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Below are a list of supports available to our families. Please let us know if you are needing support or needing help to access any of the supports below.
Lynn and Elspeth are Family Outreach Workers based in Dunbar. Their service aims to provide practical tailored support to families who need it within the home. Examples of things Lynn and Elspeth have helped families with are:
- Routines
- Behaviour
- Transitions
Families can self-refer by emailing: familiestogether@eastlothian.gov.uk or we can support you to refer.
Financial Support
Financial Support
Please let us know if your family would benefit from support which alleviates financial pressures, for some of our families this is due to short term circumstances and for others it is long term. We are often approached with support offers for families and we are always keen to offer this to those who would benefit. Examples include support with Christmas presents, financial support at Christmas and access to seasonal treats such as Easter Eggs and advent calendars.
East Lothian’s Children’s Speech and Language Therapy encourage families to get In touch with them if they have concerns about their child’s speech, language or communication. You can call them on 0131 446 4136 on Tuesdays between 1.30-4pm
Referrals to Health Professionals
Referrals to Health Professionals
Some families may wish to explore the possibility of working in collaboration with a health professional to support their young person. This might include:
- Speech and Language
- Occupational Therapy
- Physio
- Audiology
This is something that can be supported either by ourselves or via your health visitor.
Some parents or carers may wish to request a neurodevelopmental assessment with the Child Community Health (CCH) paediatricians to explore via a referral to the Single Point of Access. CCH ask that referrals are written by nursery in collaboration with families rather than by Health Visitors or doctor who will not know your child as well.
Please let us know if you need support with any of the above.
Raising Children with Confidence
Raising Children with Confidence
Amanda-Jane Knox (Deputy Head for Nursery) and Nichola Scott (Pupil Support Worker) are trained in delivering ‘Raising Children with Confidence’. This is a 6 week course for parents and carers aiming to give parents and carers the knowledge and tools to support their young people to grow up confident, secure and able to cope with life’s challenges. Please let us know if you would like to be considered for our next block.
Home Start train volunteers to provide befriending support to East Lothian families with at least one child under the age of 5 who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulties managing parenting. This can be for a variety of reasons. Support can include practical support and emotional advice. Families can self-refer by calling 01875 616066 or emailing admin@homestarteastlothian.co.uk
Please let us know if you would like us to do a referral on your behalf.
Dunbar Food Share is a community outreach initiative from Dunbar Parish Church run by volunteers. Local families requiring support to access food and toiletries. Please let us know if you would like us to refer you for support.
Dunbar ASN Community Collective was set up by parents in 2021 to create a community for children, and their families, with additional or complex needs in Dunbar and the surrounding areas. They are now a registered charity. You can join them in Dunbar library on the first 2 Fridays of the month between 9.30-11am. They also run activities for young people, plan days out for families and offer monthly inclusive family play sessions at West Barns Village Hall. You can read about more support offered by the charity at their website https://www.dunbarasncommunity.com/ and can contact them on dunbarasn@gmail.com
The Ridge is a wonderful local support to families. It aims to provide personalised and holistic support to local people to live well day to day through enabling access to community-led resources that can support them to meet their financial needs, participate in social life, access employment and learn fundamental life skills, eg. budgeting, cooking and nutrition, adopt healthier habits and effective coping strategies. If you think they could help you why not pop in and see them on the High Street or contact them at info@the-ridge.org.uk or call 01368 865 888
Best Start Grants
Best Start Grants
There are 2 grants you may be entitled to apply for during your child’s time at nursery. If you, or your partner, have applied for or receive one of the following benefits you are likely to be eligible - Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Early Learning Payment (child aged between 2 years and 3 years 6 months)
Successful applicants get £314.45 to help with the costs of early learning such as clothes, toys and trips. You can get the payment when your child is aged between 2 years old and 3 years and 6 months old.
- School Age Payment
Successful applicants get £314.45 to help with the costs of preparing for school when your child is of age for school. You should still apply the year your child is old enough for school even if you are taking up an Advantage Year.
You will get this automatically if you are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment
How to know when to apply
Apply for both grants at:
https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/how-to-apply
Elspeth and Lynn at Families Together are happy to support families to apply to grants should they need help. They are based in the library on the first two Fridays of the month from 9.30-11am.
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