Families' House is dedicated to creating a better life for vulnerable children and their families.

To create a brighter future for families in Norwich and Norfolk by supporting them with the difficulties they are facing. We all know how challenging family life can be, however, when you have issues such as poverty, disability, isolation, mental health, debt and children with special needs you need a bit of extra support. Families' House is here to offer that hand of friendship whilst offering practical advice so you know who to turn to for help.

Why the community needs this charity

Families' House aims to build happier, healthier and more stable communities by supporting our neighbouring vulnerable families. We want to support parents in becoming more active participants in their local communities and to support their children in positively contributing to their neighbourhood.

Results and outcomes

Children are able to build relationships with family members with whom they had lost contact. Parents are better equipped to deal with future difficulties so families are more stable. Parents are more involved in their local communities or are more able to access education, training and employment. Children feel better supported by their parents and can achieve better inside and outside school.

Latest activities and projects

School Holiday Family Activities

We provide one or two activities per week during school holidays for families to enjoy together. These can include anything from trips to the beach during the summer holidays to first aid for families, puppet making and trips to the circus. These activities are funded by donations from charitable trusts and very generous individuals. read more

Parent Support Group for Parents of Children with Diagnosed Behavioural Disorder

Parents are referred to our Parent Support Group and can attend on a fortnightly basis to gain support, professional advice and tips from other parents on how to deal with the challenging behaviour their children exhibit. Attendance of the group is free. read more

Volunteer Befriending Service

Volunteers are trained and CRB checks are gained before they are placed with a family to support. Volunteers visit the parent in the home and offer support with issues that the family is facing, providing reassurance, support and friendship where needed. Volunteers will visit on a weekly basis (for 2-3 hours) and assist with attending appointments, financial issues, practical tips such as setting boundaries and positive parenting, and emotional support.  read more

Supervised Contact for children who cannot see their parents

Parents, who have lost contact with their children, go through the courts to obtain contact with their children. These family members are then referred to Families' House where we work with family members to understand the difficulties around contact. We offer a safe, friendly environment for children to have fun experiences with their lost family members and work to build relationships between the parents so that contact between the child and his/her parent can continue in the future. read more

Parenting Support Weekly Drop-in for one-to-one advice and peer support

This project allows any parent who needs support, on any issue related to raising their family, to gain professional advice as and when they need it. Other parents offer peer support in addition. Parents can just "drop-in" to our Friday coffee morning (10am - 12 noon)whenever they choose and gain advice and support for free. read more