Yeovil4Family (Y4F) was initially a family support project set up in response to the fact that some families in our community are in need of additional support. Y4F was set up by churches in Yeovil who have a heart to see the tide of family breakdown turn in our town, to see children who are loved and cared for prosper and family relationships that are constructive instead of destructive and damaging. 

Y4F is hosted by Yeovil Community Church, who since 2012 have delivered a contracted support programme by providing Family Link Workers and Volunteer Family Mentors, (if appropriate) to work alongside isolated families in South Somerset. We walked alongside families and single people for up to a 12-month period and extended this Early Help support to surrounding towns and villages in what was formally known as the South Somerset District Council area (SSDC) 

This bespoke service offered one-to-one support around each family to enable them to take back control over their own lives – empowering and growing the skills needed to help themselves. Over the years we helped people to find solutions to the difficulties they were facing by building confidence and resilience to cope with future challenges. We linked them to the right services appropriate to their needs, whether it be health, school support, financial ETC, we helped advocate and empower. In addition to this we provided Peer Support Groups where shared experiences further grew connections and support networks for families in our community.  

In 2023 SSDC became a Unitary organisation, now known as Somerset Council. Unfortunately, our core funding from Somerset Council was cut making the Y4F programme unsustainable in its current format from April 2024. 

Being passionate about our community and the people living in it, we knew we wanted to continue the good work that Yeovil4family had started –  because there is always a need for family support. 

Due to the generosity we have received from Yeovil Community Church, and the good connections and relationships we have built with other agencies and professionals, we have been able to gain some initial start up funding. These funds have enabled us to remodel our programme to meet the need in the community based on Peer Support. Our Peer Support Groups will run from the Gateway initially with a long-term vision to branch back out into the surrounding communities. These Peer Groups will be facilitated by experienced and capable Link Workers, with specific focus groups, drop ins and other professional agencies joining us to meet the need of families. 

“Early help can prevent children from coming to harm. When families face problems, getting the right support, at the right time, is essential. It can be what stops a minor problem becoming a crisis…Stepping in as soon as problems arise helps provide safe and happy childhoods. It helps keep families together. And it means children and young people are better prepared as they enter adulthood.” – (www.actionforchildren.org.uk) 

Early Help represents families with universal and additional needs and is unlikely to be suitable for families who are needing much more complex and acute interventions. There are other services available for people who are not in the Early Help category, and we will try to signpost to a service better able to meet these needs. Nobody is exempt from facing challenges in their family lives and it can happen to anyone from any background at any time. There is no judgement in our groups, only the shared vision to help get the best outcome for you and your family, however that looks to you. 

What are the benefits of Peer Support Groups? 

Peer support facilitates shared experiences and brings together valuable ideas, strategies and encouragement. Knowing you are not alone when facing challenging issues can help you to feel accepted, valued and improve your confidence and resilience. Our groups are not only about receiving support but being able to transfer and share what you have learnt with your peers. Everyone’s experiences are important and giving back to someone else improves self-worth and is incredibly rewarding.  

Group settings are a way to build new social connections and improve your sense of belonging, they open you up to more experiences, people you may never have encountered in your daily life and gives you a greater sense of purpose. You can find comfort that your challenges can be managed, you are not on your own.