Services And Support For ParentsRegistering your baby with a GPRegister your baby with your GP as early as possible in case you need their help. You can contact your GP at any time, whether it's for you or your child. If you move, register with a new GP close to you as soon as possible. If your baby is not yet registered with a GP but needs to see one, you can receive emergency treatment from any GP surgery. Find a GP
How your health visitor can helpA health visitor will usually visit you at home for the first time around 10 days after your baby is born. Until then you'll be cared for by local midwives. A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife who has had extra training. They're there to help you, your family and your new baby stay healthy. Your health visitor can visit you at home, or you can see them at your child health clinic, GP surgery or health centre, depending on where they're based. Talk to your health visitor if you're struggling with your mental health. They can give you advice and suggest where to find help. Read more about feeling depressed after childbirth. They may also be able to put you in touch with groups where you can meet other parents. Child health clinicsChild health clinics are run by health visitors and GPs. They offer regular baby health and development reviews and vaccinations. You can also talk about any problems to do with your child, but if your child is ill and likely to need treatment, see your GP. Some child health clinics also run parent and baby, breastfeeding, and peer support groups. ArraySure Start children's centresSure Start children's centres provide family health and support services, early learning, and full-day or temporary care for children from birth to 5 years. They also provide advice and information for parents on a range of issues, from parenting to training and employment opportunities. Some have special services for young parents. Find your local Sure Start Children's Centre on GOV.UK
Family Information ServiceFamily Information Service (FIS) aims to help you support your children by providing information for parents. Each FIS has close links with children's centres, Jobcentre Plus, schools, careers advisers, youth clubs and libraries. They offer information about local childcare services and availability, and can help if you need childcare for a child with a disability or special needs. You can find out if these services are available in your area by contacting your local council. Find your local council on GOV.UK
ArrayLocal advice centresAdvice centres are non-profit agencies that give advice on issues such as benefits and housing. You can search online for organisations such as: - Citizens Advice
- community law centres
- welfare rights offices
- housing aid centres
- neighbourhood centres
- community projects
To help you get the most out of services: - write down what you want to talk about and what information you can give that will be helpful
- tell the person you are talking to if you do not understand them - you could ask them to write down what they are saying
There may be support available if English is not your first language. Ask your health visitor what's available in your area. ArrayContact: for families with disabled childrenSupport, advice and information for parents with disabled children. Family LivesAn organisation providing immediate help from volunteer parent support workers. Family Rights GroupSupport for parents and other family members whose children are involved with or need social care services. Gingerbread: single parents, equal familiesHelp and advice on the issues that matter to lone parents. ArrayParent and baby groupsTo find out about local parent and baby groups: - ask your health visitor or GP
- look on noticeboards and for leaflets at your local child health clinic, health centre, GP's waiting room, children's centre, library, advice centre, supermarket or newsagent
- search on the internet, on social media or your local council's website
In some areas, there are groups that offer support to parents who share the same background and culture. Your health visitor may know whether there are any groups like these near you. Array |