The Department for Education funds 11 online and telephone helpline services to provide parents and families with free information, advice and guidance or intensive support on a wide range of topics. These include:
Further information and contact details are below.
Contact a Family provides training for a range of practitioners in children’s centres to recognise and respond to stresses faced by families with disabled children. Contact a Family is also providing a series of parent guides and workshops on relationship support and a package of online tools, support and resources. Helpline: freephone 0808 808 3555; open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm.
Coram Children’s Legal Centre - a free and confidential legal advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people.
A social networking site for any man in a fathering role. It offers support and advice from trained moderators, coaches and peers along with experts such as midwives and social workers.
Support and information for anyone parenting a child or teenager. A free-phone helpline, online chat and courses for parents. Also develops innovative projects.
Provides advice and information for parents, friends or relatives, and social workers who may be involved in a child’s life. All advice is free, confidential and independent. Helpline: freephone 0808 801 0366; open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Gingerbread provides relationship support for hard to reach parents to help mitigate the negative impact on children post separation. Gingerbread is also developing training materials for children’s centre staff to help identify and offer support to affected parents. The project will use peer support groups and newsletters to increase awareness and take up.
A family of local sites across the UK offering information and support on a range of issues from depression and domestic abuse to relationships and childcare
This website, provided by One Plus One, provides an innovative, do-it-yourself approach to improving relationships.
This website, provided by One Plus One, provides support to separating and separated parents.
This website provides a real-time online live chat service to support families. Experienced counsellors help people to explore any issues or concerns about their relationships.
Aimed at disadvantaged single parents managing difficult situations, with one-to-one expert advice and virtual learning courses.
Offers confidential online and free telephone information and advice support services for anyone worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to 25 years old. Helpline: freephone 0808 802 5544; open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm. Online live chat service open Monday to Friday 11am to 1pm.
