Useful Contacts and Support Groups
General Information
ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LW
(020) 7210 3613
08457 474747 (helpline Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
08456 06 16 00 (textphone)
http://www.acas.org.uk/
Advice on maternity rights and parental leave.
Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC)
84-88 Pinner Road
Harrow
Middx HA1 4HZ
(020) 8863 3271 (admin)
(020) 8427 4217 (helpline Mon-Fri 10am-3pm)
http://www.apec.org.uk/
National charity, offering support and information about pre-eclampsia.
Active Birth Centre
25 Bickerton Road
London N19 5JT
(020) 7281 6760
http://www.activebirthcentre.com/
Promotes a holistic approach to active childbirth and parenting. Antenatal and postnatal classes (fee payable).
Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS)
5 Ann's Court
Grove Road
Surbiton
Surrey KT6 4BE
0870 765 1453
0870 765 1433 (helpline)
http://www.aims.org.uk/
Support and advice about parents' rights, complaints procedures and choices within maternity care, including home birth.
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM)
PO Box 207
Bridgwater
Somerset TA6 7YT
0870 401 7711 (helpline 9.30am-10.30pm)
http://www.abm.me.uk/
Breastfeeding advice.
Benefits Agency:
Jobcentre Plus
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/
For general advice on all social security benefits, maternity benefits and Income Support.
Blooming Awful
http://www.hyperemesis.org.uk/
Support for women with hyperemesis gravidarum (severe vomiting and morning sickness).
The Breastfeeding Network
PO Box 11126
Paisley PA2 8YB
0870 900 8787 (helpline)
http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
Breastfeeding advice.
Caesarean Support Network
55 Cooil Drive
Douglas
Isle of Man IM2 2HF
(01624) 661 269 (Mon-Fri after 6pm and weekends)
Offers emotional support and practical advice to mothers who have had or may need a Caesarean delivery
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Myddelton House
115-123 Pentonville Road
London N1 9LZ
(020) 7833 2181 (call for telephone number of your local office)
http://www.nacab.org.uk/
Counselling Directory
Counselling Directory
Manor Coach House
Church Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU12 4RQ
0844 8030 240 (Lo-call rate) - between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Down's Heart Group
PO Box 4260
Dunstable
Beds
LU6 2ZT
Tel:
Fax:
Email:0845 166 8061
0845 166 8061
info@dhg.org.uk http://www.dhg.org.uk
Family Welfare Association
501-505 Kingsland Road
London E8 4AU
(020) 7254 6251
http://www.fwa.org.uk/
National charity providing free social work services and support (both practical and financial) for children and families.
Group B Strep Support
(Preventing GBS infection in babies)
PO Box 203
Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 1GF
0870 803 0023
http://www.gbss.org.uk/
A national charity providing up-to-date information to pregnant women and families on
Group B streptococcus.
Independent Midwives Association
89 Green Lane
Farncombe
Surrey GU7 3TB
0870 850 7539
http://www.independentmidwives.org.uk/
Free advice to women thinking about a home birth.
Infertility Network UK
Charter House
43 St Leonards Road
Bexhill-on-Sea
E. Sussex TN40 1JA
08701 188088
http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com/
Information and support to people coping with problems of infertility and childlessness.
La Lèche League
(Great Britain)
PO Box 29
West Bridgford
Nottingham NG2 7NP
0845 120 2918
http://www.laleche.org.uk/
Brestfeeding advice
Life
Life House
Newbold Terrace
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV32 4EA
(01926) 421587
0845 300 1716 (helpline 9am-9pm)
http://www.lifeuk.org/
Charity offering information and advice pre and post-birth and after abortion. Accommodation for homeless and unsupported mothers.
The Multiple Births Foundation
Hammersmith House, Level 4
Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea
Hospital
Du Cane Road
London W12 0HS
(020) 8383 3519
http://www.multiplebirths.org.uk/
For professional support of families with twins and multiple births.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Alexandra House
Oldham Terrace
London W3 6NH
0870 770 3236 (admin)
0870 444 8707 (enquiry line)
0870 444 8708 (breastfeeding)
0870 444 8709 (pregnancy and birth)
http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/
Information and support for mothers, including breastfeeding information, antenatal classes, postnatal groups.
NHS Direct
0845 4647
24-hour nurse-led helpline providing health information and advice.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Weston House
42 Curtain Road
London EC2A 3NH
(020) 7825 2500 (admin)
0808 800 5000 (24-hour national helpline)
0800 056 0566 (textphone)
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Charity, which aims to prevent all forms of child abuse
Parentline
Parentline Plus
520 Highgate Studios
53-79 Highgate Road
London NW5 1TL
0808 800 2222 (24-hour helpline)
0800 783 6783 (textphone)
http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk/
Offers free and confidential parenting advice.
Refuge
2-8 Maltravers Street
London WC2R 3EE
0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)
http://www.refuge.org.uk/
Emergency accommodation and advice for women and children experiencing domestic violence in London.
Sure Start
Provides information on Government support for children, parents and communities and details of local childcare and early education.
http://www.surestart.gov.uk/
Twins and Multiple Births
Association (TAMBA)
2 The Willows
Gardner Road
Guildford
Surrey GU1 4PG
0870 770 3305 (admin Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm)
0800 138 0509 (helpline 7 days 10am-1pm, 7pm-10pm)
http://www.tamba.org.uk/
Information and support for parents of multiples offering a network of local Twins
Clubs.
Tommy's Campaign
Nicholas House
3 Laurence Pountney Hill
London EC4R 0BB
08707 707070
08707 773060 (information line)
http://www.tommys.org/
Information about problems in pregnancy including Toxoplasmosis, Pre-eclampsia and premature birth.
Childcare
ChildcareLink
0800 096 0296
(Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-12 noon)
http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/
Provides details of local childcare, early education, other care and support services in England.
Children's Information Service
Call Childcare Link on 0800 096 or visit http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/
Provides information on the availability of nursery education and childcare.
Daycare Trust
21 St George's Road
London SE1 6ES
(020) 7840 3350
(helpline Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-5pm)
http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/
Offers information on all aspects of childcare.
National Childminding Association
(NCMA)
Royal Court
81 Tweedy Road
Bromley BR1 1TG
0845 880 0044
0800 169 4486 (helpline Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
http://www.ncma.org.uk/
An organisation for registered childminders providing training, information and support.
Pre-school Learning Alliance
The Fitzpatrick Building
188 York Way
London N7 9AD
(020) 7697 2500
http://www.pre-school.org.uk/
Supports the work of community preschools.
Illness and Disability
Action for Sick Children
36 Jacksons Edge Road
Disley
Stockport SK12 2JL
0800 074 4519
http://www.actionforsickchildren.org/
Offers support to parents with child healthcare issues in hospital, at home and in the community.
Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH)
ASBAH House
42 Park Road
Peterborough PE1 2UQ
(01733) 555988
0845 450 7755 (helpline Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
http://www.asbah.org/
Advice, practical and financial help for parents of children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
Assist UK
(Disability Living Centres)
Redbank House
4 St Chad's Street
Cheetham
Manchester M8 8QA
0870 770 2866
0870 770 5813 (textphone)
http://www.dlcc.org.uk/
Provides information and advice on disability related equipment and the opportunity to
try it out.
BDF Newlife
BDF Centre
Hemlock Business Park
Hemlock Way
Cannock
Staffordshire WS11 7GF
(01543) 468888 (central office)
08700 70 70 20 (nurse service 9.30am-5pm)
http://www.bdfcharity.co.uk/
Birth Defects Foundation is a charity that provides information and support on all birth defects.
BLISS
9 Holyrood Street
London Bridge
London SE1 2EL
(020) 7378 1122
0500 618140 (parent support free helpline Mon-Fri 10am-5pm)
http://www.bliss.org.uk/
Parent support network for families of babies who need intensive or special care.
Climb
Climb Building
176 Nantwich Road
Crewe CW2 6BG
0800 652 3181 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
0870 7700 325/6
http://www.climb.org.uk/
Support group for children living with inherited metabolic diseases.
Contact a Family
209-211 City Road
London EC1V 1JN
(020) 7608 8700 (admin)
0808 808 3555 (helpline Mon-Fri
10am-4pm, Mon 5.30pm-7.30pm)
0808 808 3556 (textphone)
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
Links families of children with special needs and disabilities through local support networks.
Council for Disabled Children
8 Wakley Street
London EC1V 7QE
(020) 7843 1900
www.ncb.org.uk/cdc
Information for parents and help with particular disabilities.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
11 London Road
Bromley BR1 1BY
(020) 8464 7211
0845 859 1000 (helpline)
http://www.cftrust.org.uk/
Information and support for parents of children with cystic fibrosis and for parents concerned about passing on the illness.
Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International (DPPi)
Unit F9
89-93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
(020) 7263 3088 (admin)
0800 018 4730 (freephone Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
0800 018 9949 (textphone)
http://www.dppi.org.uk/
Information service on parenting issues for disabled people.
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
380-384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
(020) 7289 6111 (admin)
0845 130 9177 (helpline Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
(020) 7432 8009 (textphone Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
http://www.dlf.org.uk/
Information on disability and related equipment.
Down's Syndrome Association
Langdon Down Centre
2a Langdon Park
Teddington TW11 9PS
0845 230 0372 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
Information, advice, counselling and support for parents of children with Down's syndrome.
Genetic Interest Group (GIG)
Unit 4D
Leroy House
436 Essex Road
London N1 3QP
(020) 7704 3141
http://www.gig.org.uk/
Support groups working with those affected by specific genetic disorders.
Haemophilia Society
First Floor
Petersham House
57a Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8JG
0800 018 6068 (helpline Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
(020) 7831 1020
http://www.haemophilia.org.uk/
Advice and practical help for families affected by haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Elta House
Birmingham Road
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 0AQ
0870 774 3651 (admin)
0800 975 3100 (helpline)
http://www.jtsma.org.uk/
Advice and practical support to parents of children with the disease. Equipment on loan.
MENCAP
MENCAP National Centre
123 Golden Lane
London EC1Y 0RT
(020) 7454 0454
http://www.mencap.org.uk/
Support for people with a learning disability and their families/carers.
Meningitis Research Foundation
Midland Way
Thornbury
Bristol BS35 2BS
(01454) 281811
080 8800 3344 (24-hour national helpline)
http://www.meningitis.org/
Information and support to families with someone currently ill, recovering from or bereaved by meningitis and septicaemia.
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
7-11 Prescott Place
London SW4 6BS
(020) 7720 8055 (helpline Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm)
http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/
Provides support for individuals and families affected by neuromuscular conditions.
National Society for Phenylketonuria (NSPKU)
P.O. Box 26642
London N14 4ZF
0845 603 9136
http://www.nspku.org/
Information for parents with children suffering from PKU.
Positively Women
347-349 City Road
London EC1V 1LR
(020) 7713 0444 (admin)
(020) 7713 0222 (helpline Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm)
http://www.positivelywomen.org.uk/
Support services for women, children and families affected by HIV.
Reach
Reach Head Office
PO Box 54
Helston
Cornwall TR13 8WD
0845 130 6225 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
http://www.reach.org.uk/
Information and support to parents of children with hand or arm problems.
Scope
6 Market Road
London N7 9PW
(020) 7619 7100
0808 800 3333 (helpline Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 2pm-6pm)
http://www.scope.org.uk/
Offers advice and support to parents of children with cerebral palsy.
Sense
11-13 Clifton Terrace
Finsbury Park
London N4 3SR
0845 127 0060
0845 127 0062 (textphone)
http://www.sense.org.uk/
Advice and support for families of deaf-blind and rubella disabled children.
Sexual Health Line
0800 567 123 (24-hour helpline)
http://www.playingsafely.co.uk/
Free and confidential advice about HIV, AIDS, clinics and support services.
Sickle Cell Society
54 Station Road
Harlesden
London NW10 4UA
(020) 8961 7795
http://www.sicklecellsociety.org/
Information, advice and financial help for families affected by sickle cell disease.
Steps
Warrington Lane, Lymm,
Cheshire, WA13 0SA
0871 717 0044
info@steps-charity.org.uk
The UK Thalassaemia Society
19 The Broadway
Southgate Circus
London N14 6PH
(020) 8882 0011
http://www.ukts.org/
Information for families affected by thalassaemia blood disorders.
Miscarriage and Bereavement
Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC)
73 Charlotte Street
London W1T 4PN
(020) 7631 0280 (admin)
(020) 7631 0285 (helpline Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm)
http://www.arc-uk.org/
Support and information for parents throughout antenatal testing when an abnormality has been diagnosed and a choice has to be made about the termination of the pregnancy.
Compassionate Friends
53 North Street
Bristol BS3 1EN
0845 120 3785 (admin)
0845 123 2304 (helpline
10am-4pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm)
http://www.tcf.org.uk/
Advice and support for bereaved parents and families.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse House
126 Sheen Road
Richmond
Surrey TW9 1UR
(020) 8939 9530 (admin)
0870 167 1677 (day-by-day helpline Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm)
0808 808 1677 (young person's free helpline)
http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/
A nationwide service providing bereavement support, counselling, and information.
Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (Cot Death Research and Support)
Artillery House
11-19 Artillery Row
London SW1P 1RT
(020) 7222 8001 (admin)
(020) 7233 2090 (24-hour helpline)
http://www.fsid.org.uk/
Support for parents bereaved by infant death and advice on reducing risk of cot death.
Miscarriage Association
c/o Clayton Hospital
Northgate
Wakefield
W. Yorks WF1 3JS
(01924) 200799 (helpline Mon-Fri
9am-4pm)
http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/
Information, advice and support for women who have had, or who are having, a miscarriage.
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death
Society (SANDS)
28 Portland Place
London W1B 1LY
(020) 7436 7940 (admin)
(020) 7436 5881 (helpline Mon-Fri
9.30am-5.30pm)
http://www.uk-sands.org/
Information and a network of support groups for bereaved parents.
Single-Parent Families
Gingerbread
307 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JH
(020) 7403 9500 (admin)
0800 018 4318 (advice line Mon-Fri 10am-12 noon, 1pm-3pm)
http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Self-help association for one-parent families
Meet-a-Mum Association (MAMA)
54 Lillington Road
Radstock BA3 3NR
0845 120 3746 (helpline Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm)
http://www.mama.co.uk/
Advice for mothers suffering from postnatal depression. Support network.
National Council for One-Parent Families
255 Kentish Town Road
London NW5 2LX
0800 018 5026 (lone parent helpline Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (8pm on Wed))
http://www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk/
Information for lone parents on benefits, maintenance, work, education, legal rights and childcare.
Women's Aid Federation of England
PO Box 391
Bristol BS99 7WS
(0117) 944 4411
0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)
http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Information, support and refuge for abused women and their children.
Smoking
NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline 0800 169 9 169 (daily 12 noon-9pm)
http://www.gosmokefree.co.uk/
Specialised Organisations
Association of Parents of Vaccine Damaged Children
78 Campden Road
Shipston-on-Stour
Warwickshire CV36 4DH
(01608) 661595
Advises parents on claiming vaccine damage payment.
Association for Post-Natal Illness (APNI)
145 Dawes Road
London SW6 7EB
(020) 7386 0868 (helpline)
http://www.apni.org/
Network of volunteers who have suffered from post-natal illness offering information, support and encouragement.
British Thyroid Foundation
PO Box 97
Clifford
Wetherby
West Yorkshire LS23 6XD
(01423) 709 707
http://www.btf-thyroid.org/
Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA)
First Floor
Green Man Tower
332B Goswell Road
London EC1V 7LQ
(020) 7833 4883
http://www.clapa.com/
Support for families of babies born with cleft lip and/or palate. Feeding equipment available.
Cry-sis
BM Cry-sis
London WCIN 3XX
08451 228 669
(7 days 9am-10pm)
http://www.cry-sis.org.uk/
Support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding children.
Nappy Laundry Service
(0121) 693 4949
http://www.changeanappy.co.uk/
The Pelvic Partnership
26 Manor Green
Harwell OX11 0DQ
(01235) 820921
http://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
Provides information and advice about the management of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction - pain and mobility problems caused by instability of the pelvis during pregnancy.