Cornwall Family Information Service (FIS) Team Scoops National Award

Cornwall Family Information Service (FIS), a team within Cornwall Council, has scooped the prestigious ‘Best Directory’ accolade at the National Association of Family Information Services Awards 2024. The award recognises the team’s innovative and user-friendly website, which offers vital information, advice, and support for children and families across Cornwall.

A Year of Hard Work Recognised

Over the past year, the FIS team has redesigned and improved their Service Directory, which now features a wide range of resources, from family activities and attractions to crucial support services. The directory, available on the FIS website, serves as a comprehensive ‘front door’ for parents, carers, and young people seeking help with childcare, activities, or support for children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, praised the team’s achievement, saying:
“This national award is well deserved and testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic Family Information Service team.

“It makes me very proud that our staff continue to be recognised for the high-quality services they provide, all of which help to make Cornwall a brilliant place to be a child and grow up, which is one of the council’s top priorities.

“Well done to the FIS team for everything you do to improve the lives of parents, carers, children and families across our communities.”

Supporting Families Across Cornwall

The FIS team is part of the council’s Early Help Hub, a multi-disciplinary service that facilitates quick and easy access to child and family support. The directory is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and covers everything from funded childcare options to youth clubs and SEND support.

The service provides free, confidential, and impartial information to families with children aged 0-19 years, or up to 25 for those with disabilities.

Tiffany Kerr-Knight, Early Help Hub Coordinator and FIS Team Lead, shared her pride in the team’s efforts, saying:
“Winning this award makes me incredibly proud of my team and the hard work and commitment they put in to ensuring families, parents and parents-to-be in Cornwall have access to all the right support and information.

“We know there is always more that can be done to make our offer and services even better and we are determined to keep doing everything we can to ensure families are equipped to make the best choices.”

How to Access FIS Services

The FIS team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, offering support through email at fis@cornwall.gov.uk or by phone at 0800 587 8191. Visit the award-winning directory at www.fis.cornwall.gov.uk for more information.