Your comprehen
sive and
interactive guide
to useful
Contact us:
Family Information , Leicestershire County Council County Hall , Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA Helpline: 0116 305 6545 Email: [email protected] www.leics.gov.uk/family
This booklet provides an interactive guide to useful information
services and websites that the Family Information Service signpost to.
The booklet contains information on help services and the facilities
and assistance they offer, with active links to their websites.
Optional small tasks to complete within the guide will allow users to be more interactive, and offer the opportunity for viewers to familiarise themselves with the facilities they have access to.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and we do not endorse any one group or service.
If you can not find the information or service you need please contact the Family Information Service for further free, impartial and comprehensive advice.
Contents
ACE - The Advisory Centre for Education 3
Alcohol Concern 4
Child Law Advice Line 5
Connexions 6
Contact a Family Online/ Contact a Family Helpline 7
Parent Relationships 8
Dad Talk 9
Dad’s Team / Dad’s Space 10
Direct Gov 11
Family Planning Association 12
Family Rights Group Advice Service 13
HMRC 14
Live Talk (Relate SMS Service) 15
Lone Parent Helpline 16
National Childbirth Trust 17
Netmums Parent Supporters 18
NHS 19
NSPCC 20
One Space - Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) 21
Parentline 22
Young Minds 23
Talk to Frank 24
Useful Information Services - Directory 25
Local Information and Services 27
Common Assessment Framework 29
ACE – The Advisory
Centre for Education
www.ace-ed.org.uk Fin d th e A CE f oru m an d vi ew an is sue cur ren tly be ing di scu sse d.
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Clic k o n th e for um lin ks in th e p urp le b ox on the le ft h and sid e o f th e h om e p age .•
Scr oll d ow n th e p age an d cl ick on ‘ Go t o fo rum ’.•
Scr oll d ow n th e p age an d cl ick on blu e lin ks t o vi ew th e is sue s bein g d isc uss ed in the for um s.IT’
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The Advisory Centre for Education, or ACE, is a national state funded
organisation that provides advice for parents and carers of children
aged from 5 - 16 who are in state funded education.
ACE specialises in advice on subjects such as exclusion, school admission appeals, special educational needs and bullying.
Help provided by ACE includes:
•
Publications for parents, governors and LEA officers•
Training seminars for governors andeducation professionals
•
Quarterly magazine Ask ACEPublications can be purchased online, ordered by post and downloaded for free through the website.
Fin d th e A CE f oru m an d vi ew an is sue cur ren tly be ing di scu sse d.
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Clic k o n th e for um lin ks in th e p urp le b ox on the le ft h and sid e o f th e h om e p age .•
Scr oll d ow n th e p age an d cl ick on ‘ Go t o fo rum ’.•
Scr oll d ow n th e p age an d cl ick on blu e lin ks t o vi ew th e is sue s bein g d isc uss ed in the for um s.Alcohol Concern
www.alcoholconcern.org.ukAlcohol Concern is a national
agency concerned with incidents
of alcohol misuse. The main
aim of the service is to reduce
both the incidence and costs of
alcohol related harm to people
with alcohol related problems.
Aiming to increase the range
and quality of services available,
the service provides a mass of
information on the subject and
encourages national debate.
Their website contains information on alcohol and associated advice on issues such as consumption rates and cutting back.Alcohol concern does not operate a helpline but signposts to relevant authorities through website links and their service directory. Users can upload information and navigate the site to search for information and guidance. Projects include supporting alcohol treatment services and the NHS in an effort to tackle issues relating to public health, housing, children and families.
Alcohol Concern
for d In an elp H the it Vismat
ion fact a oad wnl do to ion sect
sh eet on
a e. oic ch our of y ic top
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Go to the ‘ Hel p a nd Inf orm ati on
’ p e to t th x a bo lue ge. e b epa th hom n in tiohe sec of t
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Clic k o n ‘ Fac t s hee ts abo ut a lco hol’ en. cre e s f th ft o le the on Clic
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k o n a fa ct s hee t ti tle of your ne d a an oad wnl do to ice cho w n. ope ill w een scr
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Fin d th e li nks fo r th eir lat est pre ss r ele ase s.
