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28 Sep 07Child And Family Book Scheme
Parents will be able to access advice and practical tips on coping with family life through a new book scheme in Poole libraries.
The Child and Family Book Scheme, being launched by Borough of Poole and the children's charity NCH 
(National Children's Homes), will give families access to a range of good quality self-help books through their local library.
The books will offer help on all aspects of family life, from pregnancy and coping with sleepless nights to potty training and toddler tantrums.
Childcare professionals have complied a list of 32 books which provide effective advice on parenting. Copies of the books, designed either to help parent or carers understand more about a particular issue or for parents to read along with their children, will be available at Poole libraries.
Health professionals, such as health visitors, school nurses and GPs, will be able to issue parents with a recommendation slip which parents can take to the local library to exchange for the book from the list. Parents do not have to be a member of a library to obtain the books.
John Lane, Library Services Manager, Culture and Community Learning, Borough of Poole, said: "Using self-help to resolve issues in a family can be satisfying and empowering, but making changes in family life takes effort. The Child and Family Book Scheme encourages families to understand the importance of good relationships and communication in dealing with any difficulties and help develop new skills to implement such changes."
Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "This is another great service offered by Borough of Poole libraries. This scheme has the potential to make a real difference to many families in Poole. The Child and Family Book Scheme is one of several initiatives for families planned by Borough of Poole over the coming year."
The development and roll-out of the scheme has been managed by Colin Matthews, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with Matthews Consulting, supported by Poole libraries and NCH.
Colin Matthews, of Matthews Consulting , said: "This scheme gives families the chance to access good quality help at a time when it is of most use to them and prevent a simple issue turning into a difficult problem."
Parents and professionals will be encouraged to give their feedback on the scheme as it develops.
For more information about the Child and Family Book Scheme, please contact Poole Parenting Pathfinder Project on 01202 853268 or email poole.parenting@nch.org.uk.
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