If you know of any other information which might be useful for parents/carers, please e-mail to: sue.earnshaw@lancashire.gov.uk

Also, let Sue know if any of the following details are out of date.

Useful Local links for Parents:

Local Information

Everything from today's weather, what's on and travel info. to local NHS resources and private counsellors. www.virtual-lancaster.net

Healthy Schools Website:
www.lhsp.org.uk

Babymaze:
An on-line guide for parents to be and families with young children based in the Lancaster & Morecambe area. Information on individual Children's Centres in the Lancaster & Morecambe District Children's Centres. Sure Start Children's Centres support children aged 0-5 years and their families. They offer a range of services/groups/courses based on
individual and community need.
Advice, support & guidance covering:
o Parenting
o Antenatal and post natal, breast feeding
o Multiple births
o Speech and language
o Additional needs
o Child minding
o Promoting physical and emotional wellbeing
www.babymaze.co.uk/homepage.asp

Lancashire County Council
Information on the range of services can be found by using the website; email or phone numbers below: TEL: 0845 053 0000
enquiries@lancashire.gov.uk
www.lancashire.go.uk/education/childrenstrusts/

Public Services all in one place:
www.direct.gov.uk

Dept. for Education:
www.education.gov.uk

Family Information Service (FIS):
FIS can help with advice on...
Childcare and things to do:
o Nurseries
o Preschools/playgroups
o Childminders
o Out of school clubs
o Holiday playschemes
o Sport and leisure clubs
o Family leisure activities
o Parent and toddler groups
Where to go for information about:
o Parenting
o Schools and colleges
o Health
o Legal issues
o Special and additional needs
o Housing
o Keeping your children safe
o Tax credits and other money matters
TEL: 0800 195 0137

Search for childcare by name or postcode:
www.childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/

Help Direct:
A confidential service working in partnership with other organisations. Aims to be the first port of call for adults (18+) to access information, guidance and practical support with:
o Health and fitness
o Home and garden
o Home and community safety
o Learning and leisure
o Managing finances
o Mobility and transport
o Community groups and involvement
o Getting the right help and support
o Relationships and families
o Employment, volunteering and training
TEL: 0303 333 1111

NHS North Lancashire:
Is committed to improving the health of the people of North Lancashire. We provide a wide range of community NHS services and working closely with GPs, dentist, pharmacists and opticians to provide the healthcare service you need.
Find more information on our website.
www.northlancshealth.nhs.uk and click Your Health Zone tab
or call Tel: 01524 519 333

Looking for a GP or Dentist?
www.nhs.uk

NHS Direct:
Freephone: 0845 4647
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

STOP SMOKING:
300,000 children in the UK present passive smoking related illnesses to their GP every year with 9,500 being admitted to hospital. Children should be able to breathe easily and healthily.
TEL: 01524 845 145

Healthy Living:
www.nhs.uk/change4life

Health Visitors/School Nurses:
Health Visitors and School Nurses are trained nurses who hold an additional specialist qualification and who work with children aged 0-19 years and their families to implement the Healthy Child Programme in partnership with other agencies eg. GPs, Childrens Centres.

Sexual Health
Did you know most teenagers would like to talk to their parents or carer about relationships and sex. It might seem difficult, but talking with your children as they grow up can help them to look after their sexual health when they start having sex.
The earlier you talk to your child about sex, the less likely they are to engage in sex at an earlier age. Information on how to get started with talking to your children can be found at: www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout

C-Card Condom Scheme:
This scheme for young people, aims to:
o Encourage young people to make healthy choices
o Ensure good sexual health
o Reduce teenage pregnancies
o Encourage young people to talk to their parents about their problems.

CCATS (age 5-13)
Services for children and families including Counselling, Group Work and Family Support.
TEL: 01253 896 444
www.ccats.org.uk or email ccats@btconnect.com

Common Assessment Framework (CAF):
Sometimes children, young people and families need extra support. A way of working with you. Listening to you to find out what you need and decide the best way forward. A CAF assessment can be arranged by any agency working with you. You and your child decide if you want the support and who you share your information with. For more information contact any practitioner who is working with your family.

Contact A Family:
Uk wide charity providing advice, information, and support to parents of all disabled children no matter what disability or health condition.
Freephone Helpline: 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk

FIND:
Confidential database for parents and children with additional needs to assist with planning services. Parents will receive a free quarterly newsletter.
TEL: 01772 532 5098 www.lancashire.gov.uk/find or email find@lancashire.gov.uk

Aiming High for Disabled Children:
The Vision is for all families with disabled children to have the support they need to live ordinary family lives, as a matter of course. See website for details of short breaks.
TEL: 01772 536 164 or www.lancashire.gov.uk/aiminghigh

Family Fund:
Grants for children with severe disabilities.
TEL: 0845 130 4542

Parent Partnership Service:
Aims to provide parents and carers with accurate and neutral information on all aspects of special educational needs.
TEL: 0845 601 4284 or www.lancashire.gov.uk/pps

Portage;
Home visiting, educational service for preschool children who have some additional support needs.
TEL: 01524 847140

Young People's Service (young people age 11-24):
You can talk to us about anything, including options at school, coping with exams, careers, personal issues like health, sex and relationships. We offer impartial and unbiased advice. We will not judge you and will keep everything confidential. We deliver the Connexions service in school and in the InfoCentre to help you plan your future.
The Line Confidential helpline open 10am-10pm FREE on: 0800 511111 or text us on 07786 511 111 or email us at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/yps click on q2a to email your enquiry or webtalk to have a live webchat.

Somewhere to go & something to do?
Just Go4it - get involved
If you are aged 11-24 and want to find out about things to do and places to go that are different, fun and near to where you live, visit yps.lancashire.gov.uk/ and click on Go4it
Go4it is the new service offered by LCC's Young People's Service - YPS
What's on. Where it's on. What it costs. How to get there - all in one website.
Wide range of positive activities offered by the YPS - Duke of Edinburgh award to part time learning to youth clubs. Cinema, skating, sports, dance - if its on in Lancashire - its on Go4it
Contact: YPSpip.bfw@ic24.net

Safety:
Lancashire Constabulary - Phone 999 in emergency
or TEL: 0845 1 25 35 45 non-emergencies.
www.lancashire.police.uk

Lancashire Constabulary's dedicated young person's website:
www.limacharlie.org

Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service:
o Install FREE smoke alarms.
o Life saving advice in the event of home fire.
o Advice on fire escape plans.
o Education to young people displaying fire-setting
tendencies.
TEL: 0800 169 1125

Legal Advice Line:
0845 120 2948

Young Peoples Legal Rights:
www.lawstuff.org.uk

Debt:
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Credit Crunch Stress Line:
Tel: 0300 123 2000

Job Centre Plus:
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Making a claim:
Tel: 0800 023 4888

Finding a Job:
Tel: 0845 6060 234

Welfare Rights:
Aims to ensure full entitlement to benefits: unemployment, sickness, disability, retirement, being a carer, on low wages, or finding it difficult to manage. Provides information, independent, advice and representation on benefits and tax credits. TEL: 0845 053 0013

Income Tax; Tax Credit; Child Benefit:
www.hmrc.gov.uk

Benefits Helpline:
Tel: 0800 055 6688

North Lancs Advocacy:
Supports adults to have their views and wishes heard when dealing with issues relating to health or social care services.
Tel: 01253 362140
Text: 07535604542

DISC Lancashire Floating Support:
Housing related support for a variety of needs and/or issues.
Tel: 0800 107 5558

Housing & Homelessness:
Shelter - www.shelter.org.uk

Higher Education:
www.ucas.com OR www.aimhigher.ac.uk

Courses, Qualifications & Careers:
www.learndirect.co.uk

Princes Trust:
www.princes-trust.org.uk

Duke of Edinburgh:
www.dofe.org.uk

Legal Advice Line:
Tel: 0845 120 2948

Young Peoples Legal Rights:
www.lawstuff.org.uk

Women's Aid:
Working with women and children suffering ith domestic violence. We offer advice, coaching, awareness raising, sanctuary refuge, emotional and relationship support.
Tel: 01253 752014/596699
www.womensaid.org.uk

Domestic Violence Local Helpline:
Tel: 01253 596699 AND 24hr FREEPHONE 0808 200 0247

M.A.L.E. (Men's Advice Line and Enquiries):
Tel: 0845 064 6800

Men's Aid:
www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Keeping Children Safe:
If you have any worries about a child, contact LCC, Children's Services on: Tel: 0845 053 00 09 OR out of office hours: Tel: 0845 602 10430 09

NSPCC Child Protection helpline:
Discuss your concerns or ask for advice. Tel: 0808 800 5000

Alcohol & Drugs:
Young Addaction:
Helping young people and communities to manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
Tel: 01524 428 310
www.addaction.org.uk

J2R (Journey 2 Recovery):
Drug and Alcohol Services for adults (18+). Harm minimisation and needle exchange program. Family parent/carer support.
Tel: 01253 870101
Free Text: Send 'Drugs j2r' to 80800
www.j2r.co.uk

Alcohol:
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Drinkline:
Helpline: Tel: 0800 917 8282

Smoking:
www.quit.org.uk

Emergency Numbers:

Gas: 0800 111 999
Electricity - United Utilities: Tel: 0800 195 4141
Water - United Utilities Leakline: 0800 330 033
Water & Wastewater Enquiries: Tel: 0845 746 2200

Libraries
Offer a warm welcome to families. As well as books, CDs and DVDs you'll find Rhyme Times, storytimes, reading groups and homework support.
www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries

Alcohol Issues:
Community Alcohol Team, Lower Priory Hall, China St, Lancaster
Tel: 01524 846106

Drug Issues:
Community Drug Team, Lower Priory Hall, China St. Lancaster
Tel: 01524 846106

Money Issues:
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) 87 King St. Lancaster
Tel: 01524 384950

Consumer Credit Counselling Service
Guidance online - www.cccs.co.uk
Freephone helpline: 0800 138 1111

