trust, including a member of the Safeguarding team at Brighton Hill.
Alternatively, families can contact Hampshire Children’s Services directly on 0300 555 1384, or explore local services via the Connect to Support Hampshire Page.
Route Two: A Request Is Made to Children’s Services
In some situations, another professional or service may make a request for support on your behalf because they are worried. This will usually be discussed with you first. If there are multiple or complex concerns, these are shared with the Early Help Hub to agree the most appropriate support.
What Is the Early Help Hub?
The Early Help Hub is a weekly, multi‑agency meeting where professionals:
- Consider requests for Early Help support
- Agree what help should be offered
- Decide who will act as the Early Help Coordinator
Families often tell us they value professionals sharing information appropriately, so they do not have to keep repeating the same story. The Early Help process supports this joined‑up approach.
Is Early Help the Same as Children’s Social Care?
No. Early Help is not child protection and does not mean social care intervention.
It is designed to:
- Build on family strengths
- Reduce stress and pressures early
- Prevent issues from escalating
Consent is always sought, and families are involved throughout the process unless there is a safeguarding concern that means professionals must act without consent to keep a child safe.
Would You Like Further Advice?
If you would like to discuss Early Help or share concerns about your child, please contact a member of our safeguarding team via safeguarding@bhcs.sfet.org.uk.