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Family Assist Solent comes to parents’ aid this Christmas

Family Assist Solent offers practical advice on a range of issues for carers and guidance for expectant and new parents
Family Assist Solent offers practical advice on a range of issues for carers and guidance for expectant and new parents

Solent NHS Trust is urging families needing non-urgent support and advice this Christmas to visit its online portal, Family Assist Solent. Family Assist Solent offers practical advice on a range of issues, including physical ailments, mental health issues for carers and guidance for expectant and new parents. All content has been written or approved by local health professionals and is available at any time from a phone, tablet or PC.

Expectant or new parents are invited to register via their health visiting service, and anyone with a child under two can sign up by visiting the portal. Information is available online up to age 11 and is available to families living in Portsmouth and Southampton cities and on the Isle of Wight.

Registered users are sent key pieces of information by e-mail at the relevant stages throughout pregnancy and the different development stages of a child's life. Family Assist Solent supports parents by enabling them to reach out whenever they need help, often at a time when they are experiencing anxiety and sometimes exhaustion.

Sema Hussain, Health Visitor at Solent NHS Trust, said: “We know that being a first-time parent or expanding your family can feel daunting and worrying and that this is particularly the case during winter months. Christmas can bring added pressure to parents, and it is important that they know that support is available to them and other family members. Family Assist has been designed to give instant information and guidance from professionals in clear and reassuring ways.

“We also recognise that relatives and friends play critical roles in a parent’s support network and helping them remain connected to those nearest to them. Family Assist Solent enables users to invite these people into the portal, enabling them to join in the overall parenting journey.

“Whilst it is not designed to replace regular doctor’s appointments, and should not be used in an emergency, Family Assist Solent does offer the opportunity to improve care by providing discrete and accessible information and connection with services at the earliest opportunity.”

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.