Frontline Families believes that there has been a breakdown of family and family values over many decades. Many studies show that this has had a long term devastating effect on individuals and the community and manifests itself in many ways – bullying; eating disorders; mental health issues; mindless violence and criminality and the list goes on.

All sorts of factors can cause this from family separations and divorce; relocation; family ill-health; drug abuse; poor parenting; poor housing; poverty; death of a family member etc. etc. and the effect on the child can be seen in schools and in families throughout the UK and can remain with someone throughout their childhood into adulthood. We believe a good foundation is essential to build a rounded; confident; caring and ambitious child.

The recent riots in London, Birmingham and Manchester show how extreme the results can be. Of course, there are other factors to consider when looking for causes of behaviours such as this, but we believe that getting back to basics in family life will go a long way to promoting better communication and inclusion and a sense of community.

We have developed games and strategies to promote interaction and inclusion and are developing our website to direct people to valuable sources of information and practical help. We hope that by travelling round schools; nurseries and other groups, we can promote interaction and inclusion of those who might otherwise be excluded.

Through our counsellors and mentors, we offer a free confidential ‘space’ for an individual to explore their feelings. Those affected by the recent riots might want to email us (in confidence) to tell their story and explore their feelings of what happened around those terrifying and confusing days email: ineedhelp@frontlinefamilies.co.uk

Our website is fairly new and under construction as we write. Please visit the site again and watch our charity develop. With your help, we hope to make a difference. Select the DONATE option if you would like to make a donation to our work.