Our providers have strong knowledge of services available in their local areas, including food banks, community groups, medical services and children’s services. Many hold up-to-date information about local support options and are able to signpost parents and carers through leaflets or, where more appropriate, discreetly by email. We encourage all providers to do this to help ensure that families are aware of, and able to access, the support they may need.

Safeguarding training is offered to all HAF providers and includes guidance on how and where to refer families for additional support. As part of this training, providers are shown where to find information about local services and agencies, including 'Bexley’s Effective Support for Children and Families' document, to which all settings are signposted to.

Information and links to key services in Bexley are also shared during our provider pre- and post-delivery meetings. We regularly pass on details of relevant initiatives and support services, including Early Help, local food banks, and agencies that support families with more complex needs.

Providers are also able to contact us directly if they need further guidance on where to signpost families or how to access specific training, such as first aid, food hygiene or Designated Safeguarding Lead training. In addition, we have developed a link with the Senior Public Health Practitioner within the council, who has gained a greater understanding of the HAF programme and how her team can support both the programme and our providers with effective signposting.