Support network to help Ribble Valley parents
Thu 1st Jan 2009
PARENTS in the Ribble Valley will soon be offered additional help after the launch of a young person's support network.
On Thursday 22 January, Mayor of the Ribble Valley Councillor John Hill will launch Ribble Valley Parents in Partnership (PIP) to an audience of over 150 representatives from organisations who work with young people.
The campaign has been inspired by the work which is already taking place across the Borough and embraces the experience of people from a variety of organisations including Lancashire Constabulary, Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership, the Primary Care Trust, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and local schools, amongst many others.
Geographic Inspector Jenny Coulston said: “PIP is focussed around three key principles - Prevent, Support and Empower. It is about empowering parents and guardians by offering them information and support to help prevent harm caused to young people and reduce crime and anti social behaviour
“We found that we were all working separately and were not aware of what everyone had to offer. People who needed support were being passed around to different agencies. PIP has allowed us to bring it all together under one umbrella, helping us to share information whilst giving the public direct contact with the most appropriate agency.
“We recognise that this campaign is not just about tackling crime and disorder and figures show that anti social behaviour has reduced. PIP is all about offering young people opportunities and raising awareness of the support available."
”I hope that this new campaign will help us to achieve the very best for the young people of the Ribble Valley.”
David Morris added: “The CSP fully supports the Parents in Partnership initiative as it seeks to address a range of problems faced by young people and their families.
“We recognise that whilst the relevant agencies are already providing invaluable support to parents, PIP will act as a focal point for parents on the various types of information they need to help them in day-to-day parenting activities.”
Team Leader of Open Access Loz Lomax said: “The PIP project for the Young People’s Service is about offering young people somewhere to go, something to do and just as important, giving young people someone to talk to, either face to face, on line, via email www.whatnow.co.uk, text, 07786511111 or telephone, 0800 511111. These services are available 365 days per year between 10.00am and 10.00pm
“We also aim to raise awareness of the support available to both young people and their parents and guardians as well as amongst the different agencies.”
For further information about Ribble Valley PIP and how you can get involved or receive support locally, please contact PC Cath Towler on 01200 458734.