Family therapy service launched in national pilot

The service, at the Family Hub in Penrith, is open to families from Monday

A new service providing therapy to families is launching in a county as part of a national pilot.

The Family Matters service, based at the Family Hub in Penrith, Cumbria, will be offering sessions from Monday.

It is part of a national pilot programme commissioned by the Department for Education to work with families who need therapeutic support.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it was one of six local authorities taking part in the scheme.

The service will offer a safe space for families to speak alongside a family therapist-in-training about any topic that worries them, including going to school, work, anxiety, and behavioural concerns.

It is based on Single Session Family Therapy, which is designed to tackle a particular issue and help out people in one session - although follow-ups are also available if needed.

Milorad Vasic, director of children's services at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "The Family Matters service is unique as it anticipates that families will only work with a therapist-in-training for one session.

"We're fortunate to have this opportunity to access it Westmorland and Furness and is already starting to make a difference for our families."

Up to four family members can attend a session, which lasts up to an hour.