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T o fi nd the ne w p res s re lea ses cl ick on the blu e li nk fo und in th e g ree n top ped bo x in th e ce ntre of th e hom e p age .•
A n ew w ind ow w ill app ear on scr een .IT’
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Child Law Advice Line
www.childrenslegalcentre.com
The Child Law Advice Line is provided by The Children’s Legal Centre,
an independent national charity concerned with law affecting
children and young people.
The advice line ensures children, parents, carers and professionals have access to accurate information on child law and can access the support and services to which they are entitled to.
The Children’s Legal Centre publishes help guides and leaflets and produces the UK’s leading journal on children’s rights, child law and policy. All of their publications can be purchased online through their website.
Fin d th e jo b s ear ch in the Yo ung Peo ple ’s s ect ion an d v iew th e lo cal job va can cie s.
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Clic k o n th e o ran ge box fo r ‘You ng Peo ple ’.•
Cl ick on th e job s a nd tra ini ng lin k in the co lou red ba rs on the le ft o f the sc ree n.•
Scr oll dow n th e p age an d c lic k o n the ‘ job s’ lin k h igh lig hte d in bl ue.•
A scr een w ith ‘ Opp ort uni tie s’ a s its he adi ng will lo ad up.•
Cl ick on th e b lue lin ks.IT’
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Connexions
www.connexions-leics.orgThe connexions website offers extensive advice and guidance
covering a range of topics relating to young people between the ages
of 13-19. The website also offers advice and guidance for those with
special educational needs up to the age of 25.
Their easy to navigate website provides links and information on:
•
Jobs and learning•
The recruitment process•
Apprenticeship schemesAdvice to help parents and carers support their teenagers is also available, with signposting to local centres and information on advisors also being provided.
Contact a Family
Online / Contact
a Family Helpline
www.cafamily.org.uk Fin d t he A-Z of m edical res nd s a ion dit con
ear
ch a h on on ati orm inf
eal th iss ue es. ess lln or i
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Clic k o n th e med ical cti se on ati orm inf
on in
the top he at t re qua e s blu of n. ree sc the
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Clic k o n th e A-Zof s lin ion dit con
k in th
e age e p th of tre cen
.
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Vie w th e d esi
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Contact a Family provides
information, advice and support for
all families and carers of disabled
children. Their free phone helpline
is staffed by trained parent advisors
and covers issues such as:
• Welfare rights
• Education
• Short breaks
• Local services and local,
accessible support.
Contact a Family also producespublications such as newsletters, parent guides and research reports, helping parents to stay informed.
A guide to medical conditions and disability which contains information on over 1000 conditions is also accessible through the website. Details of support groups where available are also listed. A one to one support service is available offering practical and emotional support, through their Family Support Service, volunteer parent representatives and through local offices.
Parent Relationships
www.thecoupleconnection.net Vie w a n a nim ate d a rti cle on rel ati ons hip is sue s a nd exp eri ences. it o ck Che e ‘ n th k o Clic
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ut ’ b ox on the hom epa ge.
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Clic k o n li nks in th e c ent re of t he pag e to vie w a n a rti cle. rco lle ‘Ro
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ast er o f c han ge’ isan e. tur fea ed mat ani
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It is provided by One PlusOne, a relationships research organisation who investigates relationships and makes findings accessible to those interested in strengthening their relationships. The One Plus One website also provides statistics and research publications for practitioners and professionals.
This is a self help website providing information and resources to
parents who want to make a positive change to their relationship.
Dad Talk
www.dadtalk.co.uk
Dad Talk, ran by the Family Matters
Institute, promotes fatherhood and
all associated concerns through
its social networking website and
online forum.
Dad Talk aims to be a voice for dads, influencing and challenging society’s views whilst increasing men’s confidence in their fathering roles. Dad Talk champions the role of fathers and aims to provide a platform on which fathers can access and share information. Common concerns such as
holidays, entertainment, managing behaviour and discipline issues are all discussed. The website also offers links to parenting helpline services and websites.
Fol low th e fo rum lin ks a nd vie w re cen t D ad T alk di scu ssio ns.
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Clic k o n th e for um lin k in th e ye llo w b ox o n th e ri ght ha nd sid e o f th e sc ree n.•
Clic k o n th e lin ks t o vi ew a top ic d isc uss ion of yo ur c hoi ce.IT’
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Fin d in terv iew s o f th e fea tur ed fam ous D ads tal kin g a bou t th eir fat her hoo d e xpe rie nce s.
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Go to the Dad TV lin k in the ye llo w b ox on the le ft h and si de of the sc ree n.•
Clic k o n vid eo to vi ew con ten t.IT’
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The Dad’s Space website has been developed by AtticMedia, in partnership with Respect. The service is funded by Parent Know How, Department of Children, Schools and Families.
Information and advice ranges from supporting pregnant partners and dealing with premature births, to key growing up stages in children’s lives. All information is easy to read and written in engaging and lively text. The website contains a host of useful contact numbers and links to other resource sites, as well as details of competitions and events.
Dad’s Team / Dad’s Space
www.dads-space.com
Dad’s Space is an interactive website providing a mass of information
on parenting. All information and advice is based on and around the
personal experiences of parenting Dads.
Direct Gov
www.direct.gov.uk
The Direct Gov website allows easy access to a host of information and contacts. It is an official website for citizens delivered by the UK government. Information provided covers topics such as:
•
Education and learning•
Health•
Crime and law•
Travel and childcareThere is an A- Z of useful contacts including links and contact details of organisations. Vie w n ew s a nd inf orm ati on on rec ent go ver nm ent le d s che mes
. en cre e s f th p o e to th at und fo be can nk ’ li om sro New ‘ The
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und ern eat h th e o ran ge ban ner . ora n k o Clic
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nge lin ks to vi ew ar tic les of yo ur c hoi ce.IT’
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Vie w th e d em ons tra tio n o f th eir CD Ro m - a n ew ly ava ila ble re sou rce for th ose w ith le arn ing di ffic ult ies
. atio str mon de w a vie T o
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n o f th eir CD RO M re sou rce cl ick on th e li nk in the gr een bo x o f ‘ Lat est ’ n ew s.
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The FPA offers help through a range of different mediums and these include:
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Confidential helpline•
Range of publications•
Information courses•
Counselling serviceA library and information service ran by FPA holds information on topics such as contraception, sex, relationships and service provision. Access to the reference library is available by prior appointment. A question answering service is provided through their telephone enquiry service, and email and letter response. Fact sheets and journals are also available to view.
The family planning association is a UK sexual health charity.
Their main aim is to enable people in the UK to make informed
and healthy choices about sex and relationships.
Family Planning Association
Family Rights
Group Advice
Service
www.frg.org.uk
The Family Rights Group is a charity
based organisation that offers
advice and guidance to parents
and other family members whose
children are involved with, or require
social care services.
Family Rights Group promotes practices that assist children to be raised safely within their families. They campaign to ensure support is available to assist grandparents and other relatives who are raising children unable to live at home. They run a confidential telephone advice service.
The website allows access to view publications on relevant articles as well as an online shop service to purchase books, DVD’s and videos.
Vie w p ubl ica tio ns, DVD ’s a nd vid eos av aila ble to pu rch ase in th e onl ine sh op sect ion .
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Go t o th e onl ine sh op se ctio n in th e b lue bo x at th e to p ri ght han d si de o f th e h om e p age .•
Clic k o n th e o ran ge d rop do wn m enu an d cl ick on pub lica tio ns and se rvi ces .•
Scr oll d ow n th e p age to vie w th e it em s a vail abl e to pu rch ase .IT’
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HMRC
www.hmrc.gov.uk
The HMRC website provides information on issues such as Child Tax
Credits, Working Tax Credit and Child Benefit.
The website contains a Childcare Calculator allowing parents to check their eligibility to receive the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. Employers are also able to access information relating to the childcare element of the working tax credit and will then be able to provide support to employees.
A helpline service is available for questions and queries and a directory of specific contact numbers, addresses and emails are also accessible through the website.
Fin d th e d ire ctor y li st o f use ful co nta cts and nu mbe rs.
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Go to the ‘ Con tac t U s ’ lin k at t he top of th e s cre en in the gr een ba nne r.•
T o v iew co nta cts of yo ur cho ice cl ick on lin ks a s des ire d.IT’
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Live Talk
(Relate SMS service)
www.relateforparents.org.uk
Relate is the UK’s largest provider of relationship counselling. Their
website offers easy access, through links on their page, to an instant,
online messaging service aimed to directly help parents and parental
relationships.
Information sheets and links to other support pages are available throughout the website. Details of their contact number to find the nearest Relate centre or to make an appointment with Relate are available. Information about local services, specific problem advice or a non judgemental listening and chat service are all accessible through the website.
There are links to frequently asked questions on topics such as eating disorders, self harming and divorce. Facts and figures for reference are also listed on the website. The website also contains a section of jokes
and inspiring quotes for parents and families. kes jo and es uot e q r th fo rch Sea
sect ion to fi nd som e ‘f ood fo r tho ugh t’ o r a bi t o f in spi rat ion .
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Go to the ‘ Par ent ing su ppo rt and Ex tra s ’ se ctio n in th e ora nge bo x o n th e ri ght ha nd sid e o f th e h om e p age .•
Fin d th e ‘ Quo tes an d jo kes ’ lin k o n th e ri ght of sc ree n.•
Clic k to vi ew an d s cro ll d ow n th e p age .IT’
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Sea rch th e w ebs ite to fi nd the ir lat est pr ess re lea ses k o Clic
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n th e ‘ Pre ss ’ se cti on of t he site , hig hlig hte d in th e b lac k b ox and situ ate d u nde rne ath th e p ink ba nne r at t he top of th e s cre en. th on ick Cl•
e b lue lin ks to view nd s a cle rti t a cen re the pre ss rel eas es
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Lone Parent Helpline
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
The Lone Parent Helpline is provided by Gingerbread and One parent
Families. They are independent charities working to promote the
welfare of lone parents and their children. Their main aim is to ensure
those from one parent families do not suffer from poverty, social
isolation and social exclusion.
The Lone Parent Helpline provides free information on issues including:
•
Benefits and maintenance•
Education•
Childcare•
HolidaysSignposting to organisations and local groups is accessible through the helpline and website, while publications and resource packs are available to purchase through links on the website.
Do a p ost cod e s ear ch for ev ent s tak ing pl ace in yo ur l oca l a rea
. sea de tco pos a Do
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rch fo r lo cal ev ent s by ent erin g a po stc ode in th e b ox at th e to p c ent re of t he hom e pag e, j ust rig ht o f th e p ict
ure ge. pa the on
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National Childbirth Trust
www.nct.org.uk
Information available through the website includes signposting to local services and providers, support groups, activities and events.
The website includes an online shop selling products both for parents and children. Products for use during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are all available.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is the leading charity dealing
with pregnancy and early parenthood in the UK. The website covers
all aspects of maternity.
Vie w in for mat ion lis ted in th e ‘T hin gs to Do’ se ctio n o f t he web sit
e. ox ’ b ies vit cti al A ‘Loc ue bl the in on cti ’ se do to ngs Thi ‘ the to Go
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and vi ew th eir ‘T od ay’ s F eat ure s’.
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Netmums Parent Supporters
www.netmums.com
Netmums is a social networking website providing advice and
support for parents in the UK. Once registered visitors can access
a host of information on parenting and related issues.
A postcode search on the site helps to locate local sites and services as well as places to go, and activities that are on.
Online message boards allow parents to chat, sharing information and stories. Online book and toy reviews are also accessible.
Use th e h eal th enc ycl opa edi a to re sea rch an illn ess or di sor der .
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Go to the bl ue box on the le ft h and si de of t he scr een fo r th e ‘ Hea lth Enc ycl opa edi a ’ lin k.•
Bro wse he alth an d med ica l in for mat ion by clic kin g o n th e cor res pon din g hea lth sub jec ts or bod y p art s.IT’
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NHS
www.nhsdirect.nhs.ukThe NHS website provides a guide to all aspects of health, nutrition,
and exercise. The site has a health encyclopaedia, answers to
frequently asked questions and a range of advice and guidance
on health and lifestyle choices.
A self help guide and helpline aims to deliver reliable and accessible health information direct to the public 24 hours a day. Their aim is to enable patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and that of their families.
Links are available through the site to local services and an option to change the language is also available for accessibility.
Rea d a bou t t he opp ort uni tie s ava ila ble to ge t in vol ved w ith ev ent s or v olu nte eri ng.
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Go to the ‘ Get In vol ved ’ li nk und er t he gre en ban ner on th e h om epage. age e p n th dow oll Scr
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an d c lic k o n th e lin ks to rea d a bou t o ppo rtu niti es, eve nts or vo lun tee rin g a s d. ire desIT’
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NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.ukThe NSPCC aims to protect
children from cruelty, support
vulnerable families, raise
awareness of abuse and
campaign for changes to the law.
The NSPCC website lists details of useful contacts and includes information relating to their most recent campaigns. Latest news and press releases are accessible through the page. Tips and advice on parenting are available through online information leaflets and access to their family magazine.The site also contains links to local groups, services and professionals.
One Space – Single Parent Action
Network (SPAN)
www.onespace.org.uk Vie w th e a rti cle s o n c hild and pa ren tin g is sue s.•
Clic k o n li nks to ‘Inf orm atio n Li bra ry ’ o n the le ft h and si de of t he hom e p age .•
Clic k o n th e p ink lin ks i n the ne w sc ree n to vi ew art icl es o n c hild an d par ent ing is sue s.IT’
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The Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) is a website providing help
and information for single parents. Information is provided on all
stages of childcare and parenthood, ranging from pregnancy through
to teenagers.
Their online information library contains articles on issues relating to parenting after divorce and separation or on deciding to go it alone. Many more topics are also covered. A section on frequently asked questions and useful links, as well as an online maternity guide are also available.
The site also includes online groups, blogs, videos to view and the option of signing up to an email newsletter.
Parentline
www.parentlineplus.org.uk www.gotateenager.org.uk
Parentline plus is a national charity
working for those who parent
throughout the UK.
The website contains an extensive link list to other advisory services, communities and groups. A link to their daughter website www.gotateenager.org.uk is also available for advice particularly in relation to parents with teenagers. Message boards are accessible through both websites, as well as downloadable help publications.
Parentline also provides a telephone group service, where parents are able to discuss parenting issues with others who may be facing the same difficulties. Parents are able to use the service to pick up tips and share ideas. This service is ideal for those who can not, or who would prefer not to meet face to face.
Rea d th eir lat est Fr equ ent ly Ask ed Que sti ons .
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Scr oll dow n th e h om e pag e a nd go to the ir que stio ns a nd ans wer s sec tio n (f oun d in th e blu e b ox on the ce ntr e rig ht o f th e s cre en) .•
Fol low th e b lue lin ks t o rea d th e in for mat ion .IT’
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Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk Dow nlo ad an adv ice po dca st f rom the Yo ung pe opl e’s sect ion of th e web site on a top ic o f y our ch oic e.•
Go to the You ng Peo ple ’s se ctio n a nd clic k o n th e b lue ‘ Rea l li fe sto rie s ’ lin k (fo und at th e ri ght of th e sc ree n).•
Cl ick on th e fu rth er b lue lin ks on the le ft o f th e sc ree n to vie w.IT’
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Young Minds are a national charity aiming to improve the mental
health of all children and young people up to the age of 25.
Young Minds offer advice and training as well as campaigning to highlight mental health issues in the young. The Young Mind’s website contains information on common health concerns and the helpline number is easily accessible through the site.
Advice is available in audio download format and true life accounts of those affected by mental health issues can also be viewed on the website. Links to publications and hints for parents on a range of issues are also available.
Vie w th e c ont ent of dr ugs in the ‘U nde r th e M icr osc ope ’ sect ion of th e w ebs ite .
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Go to the ‘ Lat est St uff ’ b ox on the rig ht h and si de of the sc ree n.•
Cl ick on th e ‘ Und er t he Mic ros cop e ’ se ctio n.•
Wai t fo r th e s cre en to lo ad and cl ick on th e ‘Zoo m in ’ ic on. Fo llo w th e ins tru ctio ns t o v iew th e p ict ure s.IT’
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Talk To Frank
www.talktofrank.comThe Talk to Frank website
is both independently and
government funded. The site
provides a range of information
on drugs and related issues.
An A- Z guide of drugs is easily
accessible on the site providing
comprehensive information.
The site provides information both for parents and young people, users and non drug users. The site aims to provide as much information as possible to inform and instruct, with links available to frequently asked questions. Talk to Frank operates a 24 hour helpline and a question answering service ran through email and instant messenger. The site also includes a selection of true life stories written by those who have been affected by drugs and drug use.ACE
www.ace-ed.org.uk
General advice line 0808 800 5793
Exclusion advice line 020 7704 9822
Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm
Alcohol Concern
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Main office 020 7264 0510
National Drinkline
Helpline 0800 917 8282
Monday – Friday: 9am – 11pm
Saturday – Sunday: 6pm – 11pm
Child Law Advice Line
www.childrenslegalcentre.com
Helpline 0845 120 2948
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Connexions
www.connexions-leics.org Coalville 01530 812 231 Hinckley 01455 632 719 Leicester 0116 262 7254 Loughborough 01509 214 002 Melton / South Charnwood 01664 569 966 South Wigston 0116 277 8090Please note opening times vary from office to office.
Contact a Family Online
www.cafamily.org.uk
Helpline 0808 808 3555
Textphone 0808 808 3556
Office 020 7608 8700
Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm
The Couple Connection
www.thecoupleconnection.net www.oneplusone.org.uk
Main office 020 7553 9530
Dad Talk
www.dadtalk.co.uk
Dad’s Space / Dad’s Team
www.dads-space.com
Direct Gov
www.direct.gov.uk
Family Planning Association
www.fpa.org.uk
Helpline 0845 122 8690
Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm
Home-Start
www.home-start.org.uk
Helpline 0800 068 6368
For referral there needs to be a child under 5 years in the family.
Family Rights Group Advice
Service
www.frg.org.uk
Helpline 0800 731 1696
Textphone 18001 0800 731 1696
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12pm
1.30pm – 3.30pm
HMRC
www.hmrc.gov.uk
Helpline 0845 300 3900
Open 7 days, 8am – 8pm
Live Talk – Relate SMS
Service
www.relateforparents.org.uk www.relate.org.uk
Appointments / To find nearest Relate 0300 100 1234
Lone Parent Helpline
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Helpline 0800 018 5026
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday - late night 8pm
National Childbirth Trust
www.nct.org.uk
Netmums Parent
Supporters
www.netmums.comNHS
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Helpline 0845 46 47Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk
Helpline for adults 0808 800 5000
Helpline for children 0800 1111
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
One Space – Single Parent
Action Network (SPAN)
www.onespace.org.uk www.singleparents.org.uk
Parentline
www.parentlineplus.org.uk www.gotateenager.org.uk Helpline 0808 800 2222 Textphone 0800 783 67 83Open 24 hours, 7 days
Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk
Helpline 0800 018 2138
Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm
Wednesday late night: 6pm – 8pm
Talk to Frank
www.talktofrank.com
Helpline 0800 77 66 00
Textphone 0800 917 87 65
The Family Information Service provides information, advice and guidance for families who have children aged 0-19 years. We also support professionals who work with families. This is a list of local services that are available for families in Leicestershire.
Bridges Directory
Provides information on services available to parents and professionals. 0116 305 8727
[email protected] www.bridgesdirectory.org.uk Operational till 2010
CLASP
(Carers of Leicestershire Action Support Project)
Provide appropriate advice and
information to carers and their families. 0116 251 0999
www.claspthecarerscentre.org.uk
Home-Start
Provides local support for families who are under stress by providing volunteer help. For referral there needs to be a child under 5 years in the family. 0116 233 9955
[email protected] www.home-start.org.uk
Family Information Service
- Local Information & Services
CareFree Young Carers’
Services
Barnardo’s CareFree Project offers a wide range of practical and emotional support services to young carers in Leicester and Leicestershire. 0116 286 7182
[email protected] www.barnardos.org.uk
Family Action
Provides support on a range of issues for children young people and families. 0116 242 8450
www.family-action.org.uk
Laura Centre
Counselling services for families who have lost a child and for children and young people up to 25years who have lost a carer or parent.
0116 254 4341
[email protected] [email protected] www.thelauracentre.org.uk
Infoxchange
Provides information about various organisations and services relevant to disabled children and their families. 0116 223 2294/5
MOSAIC
(Services to disabled young people) Deliver information and services that disabled people want.
0116 251 5565 www.mosaic1898.co.uk
Menphys SOS
(Special Outreach Service)
Caring for local children and young people with disabilities and supporting the family.
0116 282 7225 [email protected] www.menphys.org.uk
British Red Cross Special
Needs Family Support Centre
Providing a range of family support services for disabled children and their families. Includes Advocacy, counselling / family therapy.
0116 271 0359
Relate
(Relationship counselling)
Relate provides relationship counselling and sex therapy as well as range of other relationship support services. Offices around the county.
0116 254 3011 [email protected]
www.relateleicestershire.org.uk
Domestic Violence
Provides support for men and women who have been affected by domestic violence.
0116 255 0004 [email protected] www.dvirp.co.uk
Leicestershire Drug &
Alcohol Action team
Provides information and support to people using drugs or alcohol. 0116 274 4210
Infolinx
A Community Information Website for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. 0116 305 7369
Positive activities
Activities website for young people www.activities4u.org
Leicestershire Villages
Information about the areas and settlements of Leicestershire and to get involved in activities both online and offline.
Common Assessment
Framework
The CAF is a tool to help practitioners identify, assess
and provide for additional support needs of a child,
young person or family at an early stage. It prompts
agencies to consider all needs, not just the needs that
an individual service or agency is most interested in.
The CAF working principle is that it is child-centred andempowering for families. Children and families should be actively involved in the process and form a part of the working partnership. When to do a CAF
The CAF helps to identify children with additional needs earlier before things reach crisis point, but does not lay down a blanket threshold at which a CAF must be completed. A CAF should be completed when there is an unmet need, consent has been given and it will help the child or young person to achieve one
or more of the Every Child Matters priority outcomes. To find out more information on
CAF please contact 0116 305 8727 or 0116 305 6545. Email [email protected] or [email protected]
Contact us:
Helpline: 0116 305 6545 Email: [email protected] Family InformationLeicestershire County Council County Hall, Glenfield Leicestershire, LE3 8RA www.leics.gov.uk/family
Children’s Centres are part of
Leicestershire’s Extended Services
programme. They offer access to a
wide range of services and activities
to improve outcomes for pre-school
aged children (0-5 years) and their
families, with a particular emphasis
on those who are disadvantaged.
Why are Children’s Centres needed? Children’s Centres give families easier access to information and support from a range of services including:• Health services
• District councils
• Voluntary organisations
• Job Centre Plus
• Family Outreach Workers
• Libraries
• Family Information Service
• Adult & Family Learning
What’s happening nationally and locally? The Government expects all families with pre-school aged children (0-5 years) have access to a Children’s Centre by 2010. The approach in Leicestershire is slightly different due to the large number of rural communities. There are some purpose built buildings in more populated areas but generally services are being developed so they can be taken into those more
Each Children’s Centre has a Co-ordinator who will consult closely with professionals, parents and families to organise specific, locality required services and activities. There will also be Family Outreach Workers based in each locality to offer accessible advice and guidance to parents on a one to one basis.
What will they offer?
Children’s Centres could offer:
• Stay and Play Sessions
• Breast feeding support
• Parenting courses
• Training and employment support
• Speech and language services
• Healthy eating advice
• Parenting support groups
• Ante-natal and post-natal support
• Parent and child reading sessions
These services could be offered either at the Children’s Centre or through other local venues.
When will they be open?
Services will be offered from 8.00am to 6.00pm at some Children’s Centres although each Centre will publicise its individual activities.
For further information please contact: The Leicestershire Family Information Service on: 0116 305 6545 (8.30am-5pm). Or log on to www.leics.gov.uk/
SureStart Children’s Centres
in Leicestershire
Leicestershire’s Family Information Service provides free and
impartial advice, guidance and information to families with
children aged 0-19 years.
In conjunction with their signposting service, the FIS provides advice and guidance on a range of different family related issues.
“Your one-stop-shop for
comprehensive advice and information”
Contact us:
Helpline: 0116 305 6545 Email: [email protected] Family Information , Leicestershire County Council County Hall , Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA
