Support Services

What makes Cumbria Family Support different?
At Cumbria Family Support, we believe in the power of relationship-based working. Our team take the time to truly get to know each family, and our support is not time-limited in most cases. This commitment ensures that families receive the tailored assistance they need.

This is our core service, providing practical and accessible support to families in their own homes, by qualified and experienced staff and trained and experienced volunteers.

All support is tailor-made to meet the unique needs of each individual family, aiming to achieve positive outcomes for the children and the entire family.

Each family has a personalised plan of support which is developed from an initial assessment that identifies their specific needs and desired outcomes.

How to refer:

For Allerdale Referrals only:

We support families in Allerdale with at least one pre-school aged child. If there are older children in the family we may be able to support them too, if that will benefit the wider family.

If you would like to make a self-referral or a referral for a family you are working with, please contact Dan Nicholson, Family Support Coordinator for an initial discussion.

Our referral form and information for referrers leaflet can be downloaded here.

We also run playgroups in Northside and Flimby – further information can be found here.

For Carlisle Referrals only:

If you would like to make a self-referral or a referral for a family you are working with, please contact Dan Nicholson, Family Support Coordinator for an initial discussion.

Our referral form and information for referrers leaflet can be downloaded here.

For Eden Referrals only:

If you would like to make a self-referral or a referral for a family you are working with, please contact Sarah Procter, Family Support Coordinator for an initial discussion.

Our referral form and information for referrers leaflet can be downloaded here.

Come along to a playgroup, enjoy a brew and meet other parents with similar aged children while your child plays in a safe space.   Ask our friendly local staff Kirby and Shelbie for parenting advice.

• Flimby School 10A Ryehill Road, Maryport, CA15 8PJ,  Mondays 10am-11am (term-time only)
• Northside School Northside Road, Workington, CA14 1BZ, Tuesdays 1.30pm-3pm (term time only)
• Broughton Moor School – coming soon

Self-refer for home-based support

If you live in Broughton Moor, Flimby, Harriston or Northside, have at least one pre-school child and are struggling to manage, feel lonely or just need a listening ear from someone who understands, we might be able to help.  Our Family Support Workers and volunteers provide support in your home or local community. Speak to one of our staff at playgroup, ask school pastoral staff to make a referral, or contact our Family Support Coordinator Dan Nicholson.

We will then call you and if you like, arrange to come and see you at home to discuss how we can help.

If you are a professional wanting to refer a family with at least one pre-school aged child who need home-based support and are at Universal or Early Help levels our referral form can be downloaded here.

We are proud to be the only provider in Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness offering this free-of-charge service.

Our centres in Carlisle and Kendal provide a safe, friendly and neutral place for children to reconnect with their non-resident parent.

Carlisle and Kendal centres are accredited by the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC).

How to refer:
If you would like to make a self-referral or a referral for a family you are working with, our referral forms can be downloaded here.

From 1^st April 2026 Cumbria Family Support will be offering a counselling service for adults.

What is counselling?

It can help people to understand themselves better and work on current and future problems by exploring their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and life experiences.  This is in a safe, confidential space.

How does it work?

You and a counsellor will work together.  You will be supported as you find out more about yourself.  You can work on finding ways to cope or make positive changes to help your health and wellbeing.

How do I refer?

If you are over 18 you can self-refer to Cumbria Family Support by completing and submitting a counselling referral form.

We can offer up to 18 sessions (subject to 6 weekly reviews) at either our Penrith or Carlisle office (online sessions are available by agreement).

Our core offer includes:

• Family Links Nurturing Programme: Delivered in the family home and tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.
• Individual Work with Children: Providing children with the opportunity to talk about their worries, explore their wishes and feelings, and make sense of their particular situation.