Advice and
Information

Here are some websites and numbers you may find useful for advice on the range of issues included in the study. If you have any concerns about your or your child’s health and wellbeing, we recommend that you talk to your health visitor or GP. You can also find general health advice on the NHS website.

Advice and
Information

Here are some websites and numbers you may find useful for advice on the range of issues included in the study. If you have any concerns about your or your child’s health and wellbeing, we recommend that you talk to your health visitor or GP. You can also find general health advice on the NHS website.

Advice and Information

Here are some websites and numbers you may find useful for advice on the range of issues included in the study. If you have any concerns about your or your child’s health and wellbeing, we recommend that you talk to your health visitor or GP. You can also find general health advice on the NHS website.

General advice

Each local authority in England has an online Family Information Service, with local information and advice for parents. Search for “family information services [name of your local council]” or visit familyhubs.campaign.gov.uk to find family support and information in your local area, including:

 

  • Activities for babies, toddlers, young people, parents and carers
  • Support for parents and carers, such as with children’s health, care and development
  • Support with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Help with mental health, relationships, money, housing or family life

Parenting support – Action for Children. Action for Children protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support. Visit their website: www.actionforchildren.org.uk

 

Parenting support – Early Years Alliance. The Early Years Alliance website has information about the 30 hours funded early education entitlement plus Family Time Tips – free play ideas, and guidance on choosing an early years setting. Visit their website: www.eyalliance.org.uk/parents

 

Family Lives provides support for all elements of family life. Call the free helpline on 0808 800 2222 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm), or visit the website www.familylives.org.uk to find advice on parenting, health, development and wellbeing for children of all ages.

 

Home-Start helps families through sending trained volunteers to visit and offer compassionate support to parents. Find your local Home-Start here www.home-start.org.uk/find-your-nearest-home-start.

 

Gingerbread supports single parents via online resources, forums and local support groups. Find out more at www.gingerbread.org.uk.

Your child’s wellbeing and development

For advice on how to develop your child’s speech, reading and communication skills, please visit:

 

 

The NHS website (www.nhs.uk) has advice and information about a variety of topics, including feeding your child, looking after your child’s teeth, and tips to support your child’s sleep. You can find advice on young children’s development, and information on autism, developmental delay, or learning disabilities.

 

The Cry-sis helpline is available for those having trouble with a crying or sleepless baby on 08451 228 669 (7 days a week, 9am-10pm; calls cost 2p per minute plus standard network charge). Cry-sis also has resources on their website.

 

For advice and information about your child’s sleep, please see the tips on the NHS website.

Financial support

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can offer independent advice on a range of issues including housing, debt and consumer issues. You can find out more, including where your nearest CAB is, on the CAB website. To speak to someone about money issues, call CAB’s national phone service – Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.

 

Healthy Start provides financial support to buy healthy food, milk, and infant formula. Eligibility for the scheme includes pregnant women (at least 10 weeks into pregnancy) and families with a child under 4 years old claiming certain benefits. Visit NHS Healthy Start website to see if you qualify.

 

The Trussell Trust offers guidance for those in a financial crisis. Call the free helpline on 0808 208 2138 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). To find your local foodbank, visit the Trussell Trust website.

 

Childcare Choices is a government scheme offering parents help with childcare costs. Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what help you may be eligible for.

Smoking, alcohol and drug use

For help quitting smoking, the NHS provides guidance on its website, where you can also identify your local Stop Smoking Service. You can call the Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044 to speak to a trained advisor (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm).

 

Drinkaware offers help to anyone worried about their own or someone else’s drinking. Visit their website, call the free national alcohol helpline, Drinkline, on 0300 123 1110 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm), or use the online chat service, Drinkchat, on the website (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm).

 

Talk to FRANK offers free confidential advice on drugs and alcohol. You can email, text (on 82111), phone on 0300 123 6600 (24-hour helpline), or get advice via webchat on their website.

Safety and mental health

If you are concerned about domestic violence, please contact Refuge on the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247. Support for men can also be found by contacting ManKind on 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm), and those who identify as LGBT+ can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support.

 

Mind provides advice on a range of mental health problems, including the types of mental health problem; where to get help; medication and alternative treatments; and advocacy. Visit the MIND website or phone 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm, Mon–Fri).

 

Young Minds: For advice on children and young people’s mental health, please visit the Young Minds website, or call their Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544 (9.30am-4pm, Mon-Fri).

 

NHS Talking Therapies: You can access NHS talking therapies services for anxiety and depression. Visit the webpage: www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-NHS-talking-therapies-service/

 

The Samaritans provide confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Visit their website: https://www.samaritans/org, or call their freephone: 116 123 (24-hour helpline).

 

If you have any concerns about your or your child’s safety and mental health, we recommend that you talk to your health visitor or GP. You can also find general health advice on the NHS website.

Bereavement AND LOSS

Cruse Bereavement Support: provides support for all types of bereavement or grief.

Child Bereavement UK: families can find help to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

24 HOUR SUPPORT LINES

Samaritans: 116 123 (UK)

  • For anyone at anytime for any reason

Childline: 0800 1111

  • Support for 18yrs & under and their relatives

Key resources

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