Other Support in Southend

Local Support

Southend’s Family Centres offer a variety of free sessions, services and courses to children aged 0 to 5 years and their families.

Providing play sessions, information workshops and parental support from pregnancy. The Family Centres are the hub of services, information and advice for you and your family during the early years.

 

A handy list of useful links to help you give your child the best possible start in life.*

Pregnancy and Early Months

NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

Illness and Wellbeing

The Children’s Health Matters guide provides information and advice on how to treat children when they’re unwell. It includes expert advice and details the key home health kit essentials to treat your child at home.

Expert advice on looking after your baby from birth to school age

Communication and Language

For when there are concerns with speech and language

Support and help outside the NHS: I Can

Feeding Your Child

Breastfeeding

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

The Breastfeeding Network

La Leche League GB

The National Childbirth Trust

Start4Life – With a dedicated section on breastfeeding

The Breastfeeding Companion – Video tutorials at different stages of babies’ development

UNICEF – Support for parents from UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative

 

After Weaning

First Steps Nutrition – Information and resources to support eating well from pre­-conception to five years, including evidence-based information about formula milks.

Start For Life (part of Change4Life) – Sign up for weekly pregnancy, baby and toddler information to give your baby the best start in life. Details on breastfeeding, immunisations.

Healthy Start – Sign up for free vitamins and weekly vouchers to spend on milk, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables and infant formula for eligible pregnant mother and children to the age of four. Ask your Midwife and Health Visitor for more information.

Infant and Toddler Forum – Helpful tips and factsheets on healthy eating during pregnancy, portion sizes for complimentary feeding and tips on fussy eating.

Your Wellbeing

Mental health; finding support through the NHS website or Mind

Find local activities for you and your child

 

*Disclaimer: A Better Start Southend is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of any information on external websites linked from this page.