Families First is aimed at families with children aged 5-18 and is run in partnership between Islington Council and charity Family Action. In the past families may have had to speak to lots of people in different organisations. Now they will have a single contact in their local area who can offer help on a range of issues such as money worries, housing, parenting, physical or mental health and support with staying in or finding employment. Families First will especially support disadvantaged families coping with a range of difficulties, helping them to keep family life on track.
Families First is funded by Islington Council through a Community Budget. Three locally based teams in Barnsbury and Finsbury, Highbury and Hornsey and Holloway and Canonbury, draw on the resources and expertise of professionals across the borough to offer one integrated package of intervention and support.
Families First will support any families that need help and particularly those with issues such as worklessness, debt, rent arrears or homelessness, depression, drug or alcohol problems and school attendance issues.
Families First is divided into three bases:
•Barnsbury and Finsbury Families First: St Lukes Community Centre,90,Central Street, Islington, EC1V 8AJ
•Highbury and Hornsey Families First: Holland Walk Area Housing Office, 85-88 Holland Walk, Islington, London N19 4XS
•Holloway and Canonbury Families First: 608 Holloway Road, London, N19 3PH
