Overview of Our Family Support Service

Inspiring children, supporting families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.

At Aspire Foundation, we are committed to inspiring children and supporting families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. Through our 5 Children and Family Centres, we deliver a wide range of family support services designed to help children thrive and to empower parents and carers with the guidance, confidence, and practical tools they need. Our work forms part of the Early Help offer in Gloucestershire, which focuses on identifying challenges early and providing the right support at the right time.

We believe that every family deserves access to high‑quality, compassionate support. Whether you are experiencing difficulties, looking for advice, or simply want to connect with others in your community, our team is here to help. Our approach is warm, inclusive, and centred around the needs of each child and family.

What Early Help Means for Families

Early Help in Gloucestershire is about recognising when a child or family may need extra support and offering that help before challenges become more difficult to manage. This can include emotional wellbeing, behaviour, routines, relationships, or practical issues affecting family life. By working together with families, schools, health professionals, and community organisations, Early Help aims to prevent problems from escalating and to ensure children have the best possible start in life.

Aspire Foundation plays a key role in this local Early Help system. Our Family Support Workers, Community Family Workers, and centre‑based teams provide a wide range of support options, from one‑to‑one guidance to group activities and open access drop‑ins. Families can access support at any stage — whether they need a single conversation or ongoing help.

Our Approach to Supporting Families

Our family support service is built on a strength‑based, child‑centred approach. We recognise that every family is unique, and we work alongside parents and carers to understand their needs, celebrate their strengths, and agree goals together. We focus on:

• Listening without judgement

• Building trusting relationships

• Empowering families to make positive changes

• Working in partnership with other agencies

• Providing practical, realistic strategies

• Supporting children’s emotional and social development

Families tell us they value our warm, friendly environment and the reassurance of knowing that support is available when they need it.

Family Support Workers (FSWs)

Our Family Support Workers provide emotional and practical help for families experiencing a wide range of challenges. They work directly with children and parents, offering tailored support that reflects each family’s goals and circumstances.

FSWs can help with:

• Parenting support and guidance

• Behaviour, routines, and boundaries

• Emotional wellbeing

• Relationships and communication

• Signposting to specialist services

• Coordinating agencies around a family

• Direct work with children

Support is always agreed together, ensuring families feel involved, informed, and empowered. FSWs also run regular coffee & chat drop‑in sessions, giving parents and carers the chance to speak to a member of the team for advice, reassurance, or signposting without needing an appointment.

Community Family Workers (CFWs)

Our Community Family Workers support families with younger children, helping them build strong foundations in the early years. CFWs work both in the home and within our groups, offering practical advice on everyday challenges such as:

• Sleep and routines

• Toilet training

• Weaning and feeding

• Early child development

• Behaviour and emotional regulation

• Building positive parent‑child relationships

CFWs also encourage families to attend groups and activities at our Children and Family Centres, helping parents build confidence and connect with others in their community. Their support is friendly, accessible, and focused on helping children get the best start in life.