Online support for parents and carers

This list of support websites and apps is for you if you are worried about your mental health or for other adults you care about. A separate list is available for teens that you can use with your child as needed. If you are concerned about your own health or that of your child we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP.
 

The following organisations are also here to help you and all of them understand that sometimes being a parent is hard and extra help is needed. 
 

Looking after your mental health:

• The Blurt Foundation will email you regular updates to boost your mood
• Action for Happiness encourage you to find ways to stay positive and resilient
• Mind provides information on mental distress plus ideas for self-care
• Samaritans are there to listen if you are feeling overwhelmed
• Barnardo’s hosts the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Family Covid-19 Helpline (Telephone – 0800 151 2605) that also covers safety and wellbeing
• NHS Every Mind Matters has a range of wellbeing tips, a free mind plan programme to optimise your mental health, and advice if you are supporting other people
• The Mental Health Foundation has specific advice on protecting your mental health during a pandemic
• The British Army hosts a free 8-week online course in Mindfulness

Your physical health:

• NHS information on Coronavirus regularly updates on all you need to know about Covid-19
• Patient offers information on a range of health conditions, including a symptom checker
• NHS Livewell provides guidance on self-care topics including sleep, diet and exercise

Parenting advice:

• Family Lives have fact sheets and a helpline to assist with all areas of parenting
• Home Start provide parenting tips and mentoring
• CBeebies Grownups has lots of practical advice
• The NSPCC has tips on child safety and wellbeing plus ideas on how to communicate with your child
• The Prince’s Trust has a range of guides on topics including bereavement, parenting, relationships and disabilities alongside links to other support services and networks that can help young people and their parents
• City Mental Health Alliance have a toolkit for parents covering Mental health difficulties in children and young people
• Gov.UK’s information on safeguarding and social care explains ways in which your child or teen can be protected

Other practical support:

• Citizens Advice offers practical information about all aspects of your life
• National Debt Helpline can assist with financial worries, as can the Money Helper
• Foodbanks can assist if you currently cannot afford groceries or other household supplies. Find your nearest Foodbank here
• If alcohol is an issue for you or someone you care about there is non-judgemental advice from Club Soda and you can also speak to your GP in confidence
• Beat is a charity offering advice on eating issues, which may be affecting you or your child
• For those struggling with grief there is help available from Refuge In Grief and the Good Grief Trust

Your safety:

If you are concerned about domestic violence you can get support from the following organisations:

• National Domestic Violence Helpline (for women and children)
• Mankind (for men)
• Galop (for LGBTQ+)
• If you are in danger call 999. If you are not able to speak use the ‘Silent Solution‘ by pressing 55 when the operator answers or install and use the Bright Sky app.
• You can also ask for help at the pharmacy counter in Boots, Superdrug and Morrisons as part of the UK Says No More Campaign (more information and a safe space locator here).