Find help

Every one of us needs practical or emotional support from time to time. Whatever you’re going through, there is always someone to listen. Whether you need help with your own experiences of childhood or being a parent, or with anything else that is affecting you, a range of support is available.  

If you’re in crisis and need to talk right now, Samaritans will face it with you. They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free or find other ways to get in touch. 

Many families are experiencing financial pressures. If you are struggling, take a look at the financial support that may be available to you might help.

https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/cost-of-living-support-for-families/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/

Support for parents and carers

There are a range of professionals working in health, education and social care to support parents and carers. Sometimes it can feel hard to ask for help or to know who to turn to. If in doubt, talk to your GP, health visitor or midwife, who will be able to signpost you to services available locally. 

Whatever you are experiencing, charities across the UK are on hand with information and support. From opportunities to meet other parents, to specialist services and helplines, there is lots of support available.

• For support with all aspects of parenting - contact Family Action’s FamilyLine or Action for Children’s Parent Talk.

• Access information and self-care tools by downloading the Baby Buddy App. 

• Find your local Home-Start for support and social connection.

• Build a supportive local network through NCT’s free local activities and meet ups.

• Access support and advice services for single parents through Gingerbread.

• Develop a pregnancy and post birth wellbeing plan through Tommy’s.

• Find your local baby bank on the Little Village map. 

• Use the Hearts and Minds Partnership map to find local support for emotional wellbeing.

• Get support from the Association for Post Natal Illness.

• If you’re a Dad or a soon-to-be dad, you can find support from Future Men.

• Get support as a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) here.

Specialist support and helplines

• Get support for your own mental health - call the Mind helpline (0300 123 3393) or text “Shout” to 85258 if you feel that you are in crisis.

• Get support for you and your partner as a couple through Relate.

• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, Refuge is here to support you.

• If you’re an adult survivor of any form of child abuse, read information from NSPCC or contact the National Association for People Abused in Childhood

• Access free advice on maternity rights and parental rights through Maternity Action.

• Find guidance on financial support for families through Working Families.

Activities and ideas

Sometimes the quantity of information out there can seem overwhelming, so we’ve pulled together some of the websites and organisations which provide a great starting point for supporting children in their early years:

• Our Shaping Us Teaching Resource (downloadable file) contains key information about brain development, links to case studies written by experts and our film, Layla's Story.

• Tiny Happy People provides simple activities and play ideas to support young children’s communication and language skills.

• Create some Big Little Moments to help children grow and learn every day.

• Find fun and easy tips to support your child’s early development with NSPCC’s Look, Say, Sing, Play.

• Learn more about how to support your child to regulate their emotions and manage stress with Parenting for the Brain

• Take a look at Family Action’s Family Monsters project, which encourages us to face our monsters together.

• It’s Child’s Play provides quick and easy prompts to help parents and children chat, play, count, read and write together to support their development, both for school and beyond!

If you’re looking for inspiration on creating healthier and happier environments for children and families, take a look at the Child Friendly Cities Initiative or the toolkits and resources for employers developed by Working Families.

Volunteer your time, resource or expertise

A range of opportunities exist for making a difference to children and families through charity projects, fundraising or volunteering. However you’re able to support, every little helps.

Volunteering opportunities:

• Family Line volunteers are the first point of contact for parents and carers looking for support by phone, email and text messages.

• Home Start volunteers offer a range of support to families including home visiting, parent support groups and digital befriending. 

• NCT volunteers organise a range of activities that build local communities and boost parental wellbeing.

• Young Minds Parent Help line volunteers provide support to parents and carers worried about the mental health or emotional wellbeing of a child or young person from the ages of 0-25.

• Baby Banks provide essentials, including clothing, equipment and toys, to families with babies and young children in need of help. You can find a local baby bank to support here.

• Squirrels is the Scouts programme tailor-made for 4 and 5 year olds. It is designed to help early years children learn essential skills for life and is open to volunteers across the UK.

Alternatively, why not consider becoming a Trustee of a local or national charity, or volunteering your skills on a project? You can find a range of opportunities through Getting on Board or Reach Volunteering.