Action In Rural Sussex

Children and Family ServicesChildren and Family Services

The Children's Outreach and Parents Extended Support service (COPES) is a project run by Action in rural Sussex. The project extends to all Local Authority schools working in East Sussex except those in the towns of Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Hastings.

COPES consists of a professional team of experienced, qualified outreach workers who offer support to children, young people and their families where they need it. This can be at school, at home and in the communities of East Sussex. All of our staff operate according to the General Social Care Council Standards: http://www.gscc.org.uk/

COPES is a family support project that offers tailored and non-stigmatising help to 5 -13 year olds and their families. It is designed to help improve social skills, emotional wellbeing and motivation to stay in school and has an impact on improving parenting capabilities and family well-being. This contributes significantly to reducing social exclusion.

The work with children uses play and a range of therapeutic techniques adapted for use at home and in school. Children and young people are assisted with issues such as managing feelings, behaviour, anger, bullying, peer relationships, transitions, bereavements, depression and other mental health issues.

Parents are assisted with boundary setting, understanding their child’s behaviour and feelings, emotional support and reinforcing strengths, developing child centred parenting techniques and how they can help with learning. Parents are also assisted with their own wellbeing and health and how to be more confident in relationships with schools, other agencies and their own communities.

Why does COPES do this?

  • We want every child to develop to their full potential;
  • We recognise that families go through tough and testing times;
  • We are committed to enhancing the resilience of children;
  • We are pleased to be committed to the ‘UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’

    • COPES supports by building on families' strengths, using solution-focused and resilience approaches that allow the child and parent to succeed.

    How to contact COPES

    The COPES administrator can guide you on all matters in relation to contacting and referring to COPES.

    Telephone: (01273) 407336

    E-mail: nicola.dudley@ruralsussex.org.uk

    Address: Sussex House, 212 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex. BN7 2NH

    Schools are the main conduit for our referrals:  if you think we can help please talk to the Head Teacher or SENCO at your child's school.  Issues may be identified by the school or through families or other agencies, who then talk to the school.  Please note that all referrals require the consent of the family concerned.

    The presenting issues are explored openly with the family and other agencies as appropriate, and work agreed.  Work may be done with the child, parent, parents and child, the family overall, or simply by supporting other agencies.

    Our funding allows us to offer the service free at the point of delivery.  We face a high demand for the service, and when fully subscribed we can offer additional services if paid for by, or on behalf of, the family.

    We do not operate an emergency service. If you need to speak to someone straight away please use one of the sites below:

    Childline Tel: 0800 1111 

    Domestic Violence Issues Tel: 0845 601 0777 / 01323 737294

    Parentline Plus Tel: 0808 800 2222 

    NSPCC  
    Advice for children, Tel: 0800 1111 Advice for adults, Tel: 0808 800 5000

    East Sussex Children’s Services Duty and Assessment Team

    For children and families in the Hastings and Rother Districts Tel: (01424) 724144.

    For Children and families in Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes Districts Tel: (01323) 747373. 

    West Sussex Children's Services Duty and Assessment Team: Tel:  01403 229900 

     

    Projects with this service:

    Parishes that received this service in 2007/08: