Early help Streatham Pilot Evaluation

Healthwatch Lambeth evaluated the Streatham Early Help Pilot, which tested a new partnership-based model of support for children, young people and families between June and October 2018. The pilot introduced locality action panels, dedicated advice and consultation, a whole-family assessment toolkit and a training programme for professionals. The evaluation found that the model improved partnership working across education, health, voluntary sector and council services, helping agencies share information, coordinate support more effectively and identify local resources for families at an earlier stage. 

The pilot was widely praised by participating professionals. Training and toolkit sessions improved confidence, knowledge and practice, while locality action panels helped practitioners discuss cases, access advice and develop stronger relationships with other services. Case audits showed improvements in multi-agency working, whole-family assessments, engagement with families and the use of community resources. Families generally received quicker access to support, and practitioners reported feeling better equipped to have difficult conversations and deliver meaningful interventions. 

There was also evidence that the pilot reduced referrals into statutory children's social care, with referral numbers during the pilot period falling compared with the same period in the previous year. Partners reported that families benefited from earlier intervention, more coordinated support and access to a wider range of services. However, the evaluation identified challenges including inconsistent engagement from some health services, limited involvement of fathers in assessments, varying understanding of thresholds for support, and missed opportunities to build the capacity of agencies where families declined formal Early Help involvement. 

Overall, the evaluation concluded that the Streatham Pilot successfully demonstrated a sustainable model for community-based early help. Key recommendations included expanding the approach borough-wide, strengthening community engagement, improving training and capacity building, increasing involvement from health partners, clarifying referral thresholds and developing opportunities for families to self-refer for support. The report concluded that the pilot had successfully strengthened local networks, improved professional practice and helped families access support before problems escalated.