Agency Managed

Christian Family Care is a Christian-based organisation that can trace its roots back over a century to the reforming social care movement of the 19^th century, but today it provides a wide range of front-line services in partnership with the Local Authority, to protect and support some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

It serves the whole community and makes no distinction between ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability.

Since receiving the "Investors in People" award in 1998 and having a recent successful re-assessment, the organisation continues to be recognised for its commitment to training and quality standards.

Work with vulnerable woman

Charis Mother and Baby Care provides a comprehensive support programme for its residents and is a joint project with Granta Housing Society in Cambridge.

Many of the women are young and all are vulnerable. For some, there is a real risk that without the necessary parenting skills, their new baby could be placed in the care of the Local Authority.

The task of the staff is to enable the women to bond with their babies and to develop the necessary parenting skills to provide a safe and healthy living environment for the future.

The staff work closely with the statutory agencies, including the Primary Care Trusts and Social Services and regularly participate in support plans and reviews.

With Supporting People funding, it has been possible to recruit a resettlement worker so that ongoing support can be provided for residents as they leave and move on to independent living.

Each of the projects of Christian Family Care receives annual funding from Bedfordshire County Council and Mid Beds District Council. The Bedford projects are also funded by Bedford Borough Council.