Is family support service social services?

[candleclub]

Hi, I've been signposted to family support services by a few professionals now over a concerning situation with my child and the wider family. What is family support services, are they social services? I've read the website but am none the wiser. I want to really understand what I'm doing by contacting them. I'm worried I'm calling in social services don't want to do that as it will make things worse. Any advice much appreciated please.

Don’t worry about social services - they don’t act when there’s need let alone when there isn’t. They are meant to be there to help and support. In any event, presumably if there is a safeguarding concern whoever signposted you would have reported it to social services anyway?

I used to be a FSW, they are early help and are there to support and signpost. This might be with school issues, finances, parenting programmes or housekeeping/organisation. The child/ren’s needs are at the heart of it all. You should find them non-judgemental and they can be really helpful in lots of situations.
Definitely not social care but can refer up if certain thresholds are met. There is a massive gap between early help and social care. I really wouldn’t worry and accept the help. It’s not mandatory and you can withdraw if you wish, social care would not automatically then be involved, only if serious concerns were noted and raised.

Thanks for your replies. That's helpful to know