Your comprehensive and interactive guide to useful information services and links

Your comprehensive and interactive guide to useful information services and links 0116 2 305 6545 family@leics.gov.uk www.leics.gov.uk/family 2

This booklet provides an interactive guide to useful information services and websites that the Family Information Service signpost to. The booklet contains information on help services and the facilities and assistance they offer, with active links to their websites. Optional small tasks to complete within the guide will allow users to be more interactive, and offer the opportunity for viewers to familiarise themselves with the facilities they have access to. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and we do not endorse any one group or service. If you can not find the information or service you need please contact the Family Information Service for further free, impartial and comprehensive advice. Contact us: Family Information, Leicestershire County Council County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA Helpline: 0116 305 6545 Email: family@leics.gov.uk www.leics.gov.uk/family 1 1

Contents ACE - The Advisory Centre for Education 3 Alcohol Concern 4 Child Law Advice Line 5 Connexions 6 Contact a Family Online/ Contact a Family Helpline 7 Parent Relationships 8 Dad Talk 9 Dad s Team / Dad s Space 10 Direct Gov 11 Family Planning Association 12 Family Rights Group Advice Service 13 HMRC 14 Live Talk (Relate SMS Service) 15 Lone Parent Helpline 16 National Childbirth Trust 17 Netmums Parent Supporters 18 NHS 19 NSPCC 20 One Space - Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) 21 Parentline 22 Young Minds 23 Talk to Frank 24 Useful Information Services - Directory 25 Local Information and Services 27 Common Assessment Framework 29 SureStart Children s Centres in Leicestershire 30 2 2

ACE The Advisory Centre for Education www.ace-ed.org.uk The Advisory Centre for Education, or ACE, is a national state funded organisation that provides advice for parents and carers of children aged from 5-16 who are in state funded education. ACE specialises in advice on subjects such as exclusion, school admission appeals, special educational needs and bullying. Help provided by ACE includes: Publications for parents, governors and LEA officers Training seminars for governors and education professionals Quarterly magazine Ask ACE Publications can be purchased online, ordered by post and downloaded for free through the website. Scroll down the page and click on Click on the forum links in the purple box blue links to view the issues being discussed in the forums. on the left hand side of the home page. Find the ACE forum and view an issue currently being discussed. Scroll down the page and click on Go to forum. 3 3

Alcohol Concern www.alcoholconcern.org.uk Alcohol Concern is a national agency concerned with incidents of alcohol misuse. The main aim of the service is to reduce both the incidence and costs of alcohol related harm to people with alcohol related problems. Aiming to increase the range and quality of services available, the service provides a mass of information on the subject and encourages national debate. Their website contains information on alcohol and associated advice on issues such as consumption rates and cutting back. Alcohol concern does not operate a helpline but signposts to relevant authorities through website links and their service directory. Users can upload information and navigate the site to search for information and guidance. Projects include supporting alcohol treatment services and the NHS in an effort to tackle issues relating to public health, housing, children and families. choice to download and a new screen will open. Click on a fact sheet title of your on the left of the screen. Click on Fact sheets about alcohol section in the blue box at the top of the homepage. Go to the Help and Information section to download a fact sheet on a topic of your choice. Visit the Help and Information Alcohol Concern logo 4 4

Child Law Advice Line www.childrenslegalcentre.com The Child Law Advice Line is provided by The Children s Legal Centre, an independent national charity concerned with law affecting children and young people. The advice line ensures children, parents, carers and professionals have access to accurate information on child law and can access the support and services to which they are entitled to. The Children s Legal Centre publishes help guides and leaflets and produces the UK s leading journal on children s rights, child law and policy. All of their publications can be purchased online through their website. on the blue link found in the green topped box in the centre of the home page. To find the new press releases click A new window will appear Find the links for their latest press releases. on screen. 5 5

Connexions www.connexions-leics.org The connexions website offers extensive advice and guidance covering a range of topics relating to young people between the ages of 13-19. The website also offers advice and guidance for those with special educational needs up to the age of 25. Their easy to navigate website provides links and information on: Jobs and learning The recruitment process Apprenticeship schemes Advice to help parents and carers support their teenagers is also available, with signposting to local centres and information on advisors also being provided. Scroll down the page and click on A screen with Opportunities as the jobs link highlighted in blue. in the coloured bars on the left of the screen. Click on the jobs and training link Click on the orange box for its heading will load up. Click on the blue links. Young People. Find the job search in the Young People s section and view the local job vacancies. 6 6

information by clicking on the links. View the desired Contact a Family Online / Contact a Family Helpline www.cafamily.org.uk conditions link in the centre of the page. Click on the A-Z of information section in the blue square at the top of the screen. Click on the medical Find the A-Z of medical conditions and research information on a health issue or illnesses. Contact a Family provides information, advice and support for all families and carers of disabled children. Their free phone helpline is staffed by trained parent advisors and covers issues such as: Welfare rights Education Short breaks Local services and local, accessible support. Contact a Family also produces publications such as newsletters, parent guides and research reports, helping parents to stay informed. A guide to medical conditions and disability which contains information on over 1000 conditions is also accessible through the website. Details of support groups where available are also listed. A one to one support service is available offering practical and emotional support, through their Family Support Service, volunteer parent representatives and through local offices. 7 7

Parent Relationships www.thecoupleconnection.net This is a self help website providing information and resources to parents who want to make a positive change to their relationship. It is provided by One Plus One, a relationships research organisation who investigates relationships and makes findings accessible to those interested in strengthening their relationships. The One Plus One website also provides statistics and research publications for practitioners and professionals. animated feature. Rollercoaster of change is an to view an article. Click on links in the centre of the page Click on the Check it out box on the homepage. View an animated article on relationship issues and experiences. 8 8

Dad Talk www.dadtalk.co.uk Dad Talk, ran by the Family Matters Institute, promotes fatherhood and all associated concerns through its social networking website and online forum. Dad Talk aims to be a voice for dads, influencing and challenging society s views whilst increasing men s confidence in their fathering roles. Dad Talk champions the role of fathers and aims to provide a platform on which fathers can access and share information. Common concerns such as holidays, entertainment, managing behaviour and discipline issues are all discussed. The website also offers links to parenting helpline services and websites. Follow the forum links and view recent Dad Talk discussions. Click on the forum link in the yellow box on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the links to view a topic discussion of your choice. 9 9

Go to the Dad TV link Click on video to view Dad s Team / Dad s Space www.dads-space.com Dad s Space is an interactive website providing a mass of information on parenting. All information and advice is based on and around the personal experiences of parenting Dads. The Dad s Space website has been developed by AtticMedia, in partnership with Respect. The service is funded by Parent Know How, Department of Children, Schools and Families. Information and advice ranges from supporting pregnant partners and dealing with premature births, to key growing up stages in children s lives. All information is easy to read and written in engaging and lively text. The website contains a host of useful contact numbers and links to other resource sites, as well as details of competitions and events. content. in the yellow box on the left hand side of the screen. Find interviews of the featured famous Dads talking about their fatherhood experiences. 10 10

Direct Gov www.direct.gov.uk The Direct Gov website allows easy access to a host of information and contacts. It is an official website for citizens delivered by the UK government. Information provided covers topics such as: Education and learning Health Crime and law Travel and childcare There is an A- Z of useful contacts including links and contact details of organisations. The Newsroom link can be found at the top of the screen underneath the orange banner. Click on orange links to view articles of your choice. View news and information on recent government led schemes. 11 11

Family Planning Association www.fpa.org.uk The family planning association is a UK sexual health charity. Their main aim is to enable people in the UK to make informed and healthy choices about sex and relationships. The FPA offers help through a range of different mediums and these include: Confidential helpline Range of publications Information courses Counselling service A library and information service ran by FPA holds information on topics such as contraception, sex, relationships and service provision. Access to the reference library is available by prior appointment. A question answering service is provided through their telephone enquiry service, and email and letter response. Fact sheets and journals are also available to view. To view a demonstration of their CD ROM resource click on the link in the green box of Latest news. View the demonstration of their CD Rom - a newly available resource for those with learning difficulties. 12 12

Family Rights Group Advice Service www.frg.org.uk The Family Rights Group is a charity based organisation that offers advice and guidance to parents and other family members whose children are involved with, or require social care services. Family Rights Group promotes practices that assist children to be raised safely within their families. They campaign to ensure support is available to assist grandparents and other relatives who are raising children unable to live at home. They run a confidential telephone advice service. The website allows access to view publications on relevant articles as well as an online shop service to purchase books, DVD s and videos. Scroll down the page to view the items available to purchase. Click on the orange drop down menu and click on publications Go to the online shop section in the blue box at the top right View publications, DVD s and videos available to purchase in the online shop section. hand side of the home page. and services. 13 13

HMRC www.hmrc.gov.uk The HMRC website provides information on issues such as Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credit and Child Benefit. The website contains a Childcare Calculator allowing parents to check their eligibility to receive the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. Employers are also able to access information relating to the childcare element of the working tax credit and will then be able to provide support to employees. A helpline service is available for questions and queries and a directory of specific contact numbers, addresses and emails are also accessible through the website. choice click on links as desired. To view contacts of your at the top of the screen in the green banner. Go to the Contact Us link Find the directory list of useful contacts and numbers. 14 14

Live Talk (Relate SMS service) www.relateforparents.org.uk Relate is the UK s largest provider of relationship counselling. Their website offers easy access, through links on their page, to an instant, online messaging service aimed to directly help parents and parental relationships. Information sheets and links to other support pages are available throughout the website. Details of their contact number to find the nearest Relate centre or to make an appointment with Relate are available. Information about local services, specific problem advice or a non judgemental listening and chat service are all accessible through the website. There are links to frequently asked questions on topics such as eating disorders, self harming and divorce. Facts and figures for reference are also listed on the website. Click to view and scroll down and Extras section in the orange box on the right hand side of the home page. Go to the Parenting support Find the Quotes and jokes link on the right of screen. the page. The website also contains a section of jokes and inspiring quotes for parents and families. Search for the quotes and jokes section to find some food for thought or a bit of inspiration. 15 15

Lone Parent Helpline www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk The Lone Parent Helpline is provided by Gingerbread and One parent Families. They are independent charities working to promote the welfare of lone parents and their children. Their main aim is to ensure those from one parent families do not suffer from poverty, social isolation and social exclusion. The Lone Parent Helpline provides free information on issues including: Benefits and maintenance Education Childcare Holidays Signposting to organisations and local groups is accessible through the helpline and website, while publications and resource packs are available to purchase through links on the website. Click on the blue links to view the recent articles and press releases highlighted in the black box and situated underneath the pink banner at the top of the screen. Click on the Press section of the site, Search the website to find their latest press releases 16 16

National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is the leading charity dealing with pregnancy and early parenthood in the UK. The website covers all aspects of maternity. Information available through the website includes signposting to local services and providers, support groups, activities and events. by entering a postcode in the box at the top centre of the home page, just right of the picture on the page. The website includes an online shop selling products both for parents and children. Products for use during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are all available. Do a postcode search for local events Do a postcode search for events taking place in your local area. 17 17

Netmums Parent Supporters www.netmums.com Netmums is a social networking website providing advice and support for parents in the UK. Once registered visitors can access a host of information on parenting and related issues. A postcode search on the site helps to locate local sites and services as well as places to go, and activities that are on. Online message boards allow parents to chat, sharing information and stories. Online book and toy reviews are also accessible. and view their Today s Features. Go to the Things to do section in the blue Local Activities box View information listed in the Things to Do section of the website. 18 18

NHS www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk The NHS website provides a guide to all aspects of health, nutrition, and exercise. The site has a health encyclopaedia, answers to frequently asked questions and a range of advice and guidance on health and lifestyle choices. A self help guide and helpline aims to deliver reliable and accessible health information direct to the public 24 hours a day. medical information by clicking on the corresponding health subjects or body parts. Their aim is to enable patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and that of their families. Links are available through the site to local services and an option to change the language is also available for accessibility. the left hand side of the screen for the Health Encyclopaedia link. Browse health and Go to the blue box on Use the health encyclopaedia to research an illness or disorder. 19 19

NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk The NSPCC aims to protect children from cruelty, support vulnerable families, raise awareness of abuse and campaign for changes to the law. The NSPCC website lists details of useful contacts and includes information relating to their most recent campaigns. Latest news and press releases are accessible through the page. Tips and advice on parenting are available through online information leaflets and access to their family magazine. The site also contains links to local groups, services and professionals. links to read about opportunities, events or volunteering as desired. Scroll down the page and click on the Go to the Get Involved link under the green banner on the homepage. Read about the opportunities available to get involved with events or volunteering. 20 20

One Space Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) www.onespace.org.uk The Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) is a website providing help and information for single parents. Information is provided on all stages of childcare and parenthood, ranging from pregnancy through to teenagers. Their online information library contains articles on issues relating to parenting after divorce and separation or on deciding to go it alone. Many more topics are also covered. the new screen to view articles on child and parenting issues. A section on frequently asked questions and useful links, as well as an online maternity guide are also available. Click on the pink links in Information Library on the left hand side of the home page. The site also includes online groups, blogs, videos to view and the option of signing up to an email newsletter. Click on links to View the articles on child and parenting issues. 21 21

Parentline www.parentlineplus.org.uk www.gotateenager.org.uk Parentline plus is a national charity working for those who parent throughout the UK. Follow the blue links to read the information. page and go to their questions and answers section (found in the blue box on the centre right of the screen). The website contains an extensive link list to other advisory services, communities and groups. A link to their daughter website www.gotateenager.org.uk is also available for advice particularly in relation to parents with teenagers. Message boards are accessible through both websites, as well as downloadable help publications. Read their latest Frequently Asked Questions. Scroll down the home Parentline also provides a telephone group service, where parents are able to discuss parenting issues with others who may be facing the same difficulties. Parents are able to use the service to pick up tips and share ideas. This service is ideal for those who can not, or who would prefer not to meet face to face. 22 22

Young Minds www.youngminds.org.uk Young Minds are a national charity aiming to improve the mental health of all children and young people up to the age of 25. Young Minds offer advice and training as well as campaigning to highlight mental health issues in the young. The Young Mind s website contains information on common health concerns and the helpline number is easily accessible through the site. Advice is available in audio download format and true life accounts of those affected by mental health issues can also be viewed on the website. Links to publications and hints for parents on a range of issues are also available. click on the blue Real life stories link (found at the right of the screen). Click on the further blue links on the left of the screen to view. Download an advice podcast from the Young people s section of the website on a topic of your choice. Go to the Young People s section and 23 23

Talk To Frank www.talktofrank.com The Talk to Frank website is both independently and government funded. The site provides a range of information on drugs and related issues. An A- Z guide of drugs is easily accessible on the site providing comprehensive information. The site provides information both for parents and young people, users and non drug users. The site aims to provide as much information as possible to inform and instruct, with links available to frequently asked questions. load and click on the Zoom in icon. Follow the instructions to view the pictures. Talk to Frank operates a 24 hour helpline and a question answering service ran through email and instant messenger. The site also includes a selection of true life stories written by those who have been affected by drugs and drug use. on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the Under the Wait for the screen to Microscope section. Go to the Latest Stuff box View the content of drugs in the Under the Microscope section of the website. 24 24

