Kirklees Together

We have launched a new way for families in Kirklees to get the help and support they need.

The ‘Families Together Gateway’ brings together a wide range of information and support, including services which go all the way from pre-birth, through childhood and adolescence, and up to 25-years-old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Gateway is open to everyone and can be accessed easily, either by phone, in person or by filling in a simple online form.

It includes many areas, such as help with being a parent/carer, support with emotional health and wellbeing, activities in the local area, services for under-5s and information about learning and employment.

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet member for Education and Communities, said:

“Providing the earliest and best support to Kirklees families is very important to us.

“Families Together is all about accessing the right help at the right time and from the right place – that’s why we’re working with partner organisations, especially in the health sector, to ensure a broad and comprehensive offer.

“We’ve listened to the views of children, young people and families who told us they wanted an easy way to get help – it avoids being passed from one place to another and it means they only have to tell their story once.

“The Families Together Gateway is an important step forward – a new way of making requests so that people are helped at an early stage and their needs don’t become more serious. It brings better co-ordination, a smoother process and will make a real difference to so many of our families.”

After contacting the Gateway, people will be helped to access the best service for their situation. The Gateway can also be used by professionals who work with families.

There is a phone number which connects you with the team directly (01484 456823), or you can go to the web page for further details. You can also pay an in-person visit to one of four main Families Together buildings across Kirklees – these are located in Dewsbury Moor Children’s Centre, Birstall and Birkenshaw Children’s Centre, Slaithwaite Town Hall and the Chestnut Centre, Sheepridge.

For further details, please go to the Families Together Gateway page on the council website: Families Together – Advice and support for you and your family

Please note, if you have concerns about the safety of a child, please do not contact the Families Together Gateway – please report your concerns urgently to our safeguarding and social care teams on 01484 456848