Resources for Parents
GET SUPPORT
In this section you’ll find links to some useful websites and publications to support you on your parenting journey.
Mental Health Support
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Steps2Wellbeing is a free, NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression service for adults over 18 years old in Dorset and Southampton City.
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Perinatal Positivity offers resources and real-life stories to support the mental health of parents during pregnancy and early parenthood. The site includes informative films, support options, and self-care tips to help individuals and families navigate perinatal mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and more. The initiative aims to provide emotional preparation and connection to appropriate support services. Visit Perinatal Positivity for more information and resources.
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Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Launched in May 2019 and they have had more than 500,000 conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. Visit Shout for more information, or text 852258
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Read our blog post here for more information on BACE
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https://www.oneplusone.org.uk/parents
This is where you can access online courses from the relationship experts at OnePlusOne. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, these courses will help you learn how to cope with stress and communicate better.
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InOurPlace is an evidence-based online learning platform developed by the NHS’s Solihull Approach team, offering a wide range of e-learning courses to support parents, carers, teenagers, and adults in building emotional wellbeing and understanding child development
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CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – A mental health charity providing crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Helpful Apps
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Dorset Council is giving away free premium app subscriptions to families in Dorset. Download EasyPeasy.
EasyPeasy is a personalised parenting app that provides tailored tips and activity ideas for you and your child, from birth to age 5.
Activities to support bonding
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people
Lots of Activities for you and your little one to promote bonding plus child development advice and resources.
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Reading Well for Families is a programme by The Reading Agency that recommends specially curated books and digital resources to support the wellbeing of parents and carers during pregnancy and the critical early years (from conception to around age two). The collection includes a mix of guidance, personal stories, illustrated books, and poetry—all designed to offer comfort, knowledge, and empathy
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The Association of Infant Mental Health (AIMH) – Information for parents and professionals on fostering emotional wellbeing in babies, with access to videos and resources.
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Words for Life – A National Literacy Trust initiative offering tips and activities to help parents support their child’s communication and reading skills.
Working Parents
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A playlist of helpful youtube videos from best beginnings about being mother in the workplace. Best Beginnings Women in the Workplace
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Working Families are an independent charity that offers free advice on employment rights and in-work benefits for parents and carers. They also offer factsheets and downloadable resources
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Gingerbread offer information about queries related to working specifically for lone parents.
Resources for Dads
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Andy’s Man Club – A safe space for men to talk about mental health through weekly meetings across the UK.
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Both Parent’s Matter – Support for separated parents, ensuring children maintain relationships with both parents.
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Dads Unlimited – Support tailored for single dads and those experiencing relationship breakdowns, including domestic abuse, financial agreements, and mental health.
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Directions for Men – Support groups and activities where men can connect, share, and receive guidance.
Pregnancy Resources
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Working Families is the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers. Their mission is to remove the barriers that people with caring responsibilities face in the workplace. Visit Working Families for more information
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Kicks count offers up-to-date information on fetal movements and pregnancy, complementing the advice from healthcare professionals. Visit Kicks Count for more information
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Pregnancy sickness support offer help and guidance to improve the experience and alleviate the suffering of all those affected by pregnancy sickness, including hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Visit Pregnancy Sickness Support for more information
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NHS Choices – Covers topics from pregnancy and antenatal care to baby development, vaccinations, feeding, and tantrums.
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Best Beginnings – A charity focused on giving every child the best start in life, with resources for parents.
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FAB Website - Breastfeeding Peer Support in Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth
Cost of Living Support
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Help and Kindness list a huge number of support services for Dorset, from Maternity to food banks.
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www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/family-hubs
Information from Dorset County Council about all the services available in the family hubs in the Dorset Council area
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www.fid.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/online-family-hub
BCP online family hub is here to support you whenever you need it, across a wide range of areas.
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Citizens Advice are here to help residents and communities overcome issues they encounter, by finding a way forward together.
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Advice and Information how to apply for financial support in relation to housing, heating and other necessities.
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More Information: https://ridgewaterenergy.co.uk/projects-and-services/leap/
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The BCP Access to Food Map is an interactive tool designed to help residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole easily locate local food support services. Developed by the Access to Food Partnership, the map provides real-time information on:Bournemouth One+2Poole Waste Not Want Not+2BCP+5digitalskillshub.org.uk+5Poole Waste Not Want Not+5
Food banks (with referral details)
Community fridges and pantries
Social supermarkets
Community meals and hot food services
Helpful Publications
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Doing Watch Me Play! every day for 10-20 minutes is helpful for some children; for others, every other day or twice a week works well. Children who find it hard to focus on an activity may be more settled when they are in a quiet space with your full attention. Simple toys allow your child to use their imagination.
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Everyone can enjoy play: babies, growing children, and adults. Having fun together is important. But play isn’t just about fun. When a baby watches an adult’s face or listens to their voice, he or she is starting to learn.
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Getting it Right from the Start – A booklet and video series on attachment and bonding for new parents, developed by Tameside Early Attachment Service
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