A new “one-stop shop” family service has been launched by Islington Council.

Families First has been created to combine the high number of family-related services the council offers.

The scheme will now help families with children between the ages of five and 18 who are having difficulties within their families, including money problems, housing, health issues and finding employment.

Elaine Sheppard, Families First manager for Islington, said: “It can still be hard for families to ask for help, and to get co-ordinated support. This is where we come in – this new service will work with families in their own community, providing the help they need for them and their children.”

The council’s executive member for children and young people, Cllr Richard Watts, said: “We want to help all children in Islington get the best start in life. One way we can do this is by tackling the number of Islington children growing up in poverty and workless households in the borough.

“It will now be much easier for local families to get the right type of support.”

Barnsbury and Finsbury Families First is based at St Luke’s Community Centre, Central Street, Finsbury; Highbury Families First at the Holland Walk Area Housing Office, Holland Walk, Archway, and Holloway and Canonbury Families First at Holloway Road, Upper Holloway.

Anyone who wants to get in touch can call 020 7527 4343 or email familiesfirst@islington.gov.uk.