Useful information Services - Directory ACE www.ace-ed.org.uk General advice line 0808 800 5793 Exclusion advice line 020 7704 9822 Monday Friday: 10am 5pm Alcohol Concern www.alcoholconcern.org.uk Main office 020 7264 0510 National Drinkline Helpline 0800 917 8282 Monday Friday: 9am 11pm Saturday Sunday: 6pm 11pm Child Law Advice Line www.childrenslegalcentre.com Helpline 0845 120 2948 Monday Friday: 9am 5pm Contact a Family Online www.cafamily.org.uk Helpline 0808 808 3555 Textphone 0808 808 3556 Office 020 7608 8700 Monday Friday: 10am 4pm The Couple Connection www.thecoupleconnection.net www.oneplusone.org.uk Main office 020 7553 9530 Dad Talk www.dadtalk.co.uk Dad s Space / Dad s Team www.dads-space.com Connexions www.connexions-leics.org Coalville 01530 812 231 Hinckley 01455 632 719 Leicester 0116 262 7254 Loughborough 01509 214 002 Melton / South Charnwood 01664 569 966 South Wigston 0116 277 8090 Please note opening times vary from office to office. Direct Gov www.direct.gov.uk Family Planning Association www.fpa.org.uk Helpline 0845 122 8690 Monday Friday: 9am 6pm Home-Start www.home-start.org.uk Helpline 0800 068 6368 For referral there needs to be a child under 5 years in the family. 25 25

Family Rights Group Advice Service www.frg.org.uk Helpline 0800 731 1696 Textphone 18001 0800 731 1696 Monday Friday: 10am 12pm 1.30pm 3.30pm HMRC www.hmrc.gov.uk Helpline 0845 300 3900 Open 7 days, 8am 8pm Live Talk Relate SMS Service www.relateforparents.org.uk www.relate.org.uk Appointments / To find nearest Relate 0300 100 1234 Lone Parent Helpline www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk Helpline 0800 018 5026 Monday Friday 9am 5pm Wednesday - late night 8pm National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk Netmums Parent Supporters www.netmums.com NHS www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Helpline 0845 46 47 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk Helpline for adults 0808 800 5000 Helpline for children 0800 1111 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week One Space Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) www.onespace.org.uk www.singleparents.org.uk Parentline www.parentlineplus.org.uk www.gotateenager.org.uk Helpline 0808 800 2222 Textphone 0800 783 67 83 Open 24 hours, 7 days Young Minds www.youngminds.org.uk Helpline 0800 018 2138 Monday Friday: 10am 4pm Wednesday late night: 6pm 8pm Talk to Frank www.talktofrank.com Helpline 0800 77 66 00 Textphone 0800 917 87 65 Open 24 hours, 7 days 26 26

Family Information Service - Local Information & Services The Family Information Service provides information, advice and guidance for families who have children aged 0-19 years. We also support professionals who work with families. This is a list of local services that are available for families in Leicestershire. Bridges Directory Provides information on services available to parents and professionals. 0116 305 8727 bridgesdirectory@leics.gov.uk www.bridgesdirectory.org.uk Operational till 2010 CLASP (Carers of Leicestershire Action Support Project) Provide appropriate advice and information to carers and their families. 0116 251 0999 www.claspthecarerscentre.org.uk Home-Start Provides local support for families who are under stress by providing volunteer help. For referral there needs to be a child under 5 years in the family. 0116 233 9955 info@home-start.org.uk www.home-start.org.uk CareFree Young Carers Services Barnardo s CareFree Project offers a wide range of practical and emotional support services to young carers in Leicester and Leicestershire. 0116 286 7182 carefree@barnardos.org.uk www.barnardos.org.uk Family Action Provides support on a range of issues for children young people and families. 0116 242 8450 www.family-action.org.uk Laura Centre Counselling services for families who have lost a child and for children and young people up to 25years who have lost a carer or parent. 0116 254 4341 info@thelauracentre.org.uk referrals@thelauracentre.org.uk www.thelauracentre.org.uk Infoxchange Provides information about various organisations and services relevant to disabled children and their families. 0116 223 2294/5 www.infoxchange.org.uk 27 27

MOSAIC (Services to disabled young people) Deliver information and services that disabled people want. 0116 251 5565 www.mosaic1898.co.uk Menphys SOS (Special Outreach Service) Caring for local children and young people with disabilities and supporting the family. 0116 282 7225 info@menphys.org.uk www.menphys.org.uk British Red Cross Special Needs Family Support Centre Providing a range of family support services for disabled children and their families. Includes Advocacy, counselling / family therapy. 0116 271 0359 annsmith@redcross.org.uk Relate (Relationship counselling) Relate provides relationship counselling and sex therapy as well as range of other relationship support services. Offices around the county. 0116 254 3011 info@relateleics.org www.relateleicestershire.org.uk Domestic Violence Provides support for men and women who have been affected by domestic violence. 0116 255 0004 admin@dvirp.co.uk www.dvirp.co.uk Leicestershire Drug & Alcohol Action team Provides information and support to people using drugs or alcohol. 0116 274 4210 info@drugs.org.uk Infolinx A Community Information Website for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. 0116 305 7369 web@leics.gov.uk Positive activities Activities website for young people www.activities4u.org Leicestershire Villages Information about the areas and settlements of Leicestershire and to get involved in activities both online and offline. www.leicestershirevillages.com 28 28

Common Assessment Framework The CAF is a tool to help practitioners identify, assess and provide for additional support needs of a child, young person or family at an early stage. It prompts agencies to consider all needs, not just the needs that an individual service or agency is most interested in. The CAF working principle is that it is child-centred and empowering for families. Children and families should be actively involved in the process and form a part of the working partnership. When to do a CAF The CAF helps to identify children with additional needs earlier before things reach crisis point, but does not lay down a blanket threshold at which a CAF must be completed. A CAF should be completed when there is an unmet need, consent has been given and it will help the child or young person to achieve one or more of the Every Child Matters priority outcomes. To find out more information on CAF please contact 0116 305 8727 or 0116 305 6545. Email bridgesdirectory@leics.gov.uk or family@leics.gov.uk Contact us: Helpline: 0116 305 6545 Email: family@leics.gov.uk Family Information Leicestershire County Council County Hall, Glenfield Leicestershire, LE3 8RA www.leics.gov.uk/family 29

SureStart Children s Centres in Leicestershire Children s Centres are part of Leicestershire s Extended Services programme. They offer access to a wide range of services and activities to improve outcomes for pre-school aged children (0-5 years) and their families, with a particular emphasis on those who are disadvantaged. Why are Children s Centres needed? Children s Centres give families easier access to information and support from a range of services including: Health services District councils Voluntary organisations Job Centre Plus Family Outreach Workers Libraries Family Information Service Adult & Family Learning What s happening nationally and locally? The Government expects all families with pre-school aged children (0-5 years) have access to a Children s Centre by 2010. The approach in Leicestershire is slightly different due to the large number of rural communities. There are some purpose built buildings in more populated areas but generally services are being developed so they can be taken into those more rural areas. Each Children s Centre has a Co-ordinator who will consult closely with professionals, parents and families to organise specific, locality required services and activities. There will also be Family Outreach Workers based in each locality to offer accessible advice and guidance to parents on a one to one basis. What will they offer? Children s Centres could offer: Stay and Play Sessions Breast feeding support Parenting courses Training and employment support Speech and language services Healthy eating advice Parenting support groups Ante-natal and post-natal support Parent and child reading sessions These services could be offered either at the Children s Centre or through other local venues. When will they be open? Services will be offered from 8.00am to 6.00pm at some Children s Centres although each Centre will publicise its individual activities. For further information please contact: The Leicestershire Family Information Service on: 0116 305 6545 (8.30am-5pm). Or log on to www.leics.gov.uk/ childrenscentres Email: family@leics.gov.uk 30

Leicestershire s Family Information Service provides free and impartial advice, guidance and information to families with children aged 0-19 years. In conjunction with their signposting service, the FIS provides advice and guidance on a range of different family related issues. Your one-stop-shop for comprehensive advice and information Contact us: Helpline: 0116 305 6545 Email: family@leics.gov.uk Family Information, Leicestershire County Council County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA www.leics.gov.uk/family 1 1