In October 2025 our CEO, Rob Bruce, was presented with a certificate for the Dorothy Parkes Centre, recognising our membership of the Family Help Partnership in Sandwell.

The certificate was presented by Angel Lakha, Family Help Partnership Co-ordinator, at the Oldbury & Smethwick Community Network Meeting, at The Salvation Army in Oldbury.

The aim of the Family Help Partnership is to ensure that families, communities, universal and targeted services will all work together more effectively and efficiently, to help meet the needs of children and families by offering the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

The Partnership

• Crosses all sectors: membership is free and open to any school and local organisation supporting children and families in Sandwell. Currently close to 140 members.
• Can include … advice and advocacy groups, sports clubs, Children’s Centres, antenatal & health visits, pre-schools, uniformed groups, summer clubs, ‘stay and play’, parenting classes, arts and culture, youth groups, family support, mentoring, health awareness and advice, budgeting support, life skills etc.
• Member organisations sign up with a commitment to the Partnership Principles

How does the Partnership work?

• Themed yearly events e.g. Emotional Wellbeing offer for children and young people, Food and Finance, Multi Agency Working along with networking opportunities at town level where we explore challenges/gaps/showcase what works well
• Information sharing through e-bulletins (sign up available to all)
• Sandwell Family Life: www.sandwellfamilylife.info lists over 750 activities that are universal and accessible to all.
• Family Help Website: www.sandwellearlyhelp.info lists articles of interest, training opportunities, news stories, and a targeted support offer

The Dorothy Parkes Centre has a proud history of delivering projects supporting children, young people, and families and remains committed to providing continued support.

If you feel that there is a gap in provision or need some support in a particular area, please do get in touch with us via our feedback page.