Birmingham Children’s Trust worked alongside Northamptonshire Children’s Trust to help establish its Family Group Connections service from the ground up, supporting the team in the critical early stages before the service went live.
Rather than offering a fixed model, the support was shaped around local need. This included practical tools, templates and examples to help staff understand what effective plans and documentation should look like in practice, alongside guidance on data collection, processes and preparation.
Just as importantly, it created space for learning and confidence-building through peer support, regular check-ins and opportunities to observe experienced teams in action. Coordinators were paired with peers, given access to weekly problem-solving sessions and supported to reflect on their work in a safe, constructive environment. This hands-on, collaborative approach helped staff quickly build assurance in what they were delivering and how they were delivering it.
Since launching in March 2025, the service has gone from strength to strength, with growing referrals, strong engagement from families and positive outcomes that keep children supported within their family networks. For Northamptonshire, the value of the partnership went beyond practical setup. It helped set clear standards from the outset, strengthened team confidence and created a foundation for a service that continues to grow.
For local authorities looking to introduce or strengthen family-led approaches, Birmingham Children’s Trust offers experience, credibility and the kind of practical support that makes lasting change possible.
How can we help?
If you feel a conversation would be helpful, please contact us, in confidence, via the email address below.
We welcome the opportunity to explore how we could support you.
- bctsupport@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk