My Name is Leigh Braiden and I entered the post of Family Links Co-ordinator in June 2007. I am a past pupil of the school and a member of the local community so I am really enjoying this busy and rewarding position.

As part of the Full Service Extended Schools Pastoral Team I am the link between the pupils‘ families/community and the school. I am located in the newly opened Parenting Room where parents/community members are welcome to come for a cup of tea, get information or participate in an organised activity.

I organise the community programme in the school which currently consists of morning and evening classes, coffee mornings, health checks, health advice and a community newsletter. I also Chair the Model Voice, a group of individuals who have an interest in the development of the school and who meet regularly in the evenings.

In conjunction with the community programme I am here to support families on a one-to-one basis with any issues they may be experiencing. These do not have to be school related and include difficulties such as teenage rebellion, substance abuse, domestic violence, truanting, ill health, mental health issues and many more. If I am unable to provide adequate support then I refer the situation to the most appropriate service. This service has proven beneficial so far and is always carried out with the fullest sympathy and confidentiality.

If you have any questions about what support that can be provided through this service, or would like a chat about anything relating to the community programme, please do not hesitate to contact me through the Belfast Model School for Girls.