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The Ark Family Centre

Our services

At The Ark Family Resource Centre, we provide a range of supportive, inclusive services for children, young people and families in our community. our aim is to create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals feel valued , supported and able to thrive.

We understand that every family's journey is different. That's why our services are flexible, person-centered and designed to meet people where they are - offering guidance, encouragement and practical support when it's needed the most.

Our Outreach services are focused on supporting individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, crisis and challenging life situations. We provide compassionate, person-centered support to help people feel safer, more confident and better connected

Meet our outreach services manager

Our outreach support manager Claire plays a key role in supporting families and individuals across our community.

Claire leads our outreach work, ensuring that support is accessible, responsive and tailored to individual needs. Working closely with families, partner organisations and the wider community, they help build strong relationships and create opportunities for positive change

With a compassionate and approachable nature, Claire is committed to making sure everyone who connects with The Ark Family Resource Centre feels heard, respected and supported

My Experience and background

I have a strong background working with children , young people and families; alongside lived experience as a support worker. My outreach work is centered around supporting individuals experiencing domestic abuse, financial hardship and those facing complex and challenging life situations.

This has given me a deep understanding of the barriers people within our community can face when seeking help, including fear, isolation, low confidence and difficulty accessing the right support. i work in a trauma informed and compassionate way, ensuring individuals feel safe, listened to and respected at all times.

Through both my professional role and lived experience, i have developed a calm, non-judgmental and person centered approach. I understand the importance of building trust, working at each individual’s pace and empowering people to make choices that are right for them.

My focus is on providing practical and emotional support, helping individuals rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing and take positive steps towards a safer and more stable future. I am passionate about creating supportive environments where people feel heard, valued and able to move forward.

My qualifications and training

My professional development reflects both formal training and extensive hands-on experience supporting individuals and families within the community.

I have a background in health and social care, having studied through the Open University while working as a single parent, alongside earlier experience in hospital-based cancer care. this foundation has supported my understanding of both physical and emotional wellbeing.

I have completed specialist training across a range of organisations to ensure i can provide a safe, informed an effective support program, particularly in relation to domestic abuse and trauma. This includes training with Women’s aid, Refuge, the freedom Programme, Shelter, LGBT Foundation, mind, Respect, The Associations of Mental heath First Aiders, Cruse Bereavement Support and Safer Lives IDVA training.

My training supports my work in delivering trauma-informed, person centered support, with a strong focus on safeguarding, risk awareness and supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse.

Alongside this, i have developed significant practical experience through my work with The Ark Family resource Centre since 2008. This includes delivering outreach support in the home, running programmes for survivors, supporting behaviour change work, and acting as an IDVA for families and children who have experienced domestic abuse and trauma. 

I continue to build on my knowledge through ongoing learning, partnership working and community engagement to ensure the support we provide remains responsive, inclusive and effective

Our outreach services

Our outreach services are designed to support families in a way that is flexible, understanding and tailored in a way that is flexible, understanding and tailored to their individual circumstances.

We work alongside families to reduce isolation, build confidence and improve wellbeing. Whether through group activities, one-to-one support or community-based projects, we aim, to create positive experiences and meaningful connections.

Our current service provision includes the following

The Freedom Project

The Freedom Project supports women who have experienced domestic abuse to better understand their experiences and begin rebuilding confidence and independence. It provides a safe, supportive space to learn, reflect and move forward positively

'Helping hands'

Helping Hands supports children aged 7-12 to feel safe, heard and respected. Through engaging sessions, children learn about healthy relationships, communication, boundaries and how to stay sage, building confidence and emotional understanding in a supportive environment.

'Tides change'

Tides Change is a behaviour-change programme for individuals who want to build healthier, safer relationships. It supports people to understand their actions, take responsibility and develop more positive ways of responding.

1:1 support

Our one to one outreach support provides tailored, confidential support for individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse or difficult circumstances. We offer practical help, emotional support and guidance, working alongside each person at their own pace

Our community food bank

Our Community foodbank provides essential food and support to individuals and families facing hardship. We offer a welcoming, non-judgmental service, ensuring people have access to the basics when they need them most

Contact our Resource Centre

If you require any support, please contact us via the form below: