Local resources for families across the UK
This guide provides information about local support services available in different regions across the UK. Find resources specific to your area, from local food banks and family centers to regional support groups and council services.
Based on your postcode, we recommend checking resources in the following region:
South East England
Use the dropdown menu above to select your region and view local resources.
Little Village is like a food bank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children up to the age of 5. They collect good quality donations from the local community and pass them on to families who need them.
Home-Start London offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children across London. Trained volunteers, who are usually parents themselves, provide regular support to families who are struggling with issues such as isolation, mental health, multiple births and more.
London's child poverty charity, dedicated to alleviating the impact of poverty on children and young people in London. They fund grassroots organizations supporting disadvantaged children and their families across London.
Supports a network of over 600 community youth organizations across London. They run programs that help develop young people's confidence, resilience and relationship skills, with particular focus on young people who face disadvantage.
Provides support to refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in London through free advice on immigration, welfare, and health. They offer a weekly drop-in service where visitors can get advice from volunteer immigration advisors, solicitors, and welfare advisors.
Each London borough has a Family Information Service (FIS) that provides free information and advice to parents and carers of children and young people up to the age of 19 (or 25 for those with special needs). Services include:
| Borough | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Barking and Dagenham | 020 8227 5395 | Website |
| Barnet | 0800 389 8312 | Website |
| Bexley | 020 3045 4841 | Website |
| Brent | 020 8937 3010 | Website |
| Bromley | 020 8461 7259 | Website |
| Camden | 020 7974 1679 | Website |
| Croydon | 020 8726 6400 | Website |
| Ealing | 020 8825 5588 | Website |
| Greenwich | 020 8921 6921 | Website |
| Hackney | 020 8820 7590 | Website |
Note: This is a partial list. For other London boroughs, search for "[Borough Name] Family Information Service" online or contact your local council.
Kent's Children's Centres offer a range of services for families with children under 5, including health visitor clinics, parenting support, play sessions, and advice on housing, employment, and benefits.
Helps people learn to cook, grow their own food, and eat a healthy diet. They support a network of community gardens, run cookery courses, and help people find emergency food support including food banks, meal services, and affordable food projects.
Provides emotional and practical support to families across Sussex who are experiencing difficulties. Their services include one-to-one support in the home, support groups, counselling services, family days out, and a food bank.
Offers free information, guidance and advice on all aspects of family life, including finding and paying for childcare, activities for children and young people, support for children with special educational needs or disabilities, and family support services.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) provides impartial advice, information and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Local councils in the South East provide a range of services for families, including:
| County/Area | Family Support Contact |
|---|---|
| Berkshire | Reading: 0118 937 3641 | Website |
| Buckinghamshire | 01296 383293 | Website |
| East Sussex | 01273 481896 | Website |
| Hampshire | 0300 555 1384 | Website |
| Kent | 03000 41 11 11 | Website |
| Oxfordshire | 0345 050 7666 | Website |
| Surrey | 0300 200 1004 | Website |
| West Sussex | 01243 777100 | Website |
| Isle of Wight | 01983 823340 | Website |
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only. Clumsy & Friends does not endorse or guarantee the services provided by these organizations. Availability of services may change, and some services may have eligibility requirements or waiting lists. Please contact the organizations directly for the most current information about their services.