NEW joined up teams are being introduced in mid and west Essex to give families earlier help when they need it most. They will be based in Chelmsford and Harlow and are of the Family Support and Protection service.

The teams bring together professionals from different services. These include mental health, drug and alcohol, domestic abuse support, education and housing.

Colleagues in these teams will work alongside existing social care teams. They will give joined-up support to families facing complex challenges.

Without the right help, these challenges can escalate and affect family stability. The teams will step in early to provide support and build on families’ existing strengths.

They will also focus on improving children’s education and raising aspirations.

This approach has already made a real difference in other parts of Essex. It has helped children remain with their families, supported some to return home and reduced the need for social care involvement.

In north Essex, this new approach has helped prevent 32 children from entering care. It has also supported five to return home and led to 172 social care cases being closed. This shows the impact of early, joined-up support. The new teams will build on this success.

The approach forms part of wider work to help families thrive, keep families together and improve outcomes.

Councillor Sue Truman, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “It’s important that families get the support they need early. These teams will bring services together to help children and their families feel safe, supported and able to reach their potential.”