Parent Resources

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

  • Phone: 0808 2000 247
  • Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
  • Offers confidential support and advice to anyone experiencing domestic abuse, including a 24/7 helpline.

 

NSPCC Childline

  • Phone for Children: 0800 1111
  • Website for Adults: www.nspcc.org.uk
  • Provides a safe, confidential line for children to discuss any issue and offers advice and support for adults concerned about a child.

 

Samaritans

  • Phone: 116 123
  • Website: www.samaritans.org
  • Available 24/7 to provide emotional support for anyone in distress or at risk of suicide.

 

Family Lives

  • Phone: 0808 800 2222
  • Website: www.familylives.org.uk
  • Offers advice on all aspects of family life, including parenting and relationship difficulties.

 

Women’s Aid

  • Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
  • Offers support and resources for women and children affected by domestic violence.

 

Mind

  • Phone: 0300 123 3393
  • Website: www.mind.org.uk
  • Provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

 

Citizens Advice

 

Shelter

  • Phone: 0808 800 4444
  • Website: www.shelter.org.uk
  • Provides advice and support for anyone facing homelessness or housing issues.

 

Gingerbread

  • Phone: 0808 802 0925
  • Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
  • Support network for single parents, offering advice on various issues including legal and financial matters.

 

Cafcass

  • Cafcass represents children in family court cases, making sure that children’s voices are heard and decisions are made in their best interests. They provide guidance and support for children and families involved in family court proceedings.

Impact of Parental Conflict on Children

Here are some suggested resources on the impact of parental conflict on children, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing these issues for the well-being of families:

  1. Understanding Parental Conflict – GOV.UK
    Explore insights into what constitutes parental conflict and its repercussions on children’s development and well-being. This resource provides valuable information for parents navigating post-separation challenges. Read more on GOV.UK (Reducing Parental Conflict: what is parental conflict? – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  2. See It Differently
    Offering a new perspective on parental disagreements, this platform helps parents recognize the impact of their conflicts on their children and provides strategies to manage and resolve disputes constructively. Visit See It Differently
  3. Parental Conflict: The Impact on Children – YouTube
    This short film presents the evidence on how children are affected by inter-parental conflict, emphasizing the importance of resolving these disputes for the sake of the family’s overall health. Watch on YouTube
  4. Reducing Parental Conflict: Why It Matters – Early Intervention Foundation (YouTube)
    A detailed exploration of why reducing parental conflict is crucial for children’s well-being and the effectiveness of services designed to support families. Watch on YouTube
  5. The Impact of Parental Conflict on Children – Anna Freud Centre (YouTube)
    • An informative video detailing the adverse effects of parental conflict on children and offering insights into how parents can shield their children from these negative outcomes. Watch on YouTube

Books

For parents seeking resources to help their children understand divorce and separation, there are several insightful books designed specifically for this purpose. These books can be a valuable tool in helping children process the changes happening in their family. Here are some recommended titles:

  1. “Two Homes” by Claire Masurel
    This book is excellent for very young children. It addresses the concept of living in two homes and reassures children that they are loved by both parents, no matter where they are.
  2. “It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear” by Vicki Lansky
    Aimed at preschoolers, this book tells the story of a little bear whose parents are getting divorced. Koko Bear experiences a range of emotions, which children can relate to. It also offers tips for parents on how to help their children adjust.
  3. “Mom and Dad Glue” by Kes Gray
    An emotionally powerful book that acknowledges the sadness children may feel during their parents’ separation but also reassures them of both parents’ enduring love and care.
  4. “Living with Mum and Living with Dad: My Two Homes” by Melanie Walsh
    A lift-the-flap book that gently explains to young children the concept of having two homes, and that it’s okay to have different feelings about it.
  5. “Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story For Little Kids About Divorce” by Sandra Levins
    This book is designed to help children understand that they’re not to blame for their parents’ divorce, addressing common misconceptions and fears children might have.
  6. “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst
    While not specifically about divorce, this book is a comforting story that explains how love connects us all, even when we are physically apart. It’s a wonderful metaphor for children with separated parents.
  7. “Standing on My Own Two Feet” by Tamara Schmitz
    A reassuring book for children, emphasizing the enduring love of both parents even when they live apart.
  8. “The Great Big Book of Families” by Mary Hoffman
    This book showcases all types of families, including those with parents who are divorced or separated, promoting inclusivity and understanding of different family dynamics.
  9. “My Family’s Changing” by Pat Thomas
    A non-fiction picture book that explores the feelings children might have during the divorce or separation of their parents, offering them reassurance and ways to cope with the changes.

Parents can find these books in local bookstores, libraries, or online platforms like Amazon UK. They can be an excellent way to initiate conversations with your children about divorce and separation, helping them to feel secure and understood during potentially confusing times.

Mental health for children

There are numerous resources available to support children’s mental health. These resources provide valuable information, support, and services to help children cope with various mental health issues. Here is some organisations:

  1. YoungMinds
    Website: youngminds.org.uk
    Offers a wealth of resources for children and adolescents dealing with mental health challenges, including a helpline, advice, and information on mental health conditions.