General:
Lancaster District Council for Voluntary Service (CVS)
Trinity Community Centre, Middle St, Lancaster LA1 1JZ
Tel: 01524 63760

Nationwide links:

Parenting:

NetMums
Web based support including helpline manned by Health Visitors
www.netmums.com/support

ParentlinePlus
Confidential help and advice for all parents
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
24 hour helpline - 0808 800 2222

Parenting Focus
Developed with parents and professionals that support them. This site is a practical tool to support parental engagement and to exchange information and ideas. It has an online meeting space which can be booked for private online sessions or focus groups. It is free to use if you are a parent led group. It has forums and a jobs section.
www.parentfocus.co.uk

NSPCC
Resources and help available for parents with young children
www.nspcc.org.uk
Helpline - 0808 800 5000

One Parent Families
Offers advice to lone parents on a variety of topics from difficult behaviour to employment and money issues.
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Lone Parent Helpline - 0800 018 5026

Gingerbread
Offers advice to Lone Parents on childcare, contact, divorce. Lone parenthood, benefits, Child Support Agency, employment, housing, maternity rights etc.
www.gingerbread.org.uk/index.htm
Free helpline - 0800 018 5026

Step Parents
www.family2000.org.uk

Parents of Teenagers
www.gotateenager.org.uk
www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Children and Young People:

The Site
aimed at young people and covers many areas that concern them
www.thesite.org

Young Minds
provides information on a variety of problems affecting children and young people. It also provides help for a parent who is concerned about a young person.
www.youngminds.org.uk/index.php
Parents helpline - 0800 018 2138

Childline
Covers a wide variety of problems that affect children including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and bullying.
Helpline - 0800 1111

There4me
Offers advice to 12 - 16 yr olds about all sorts of problems including bullying; relationships; exams; drugs; difficulties at home
www.there4me.com

General Health:

NHS Direct
For general health worries
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Helpline - 0845 46 47

Mental Health including:
Stress; Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Depression; Low self esteem; Young People

Stress at work
www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=815

Institute of stress management
www.isma.org.uk

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.rcpsych.ac/info/index.htm

MIND
Select 'anxiety' www.mind.org.uk
Select 'depression'
Select 'seasonal affective disorder'
Select 'post-natal depression'
Select 'manic depression'

Relaxation Techniques
Select 'relaxation' www.allaboutcounselling.com

Panic Attacks
Information about panic attacks/how to control them and breathing techniques.
www.panic-attacks.co.uk

Low Self Esteem
www.coping.org/relations/assert.htm

Young Minds
Offers a free telephone helpline which provides information and advice for anyone with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person
Helpline - 0800 018 2138

Stress at Work
www.nhsplus.nhs.uk/your_health/stress.asp

Separation & Divorce

It's not our fault
Provides help for children, young people and parents who are splitting up
www.itsnotourfault.org.uk

Guide for divorcing parents
www.youngminds.org.uk/publications

Grief and Loss

Cruse Bereavement Care
Offers support and advice to anyone who has been bereaved including publications for children & young people.
www.crusebereavement.org.uk

MIND
Select 'Bereavement' www.mind.org.uk

rd4u
Specialist web site for young people who have been bereaved
www.rd4u.org.uk
Helpline - 0808 808 1677

Anger; Traumatic Experiences

Search 'anger' www.allaboutcounselling.com

Search 'anger' www.coping.org

Search 'post traumatic stress disorder' www.mind.org.uk

Alcohol & Drug Issues

Have you a problem with alcohol?
This website helps you to assess if you have a problem with alcohol
www.downyourdrink.org.uk/main.php

Young People
Aimed at young people. www.thesite.org/drinkanddrugs

'Drinkline' offers help and advice
Helpline - 0800 917 8282

Talk to Frank
Aimed at young people www.talktofrank.com

Cannabis Help
www.cannabishelp.org.uk

Self Harm; Sexual Problems; Gender issues

Mind
www.mind.org.uk

National Self Harm Network
www.nshn.co.uk

Young People & Self Harm
Includes information and advice for young people who self harm and also for friends and relatives
www.selfharm.org.uk/index.php

Young Minds Parent Information Service
A free confidential telephone helpline providing information & advice for anyone with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person
Helpline - 0800 018 2138

Samaritans (self harm and suicide)
Confidential Helpline - 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call)
Website - www.samaritans.org - find out how to e-mail them, write to them or call in at a local branch.

Information sheet at www.samaritans.org/selfharm_sheet.shtm

Sexual Problems

www.relate.org.uk/sexproblems

BBC website - www.bbc.co.uk

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard
Advice, information and support on gay and lesbian issues
Tel: 01524 847437 7pm - 9pm Thurs & Fri

Housing; Women's Aid

Shelter
For people who are at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage problems
Helpline - 0808 800 4444

Lancaster District Women's Aid
Confidential advice, information, support and assistance for women and girls experiencing domestic abuse
Helpline - 01524 383636

Dads/Men Issues

Sexually abused or raped
A site for men who have been sexually abused or raped.
www.survivorsuk.org
Helpline - 0845 122 1201

www.dads-space.com

www.dadtalk.co.uk