Community
At Grace Academy we believe in developing a strong sense of community spirit and frequently feature in the local newspaper for recognition of community engagement. We provide opportunities for students to engage in various community projects throughout the year. Such events include community gardening, Age UK, food bank, in addition to supporting a variety of charities each year by fundraising in many creative ways.
Similarly, on occasion, we have opportunities to engage adult volunteers. If you are interested in supporting your community or if you have ideas for local community initiatives that our families could get behind, chat it through with our Family Support Workers.
Advocacy
A major stress for many families is understanding what is required of them when talking or writing to authorities and/or organisations which are there to help you. It’s a huge support to have a familiar and friendly face alongside you at such times, especially in stressful meetings. We are happy to meet to support with paperwork, then go along with you, as needed, to ensure all your points are clearly communicated. However, we are not legally qualified and cannot give you legal advice.
https://citizensadvicesandwell-walsall.org/
https://ablewelladvice.org.uk/
Health & Wellbeing
A healthy lifestyle and positive wellbeing enable us to embrace life and look forward to the future. It is achieved through making positive lifestyle choices that impact our behaviours and attitudes.
As Family Support Workers, we recognise that when these things are not in balance our emotional, mental, social and physical health can be impaired. We are therefore available to help and support parents seeking balance in their lives or we can give information and guidance on local sources that are available.
https://www.healthwatchwalsall.co.uk/find-services
Education
Here at Grace Academy our family support service offers a whole family approach to learning. Speak to our Family Support Worker if there is a subject you would particularly like considered, such as ‘Helping Families to Budget for Healthy Eating’, ‘Computer Skills’, ‘Reading’, ‘How to help my child with Maths Homework’, or ‘How to mend your bicycle’.
Relationships
Here at Grace Academy, we understand that each family is unique and is made up of different people, with different needs, ideas and ways of behaving. Families can be a source of support, encouragement, and love but sometimes relationships within families are put under strain.
Our Family Support Workers are here to support you whatever the reason when life is tough, or we can connect you to the right people who can help you.
Housing
Everyone needs a safe place to live but you may at some point find yourself with a housing crisis, this may be unexpected or planned. The worst-case scenario is finding yourself homeless or threatened with eviction. Our Family Support Worker can support you through this if you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn.
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/homelessness
https://england.shelter.org.uk/
Fun
At Grace Academy we understand the importance of having quality family time together and therefore have developed a fun program of affordable family events. These events include family fun day trips, family summer fairs, academy productions and also movie nights. The program is available to all Grace Academy families and wider local community. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming events.
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/holiday-activities-programme-haf
Parenting
Parenting can be a tough job, but we are here to support you. There are many issues that can influence your relationship with your child. These can be simple things such as friendship groups or more complex issues such as drug misuse. Direct support is offered to parents through the Triple P Positive Parenting Programme. The programme runs for 4 weeks and builds on what you already know as a parent and can help you to find more positive ways of dealing with challenging behaviour. Look out on Social media and e-mails for the next available course.
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/early-help/early-help-parents/parenting-support
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/children-and-young-people
Money
We all need money to live, and this can be a huge source of stress for families, particularly with the cost of living now in the UK. Debt is a huge issue today and can really impact on your quality of life and relationships. There are organisations that can support with debt issues including budgeting and paying off existing debt. Maybe you have trouble managing money and paying bills on time. Your local Credit Union is a great place to get help with this, they will also encourage you to save. You may find yourself out of work or unable to work, we can support you with benefit claims. Together we can find out what benefits you are entitled to claim and support with paperwork. We can help with things like food, so that you can feed yourself and your family during this period.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/