For Parents
Useful Links for Parents
Here you will find information about different organisations, charities and groups on offer locally or nationally which offer advice and guidance on a range of different topics.
Mind in West Essex
‘Mind provide services that are practical and rooted in the reality of people’s lives. We provide information and support to anyone who is affected by mental health problems, primarily in West Essex’.
A new crisis mental health phone line has launched across Essex. The 24-hr service launched by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) offers immediate and specialist support to adults experiencing mental health crisis.
Anyone in need can dial 111 at any time and select the option for mental health crisis (option 2)
https://www.mindinwestessex.org.uk/
The Mix
The Mix is a support service for young people, up to the age of 25.
‘We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
YCT
YCT is a counselling and therapeutic support charity that specialises in supporting children and young people aged 5 – 25 years, their families and the professionals who work with them.
The overall aim of YCT is to support children, young people and their families through challenging times so that they can feel hopeful about their futures.
YCT is able to offer support for an endless range of often very complex issues, and does this through a variety of services. These include one to one counselling, play therapy, anxiety groups, creative art groups and support for young people and their families who have been assessed for or received an ASD diagnosis.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
CEOP helps keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. They offer help and advice, and you can make a report directly to them if something has happened to your child online which has made either you or your child feel unsafe, scared or worried. This might be from someone they know in real life, or someone they have only ever met online.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Think U Know
A source of advice and support for children and parents about internet safety – protecting children both online and offline
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
Family Lives
A wealth of support and guidance on all aspects of concern relating to parenting,
https://www.familylives.org.uk/
Mumsnet
Parenting tips and advice written by parents.
Healthy Minds (West Essex IAPT) Harlow
Offering free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for adults with common mental health problems including anxiety and depression
https://www.hpft-iapt.nhs.uk/service/west-essex
Young Minds
Child and adolescent mental health support. Their aim is to provide support to young people so that they don’t reach crisis point.
Text Crisis Messenger 24/7: text YM to 85258 (free from most mobile networks)
Parents Helpline Mon-Fri 9.30am – 4pm 0808 802 5544 (free of charge)
Families in Focus
Helpline and advice to guide and support parents of young people with disabilities in West Essex.
https://www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk/
Tree House Family Hub
Tree House Family Hub welcomes children, young people and their families and provides access to support and services to help children and families achieve the best start in life.
Support, activities and groups available for pre-school children.
Telephone: 0300 247 0122
https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/centre/tree-house-family-hub/
Harlow Food Bank
Food available for families in crisis, A referral is needed from registered care professionals, such as, Citizens Advice Centre, Safer Places and Harlow Council Front Line Services.
Child Bereavement UK
Support to help children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
Telephone: 01494 568900 Helpline: 0800 028 8840
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
EWMHS (Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service)
Provides provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties
Self referral: 0300 300 1600
Out of hours and weekend Crisis Support Service: 0300 555 1201 (ask for crisis team)
https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/services-ewmhs
PACT for Autism
PACT supports autistic children, adults and families and people with other similar conditions through information and support services, activities, resources and by providing 'Understanding Autism' workshops to professionals.
Parent support line: 07837 606089
https://www.pactforautism.org.uk/
Safer Places
Domestic abuse support service.
Safer Places over 40 years’ experience in delivering holistic support services to adult and child survivors of Domestic Abuse across Essex and Hertfordshire.
24/7 support: 03301 025811
https://www.saferplaces.co.uk/
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Information, support and advice.
Telephone: (Harlow office) 03330 130291
http://www.essex.gov.uk
Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service
On behalf of Essex County Council and the NHS, Virgin Care and Barnardo’s provide a range of child and family services throughout Essex that are free at the point of delivery.
https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/
Gingerbread
Supporting single parent families to live secure, happy and fulfilling lives.
https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Citizens Advice Harlow - Law
Free half an hour appointments with specialist solicitors covering: employment, immigration, wills, consumer law, personal injury, family, criminal and housing.
Telephone: 01279 770189 Email: lawclinic@harlowcab.org.uk
Essex Youth Service Young Carers Team
Free personalised support to young carers and their families.
https://youth.essex.gov.uk/young-people/young-carers/
Families4Recovery
Free self-help support group for anyone who is affected by someone else's alcohol or drug use.
Telephone: 07830 528568
http://www.families4recovery.co.uk/
Harlow Advice Centre
Provides specialist benefits, debt and housing advice.
Telephone: 01279 704002
http://www.harlowac.org.uk/main.html?http://www.harlowac.org.uk/
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
General safety advice, smoke alarms and free home safety visit.
Telephone: 0300 303 0088 Email: home.safety@essex-fire.gov.uk
ChildLine
Free, private and confidential service where children and young people can talk about anything that is on their mind.
Telephone: 0800 1111
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Help for adults concerned about a child - Telephone: 0808 800 5000
Help for children and young people - Telephone: 0800 1111
Samaritans
24/7 365 days a year, there is someone there to listen to you if you are worried about yourself, or anyone else.
Telephone: 116 123 for free
