Help & resources
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 need immediate support
If you’re in crisis and need to talk right now, Samaritans will face it with you. They’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call 116 123 for free, or find other ways to get in touch.
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.
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.
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 Baby Banks Alliance 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. and Dadvengers.
- Get support as a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service).
- If you are family or friends who step up, often during an unexpected crisis, to care for a child when their parents aren’t able to, there is support. Find out more about about Kinship care.
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.
