We celebrate achievements and positive steps forward, no matter how big or small, and hope that families have a positive experience with us at the centre

Ellise Simpson, Deputy Manager

The Arun Hope Site & Surroundings

Arun Hope is located in Littlehampton, on the West Sussex Coast, offering easy access for families, visitors, staff and professionals. It is a large, welcoming house with space to support up to 6 families, with ensuite bedrooms, a large kitchen, lounges, communal gardens, and bespoke therapy rooms.

The centre is superbly placed for access to local amenities. We are within short walking distance from local rail and bus links, as well as a range of places of worship, health and wellbeing services, and parental support groups.

We know the importance of building and strengthening family relationships, and the small town of Littlehampton has a lot to offer. From the centre, families can easily visit the seafront and local River Arun, as well as the town’s many amenities – including the cinema, leisure centre, local parks and a whole array of shops and child-friendly cafes.

What We Offer

We are eager to ensure that service-users have the best possible experience at Arun Hope. We have made a number of commitments to deliver on this.

• Safety and security are paramount. The centre is staffed around the clock, and 24/7 CCTV coverage is in place in all communal and outside areas, as well as family bedrooms (contingent on assessed need) Each child’s bed or cot features a 24/7 baby monitor.
• Each family will receive weekly 1-to-1 therapeutic support and counselling from specialised professionals.
• Parents have access to a wide range of support, including practical skills such as budgeting, hygiene and household management, as well as learning being focused on child wellbeing and safety.
• Families can access evening support groups, for shared learning, social activities and a crucial sense of community.
• Clinical support is provided for staff. We know that the responsibilities of family assessment are challenging, and we want to ensure that our team is equipped and emotionally supported to do their job well.
• We are able to accommodate parents with a range of mental-health and complex needs. Our expert, multi-disciplinary team can adapt and tailor support to fit specific needs, whilst remaining within regulatory frameworks.
• We offer a Transition Pathway for appropriate families. This ‘step-down’ model partners families with suitably-skilled foster carers whilst at Arun Hope to support development. This relationship can continue in a foster placement and, when appropriate, independently in the community.
• We offer a laundry room to all families.

We aim to assess parent’s ability to care for their children using a fair, supportive and nurturing approach, which is both enabling and empowering.

Keshia Eaton, Senior Family Assessment Support Worker

Our Family Assessment Model

We assess each family on an individual basis, using a wide variety of tools to evaluate parents’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and levels of care. Much of this is based on the observation of parent-child behaviours, both within the centre and in the community.

We hold a license to undertake parenting assessments using both ParentAssess and PAMS 4.0 assessment models. Each assessment takes up to 12 weeks to complete, with an additional 2-week step-down phase, whilst compiling the final report. This period can also be extended, if necessary. As part of the assessment, we provide reports to the Local Authority and other relevant parties at the mid-point and conclusion of the assessment.

Clinical Support

Parents will benefit from weekly 1-to-1 clinical support and counselling. This covers a host of complex needs, such as mental health, substance-misuse, domestic violence, trauma and other presenting difficulties.

There are also opportunities for group clinical support to address child development, attachment issues and safeguarding, as well as more practical support around bedtimes and bath-times, health and hygiene, nutrition and household budgeting.

Therapeutic tools

Our professionals can employ several techniques to help parents recognise and address underlying problems. These include:              

• Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire
• IQ Assessments
• Conflict Scales
• Anxiety and Depression Assessment
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Shared Learning

Our team run an assortment of group workshops and activities to foster community and networks of support. Workshops focus on everything from food and nutrition, to basic care, setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships.

There is also plenty of time for more relaxed learning, with playgroups, baby massage and sign-language, ‘Rhyme Time’ and other rewarding sessions to aid bonding.

Make a Referral

If you wish to refer a family to Arun Hope, please email [email protected] or call 01903 946386. For all other queries, contact [email protected]