Parents

Hurdle is a service which helps parents who are at risk of, or who have already suffered, the removal of children from their care.

We know that if you have had social services involved or if you have suffered a child being removed from your care, this can be a very traumatic and scary time for you. We know that you may often feel alone and helpless. Hurdle are here to help and support you. Our service is designed to help you overcome the challenges you face, and help you to work towards a positive, healthy and empowered future.

Who do we help

Hurdle services are available to mothers and fathers in a 30-mile radius of Coventry who:

have left or are soon to leave an assessment programme at Dudley Lodge (or other Family Assessment Centre) with a child in their care, and think they might need support to make that transition back into the community;
are expecting a baby, but have been identified as ‘at risk’ of the baby removed from their care at birth; and/or
have suffered a loss of their child or children to the care system by Final Care Order and have no children in their care currently.

How does it work?

Hurdle is a free of charge service, and participation is entirely voluntary.

Support is usually offered for 6-12 months but can be extended in certain circumstances. The frequency and type of support will be based on your personal needs. Our expert staff and volunteers are empathetic, understanding and supportive. Above all, we do not judge.

You will be listened to, valued and respected, and what you tell us will be confidential.

Click here for our privacy statement.

What services do you offer?

Everything starts from the allocation of a Hurdle keyworker, who will:

Discuss what help and support you need.
Draw up a plan based on your goals and aspirations.
Support you through the programme.
Help you evaluate your progress and build on your achievement

Your Hurdle programme could include help tackling difficulties relating to confidence, self-esteem, life skills, previous trauma, mental health, substance abuse, poor education and employment opportunities, poverty, housing insecurity and isolation.

It might also include attending some of our group programmes, domestic abuse courses, or accessing counselling and therapy.

Making a Referral

You can either apply to Hurdle yourself, or be referred by an organisation, charity or care professional.

If you are a parent who wishes to apply for Hurdle support, you can email info@hurdle.org.uk or call 02476 502 800 to provide initial details, including the best way for us to contact you (by email or phone, and at what times).

Once we have received your request we will then get in touch for a discussion of your needs and to arrange an initial visit.

Please note, professionals wishing to make a referral on a parent’s behalf should see details on the Referral Partners page of this website.

Hurdle is run by Dudley Lodge, a UK registered charity and one of the leading Family Assessment Centres in England and Wales.

Support Form

By sending this form, you are confirming that you have read and understood the Privacy Notice and that you are consenting to Hurdle operating within Dudley Lodge (the company/charity) holding and processing your personal data.