People across the borough can get involved through local community groups to help us shape the future of support for families.
What is Dudley Family Voices?
Dudley Family Voices is a group of parents and carers from across Dudley borough who, together, want to make services for children and young people the very best they can be - giving all borough children the chance to thrive.
They work with the local family hubs and other partners by having their say on what matters to them and their children, making sure services are constantly being reviewed and meeting the needs of our families.
Anyone who is passionate about children and family services in Dudley borough can get involved as much or as little as they like and it doesn’t matter what you have to say – good, bad or ugly – the group will listen and work together to find solutions.
Although the group is organised by Dudley Council it’s directed by its members.
How was the group established?
Each and every aspect of Dudley Family Voices, including its name, has been developed with the involvement of people and groups already supporting children and families in the area. The group is newly established, and still developing but includes:
- Dudley Council for Voluntary Services
- Real Mama Tribe
- Brierley Hill Babybank
- Home Start Dudley
- New Baby Network
- Mom’s Mindful Hub
- Local family hubs across Dudley borough
- Children and young people’s public health team
- Child Friendly Dudley
- And more!
What do the group want to achieve?
Partnership working - build on what’s already working well in Dudley. Invite, encourage and support all parents, carers and families to share their views and have their voices heard.
Flexibility - giving families the chance to share their views at different times, in different locations and in different ways. Whether someone has weeks to give or only minutes, their voices will be treated equally.
Continuous dialogue - a never-ending two-way conversation between services and families – working together, learning together and improving together.
And in everything that it does, Dudley Family Voices is committed to being:
- Bold and adventurous - never afraid to do things differently.
- Committed and curious - with genuine care, compassion and interest in each and every individual and their family.
- Open and inclusive - reflecting and representing the diversities in our communities.
How do I get involved?
There’s lots of ways parents, carers and families can get involved, they can give as little or as much time as works for them. Every voice is important to the group and all feedback will be used to help shape services for children and families. Here’s a few ways you could take part:
Attend our family-friendly workshops and activities
Our workshops will move around the borough, giving everyone the chance to take part in one local to them (or travel if they can!)
The next workshop is on Wednesday 27 November, 10.30am - 12noon at the local hub in Brierley Hill - 18 Parkes Street, Brierley Hill,
Dudley, DY5 3DY.
Everyone is welcome - children included! Book your place by calling the hub on 01384 813322 or by emailing childfriendly@dudley.gov.uk
Find out more about what happens at workshops below.
Sign up to be kept up to date
If you would like to receive updates on Dudley Family Voices including upcoming events and workshops email childfriendly@dudley.gov.uk with your name and include in the subject header: Sign up.
Become a formal panellist
If you’re interested in having a more involved role you could become a formal panellist. To find out more email childfriendly@dudley.gov.uk or have a chat with the manager at your local family hub.
Email us your thoughts
If you just want to get in touch and have a general chat with someone about Dudley Family Voices or to give us some feedback on services, email us at www.childfriendly@dudley.gov.uk or have a chat with your local hub manager.
* please note this group cannot deal with complaints.
What to expect at our next workshop
Wednesday 27 November, 10.30am - 12pm, local family hub in Brierley Hill
The workshop is an informal and family friendly session, open to everyone who wants to share their thoughts and ideas on how we can make Dudley borough the best possible place for our children and families to grow up.
Starting mid-morning, and finishing no later than 12 noon, the workshop will involve three simple activities, which we will work through together.
- We will create a 'wishing tree', sharing our wishes for the Dudley we want to see in the future.
- We will look at each one another's wishes, and discuss what our top priorities for action should be in Dudley over the next 12 months.
- We will take a closer look at some examples of the work going on in Dudley right now, offering our ideas, suggestions and feedback on what's working well, and what needs to change.
FAQs
Other ways to get involved
Dudley CVS (Council Voluntary Service)
Dudley CVS helps people to get more involved in their community, working with people who access health and care services and those who would like more support linking with services.
Telephone: 01384 573381
Email: info@dudleycvs.org.uk
Facebook: @CVS
Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP)
The Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) - is a team of people who provide feedback about their local maternity system. The panel includes maternity professionals (like midwives and doctors) and people with direct personal experience of the service, including women who have been pregnant and given birth and their family members.
Facebook: @MVP