Building strong families for the future

There is still time to apply to take part in the free Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities (SFSC) programme to learn the essential skills needed to raise children.

The ten-week course for people with children under 18, is open to parents who have volunteered to attend as well as those who have been referred by professionals.

The next programme, which still has spaces and runs on a Monday from 8 June to 10 August, covers many areas of parenting, including positive discipline, community involvement and cultural and spiritual awareness.

It will help parents explore how they can develop closer relationships with their children as well as focusing on how to manage anger, avoid violence and deal with situations that arise in family life.

The scheme also aims to put parents in touch with support services that are available within their local areas and decrease the sense of isolation that some families experience.

Jannet Hall, Brent Council's Youth Offending Service Manager, says: "This programme has been very well received every time we've run it.  The change we see in parents after taking part is fantastic - it really boosts their self-esteem and helps them with other areas of their life because bringing up children doesn't happen in isolation."

The course is being held at Chesterfield House, 9 Park Lane, Wembley, Middlesex, HAR 7AJ.  Sessions begin at 5 for 5.30pm and finish at 8.30pm and parents and carers are advised to attend all ten classes. To find out more, please Jannet Hall on 0208 937 3814.

Successful participants will be presented with a certificate of achievement. There is also a free creche available for people with young children and refreshments will be provided.