  2. Childline
    Website: childline.org.uk
    A confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19, offering phone and online support for any issue, including mental health.

  3. NSPCC
    Website: nspcc.org.uk
    Offers resources and support to help prevent abuse, protect children, and ensure they have the best possible mental health support.

  4. Mind
    Website: mind.org.uk
    Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, with specific sections for young people.

  5. Place2Be
    Website: place2be.org.uk
    Offers mental health counseling, support, and training to schools to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers, and staff.

  6. Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
    Website: annafreud.org
    Provides specialist help and research to support children, young people, and families’ mental health.

  7. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
    A service provided by the NHS for children and adolescents who are experiencing mental health issues. Parents can contact their GP or local CAMHS team for more information.

  8. The Children’s Society
    Website: childrenssociety.org.uk
    Works to support children struggling with mental health issues and other challenges, providing resources and advocating for changes to improve children’s wellbeing.

Here are some valuable resources that parents might find beneficial for use with their children, covering a range of topics from emotional well-being to parenting support:

Beacon House

  • Website: Beacon House Therapeutic Services and Trauma Team
  • Overview: Beacon House is a specialist, innovative, and creative therapeutic service for young people, adults, and families. Their resources section offers a wealth of information, including therapeutic techniques, explanations of psychological trauma, and resilience-building tools. They specialize in understanding and working with complex trauma, attachment difficulties, and developmental trauma, providing valuable insights and strategies to support healing and well-being.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Videos

  • Suggested resources to understand the impact of ACEs include informative videos that explain how early experiences can affect long-term health and behavior. These resources are crucial for parents looking to understand potential impacts on their children and learn strategies for mitigating long-term negative outcomes.
    Suggested Link: Search for “ACES” on platforms like YouTube or visit websites specialising in childhood trauma and mental health for videos on the topic.

Dr. Dan Siegel – Nurturing Parenting

  • Dr. Dan Siegel’s work focuses on the field of interpersonal neurobiology, which explores how brain function is affected by interpersonal relationships. His insights into nurturing parenting highlight the importance of secure attachments, empathy, and understanding in the development of a child’s brain, offering strategies that foster emotional intelligence and resilience in children.
    Recommended Reading: Look for Dr. Dan Siegel’s books, such as “The Whole-Brain Child” and “Parenting from the Inside Out,” or visit his website for resources and lectures. 
    Website: https://drdansiegel.com/

Dog, Duck & Cat

  • Website: Dog, Duck & Cat – Resources for Parents, Carers, and Guardians
    Overview: This resource offers practical advice, tools, and stories to support children’s emotional and mental well-being. It is designed to help parents, carers, and educators in guiding children through their feelings, behaviours, and thoughts, promoting understanding and empathy. The website provides accessible information on how to support children in developing healthy coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.

 

Legal Advice

In the UK, there are several options available for obtaining free legal advice. These services can be particularly helpful for individuals seeking guidance on legal matters without the means to pay for professional legal services. Here are some places where you can get free legal advice:

  1. Citizens Advice
    Offers free, confidential, and impartial advice on various legal issues, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, and family problems. You can get support online, over the phone, or in-person at local branches.
    Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

  2. Law Centres Network
    Law Centres offer free legal advice, casework, and representation to individuals and communities, particularly those facing disadvantage. They cover areas such as welfare rights, housing, employment, and immigration.
    Website: www.lawcentres.org.uk

  3. Legal Aid
    For those who qualify, Legal Aid can help cover the costs of legal advice, family mediation, and representation in court. Eligibility depends on the type of legal problem you have, your income, and assets.
    Website: www.gov.uk/legal-aid

  4. University Law Clinics
    Many universities with law schools have legal clinics that offer free advice to the public. Law students, supervised by qualified solicitors or barristers, provide legal advice, and sometimes representation, on a variety of legal issues.

  5. Shelter
    Specialises in housing advice but can also provide legal advice on issues related to homelessness, eviction, housing benefits, and landlord disputes.
    Website: england.shelter.org.uk

 

Before seeking legal advice, it is beneficial to understand your issue clearly and gather any relevant documents or information that can help clarify your situation to the advisor.

Parenting Support

Family Hubs offer integrated support for families, encompassing health services, early years education, and parenting support all in one place. They focus on early intervention, helping children, young people, and their parents access a range of services designed to provide holistic support and prevent minor issues from escalating.

Key Features of Family Hubs:

  • Holistic Services: From health visiting to parenting programmes and employment advice.
  • Community-Centric: A space for families to connect, receive support, and build community ties.
  • Inclusive: Open to all families, providing both universal services and targeted help for those in need.


Benefits:

  • Comprehensive support for child and parental well-being.
  • Accessible advice and practical help on various family matters.

For more information or to access services, reach out to your local council or explore their website to discover the nearest Family Hub. These hubs offer a friendly setting where your family can obtain the necessary help and support. To locate a Family Hub in your area, visit https://familyhubs.campaign.gov.uk/.