2002 Depaul UK commissioned to deliver a young people’s homelessness mediation service, in Manchester, later renamed “Reconnect” 2004 Reconnect Liverpool launched and funded for 2 years 2005 Reconnect workers trained as SFSC facilitators by the REF and deliver 2 pilot programmes to parents of 15 and 16 year olds Reconnect funded for nearly 3 years by the Parenting Fund to deliver 12 SFSC courses across Manchester to parents of teenagers Oldham Reconnect launched 2009 In April Manchester Reconnect secures 2 years of funding from Children’s Services to continue delivering a further 7 SFSC courses 2009 In July funding for Manchester Reconnect’s mediation service ends 2011 Oldham Reconnect is funded for another year. The future of Manchester Reconnect is as yet unknown………

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES  Provide parents with specific information that will empower them with the courage and commitment to make changes  Assist parents in understanding, reviewing and utilising a “Process of Discipline”  Connect parents to the healthy aspects of their childhood  Present information within a “cultural framework”  Assist parents in building special relationships with their children that provide support and guidance  Decrease parental isolation by strengthening support networks

CHALLENGES  Recruitment: very time consuming; needs a coordinated effort from local authorities, schools, GPs and voluntary and community groups.  Retention: helped by good food, regular phone calls and “going the extra mile”.  Reaching men: male facilitators would help; “ neutral” venues; targeted advertising/promotion.  Stigma: getting away from the idea of “bad” parenting and shame and promoting the idea of lifelong learning instead  Costs: venue, refreshments, interpreters, travel, childcare. Advertising: think about where most of your referrals will come from before spending too much on glossy fliers.

“Parent quotes”