Independent Social Work Services
Why was Nexus created?
A Message From Our Director and Social Work Practice lead
Nexus Family Connect was created because families deserve better during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
As a social worker, we have spent many years working alongside children and parents where relationships have broken down, trust has been damaged, and contact arrangements are often filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Too often, we saw contact taking place in environments that felt cold, rushed, or purely procedural — places that kept people safe, but didn’t always help them feel supported.
We knew there had to be another way.
Nexus Family Connect was set up to offer a calm, respectful, child-focused space, where safety and compassion exist side by side. A place where children can feel secure, parents can feel treated with dignity, and professionals can feel confident that safeguarding is taken seriously.
At its heart, Nexus is about connection, not just contact. It’s about recognising that behind every referral is a child with feelings, a family with a history, and a situation that deserves careful, thoughtful handling.
Our Promise
At Nexus Family Connect, every family is approached with:
compassion, not judgement
structure, not rigidity
professionalism, not distance
Because when people feel safe , emotionally as well as physically , better outcomes become possible
We look forward to welcoming you
Sam and Laura
Meet Our Team
Sam Kelsall - Director of Social Work services at Nexus
About Me
I am a qualified and experienced Independent Social Worker, with a professional background in safeguarding, care proceedings, and family court work. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and families facing a wide range of challenges, including mental health difficulties, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and long-stan
About Me
I am a qualified and experienced Independent Social Worker, with a professional background in safeguarding, care proceedings, and family court work. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and families facing a wide range of challenges, including mental health difficulties, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and long-standing involvement with services.
My practice has always been guided by one core belief: families engage best when they feel respected, understood, and listened to.
I value clear boundaries, honest communication, and evidence-based practice, but I also believe that warmth, patience, and humanity matter just as much. Children and parents are not “cases”; they are people, often navigating incredibly complex and emotional situations.
Nexus Family Connect brings together my professional experience and my personal commitment to doing this work thoughtfully, ethically, and with care.
When not in work, I spend time with my children, partner and my two French bulldogs Reggie and Rocco; they are very mischievous!
Laura Cope - Social Work Practice Lead
Hello, I'm Laura!
I have been a qualified Social Worker for over 20 years and, throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children, young people and families in a variety of roles. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the challenges families can face, as well as the importance of listening, building
Hello, I'm Laura!
I have been a qualified Social Worker for over 20 years and, throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children, young people and families in a variety of roles. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the challenges families can face, as well as the importance of listening, building trust and working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.
I joined Nexus Family Connect because I am passionate about supporting families in a way that is compassionate, professional and always child-focused. I believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and heard, and I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where children and families feel comfortable during their time with us.
Outside of work, I am a proud mum to my two children and an even prouder grandma! I love spending quality time with my family and making special memories with my grandchild. At home, I live with my partner and our beautiful French Bulldog, Nellie, who certainly keeps us entertained.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me outdoors. I love exploring new places, going for walks and making the most of every opportunity to enjoy nature and spend time with the people I love.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting your family during your journey with Nexus Family Connect.
Hello Parent
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