This project will provide 350 families and young people in deprived areas of London a direct consultation and support by a trained counsellor to de-escalate family conflict that is increasing as a result of COVID-19 lockdown measures. Our service will be one of the rare support lines in the UK to offer callers direct immediate counselling to de-escalate conflict.
COVID-19 is a health and mental health risk that puts pressure on young people and support services as never before. BAME communities are suffering the health consequence of COVID-19 disproportionately and in unequal measure. There are a multitude of pressures on the social lives of children and young people: a rapidly evolving situation is disrupting family life. The inequality that was always with us is now becoming starkly present. This project will affect more than 350 vulnerable families.
FOCIS provides an opportunity to intervene and interrupt family crisis in the moment that the crisis erupts. Family members known to social services are provided with the number to call in a moment of crisis. In circumstances where COVID-19 amplified the difficulties to breaking point, staying together becomes more possible. Third party witnessing the crisis already helps to alleviate it. Direct counselling enables further family support needs to be identified and signposted.
The project will relieve pressure on 350 families allowing them to resolve conflicts and alleviate the mental health and relational pressures they are experiencing as a result of COVID-19 measures. This in turn will prevent mental health needs escalating further. Community will be stronger and more resilient as a result of the support afforded its most vulnerable members.
