St Michael's Fellowship

We are a registered charity aiming to improve the lifechances of our most vulnerable children in our society by working with their parents. Families we support are at multiple disadvantage and parents' issues, such as poverty, mental ill health, learning difficulties, substance misuse and domestic violence precede parenthood. Half of mothers in residential parenting assessment have experienced abuse or neglect in their own childhood, nearly a third have spent time in care or accommodation. We look to break cycles of poverty and underachievement and sustain positive change. Without sustained, evidence based intervention, there is a very high likelihood of increased personal risk to parents, further pregnancies, and a new cycle of failure and trauma for the child. Covering London and the south east, we run residential and community parenting assessment services providing intensive intervention, teaching and support to assess parents' capacity for change. Outreach for young parents in Lambeth is through one to one, support groups for mothers and fathers, and peer education. The five catalysts for change, employed for years by St Michael's, are identified in the Troubled Families programme -- a dedicated worker, practical support, persistent and challenging approach, considering the whole family, common purpose and agreed agenda. St Michael's workers are able to establish a relationship based on trust and respect, challenging parents to reflect on their role and actions. Working with national bodies and researchers, we also seek to influence policy and practice for vulnerable families. Director Sue Pettigrew OBE was part of the reference group establishing the first National Minimum Standards for Residential Family Assessment Centres in 2002, having campaigned for years for appropriate registration for such vulnerable communities.