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Useful UK Organisations
Useful UK Organisations
Parents may need reliable help with health, mental health, safeguarding, disability, education, housing, money, childcare, relationships, bereavement or urgent family problems.
This directory brings together recognised UK organisations and official services. It explains what each service may help with and where families should start.
Opening hours, eligibility and geographical coverage can change. Always check the organisation’s current website before relying on a service.
How to Use This Directory
This directory signposts organisations and official services. Inclusion is not an endorsement, and service descriptions, coverage, eligibility, contact methods and opening hours can change.
An organisation may provide information, peer support, campaigning or a helpline without providing clinical treatment, legal representation, emergency response or individual casework.
Check the official website and geographical coverage before sharing personal information. Call 999 for immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency.
Emergency and Urgent Help
Emergency Services
Call 999 when someone is in immediate danger, seriously ill, badly injured, not breathing normally, unresponsive or unable to remain safe.
Urgent Health Advice
- NHS 111 online in England
- NHS 111 Wales
- NHS 24 and 111 in Scotland
- GP out-of-hours services in Northern Ireland
Use the service for the nation where the person is located. These routes are for urgent concerns that are not immediately life-threatening.
Urgent Mental Health Help
Use the NHS urgent mental health guidance and the relevant national service. Call 999 where there is immediate danger.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support. It is not an emergency or clinical service.
Childline
Childline provides confidential support for children and young people about abuse, bullying, mental health, family problems and online safety.
General Health and NHS Information
NHS
The NHS website provides general health information and service routes. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.
NHS Service Search
Families in England can search for GPs, pharmacies, dentists and other NHS services. Other UK nations provide their own service finders.
Find an NHS service in England
Health Visiting Services
Health visitors support families with babies and young children. Service access and organisation differ across the UK.
Find NHS health visiting services in England
NHS Best Start in Life
NHS Best Start in Life provides pregnancy, baby, toddler, feeding and early-development information.
Children’s Health and Development
ERIC
ERIC is a UK charity supporting children and families with bladder and bowel issues, including potty training, constipation, bedwetting and continence.
Bliss
Bliss supports families of babies born premature or sick and provides information about neonatal care.
The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust provides safer-sleep information and bereavement support relating to sudden infant death.
National Childbirth Trust
NCT provides information and services relating to pregnancy, birth, feeding and early parenthood.
Parent and Child Mental Health
The organisations below provide different combinations of information, campaigning, helplines, local services and family resources. They do not all provide clinical assessment, crisis response or treatment.
Mind
Mind provides mental health information and services in England and Wales.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds provides mental health information for young people and resources for parents and carers.
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance campaigns and provides information about mental health during pregnancy and after birth.
Visit the Maternal Mental Health Alliance
PANDAS Foundation
PANDAS Foundation provides peer support relating to perinatal mental illness. It is not a replacement for an NHS assessment or emergency service.
Anna Freud
Anna Freud provides resources relating to children’s and young people’s mental health.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
NSPCC
The NSPCC provides guidance about keeping children safe, recognising abuse, reporting concerns and online safety.
NSPCC Reporting Guidance
Use this guidance if you are worried that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.
Read NSPCC guidance on reporting child abuse
Internet Watch Foundation
The Internet Watch Foundation provides a reporting route for child sexual abuse imagery online.
Visit the Internet Watch Foundation
CEOP Education
CEOP Education provides online-safety resources for children, parents and professionals.
Visit CEOP Education for parents
Online Safety
NSPCC Online Safety
The NSPCC provides practical advice about games, apps, social media, parental controls, online relationships and harmful content.
Visit NSPCC online-safety guidance
Internet Matters
Internet Matters offers guides for parents about devices, games, social media, parental controls and age-specific online risks.
Childnet
Childnet provides online-safety resources for children, parents, schools and professionals.
SEND, Disability and Additional Needs
Contact
Contact supports families with disabled children and provides information about benefits, education, health, social care and family life.
Scope
Scope provides disability information, advice and support relating to work, benefits, equipment, rights and daily life.
Family Fund
Family Fund provides grants and support for eligible families raising a disabled or seriously ill child.
IPSEA
IPSEA provides independent information about special educational needs and disability law in England.
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society provides autism information, services and resources for autistic people and families.
Visit the National Autistic Society
Down’s Syndrome Association
The Down’s Syndrome Association provides information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, families and professionals.
Visit the Down’s Syndrome Association
Royal National Institute of Blind People
RNIB supports blind and partially sighted people, including children and families.
National Deaf Children’s Society
NDCS provides information and support for deaf children, young people and their families.
Visit the National Deaf Children’s Society
Carers UK
Carers UK provides information about carers’ rights, benefits, work, assessments and practical support.
Education, Nursery and School
GOV.UK Education and Learning
GOV.UK provides official information about schools, admissions, attendance, childcare, SEND and education.
Visit GOV.UK education and learning
Ofsted
Ofsted publishes inspection reports for many schools, early years providers and childcare services in England.
Estyn
Estyn inspects education and training in Wales.
Education Scotland
Education Scotland publishes inspection reports and educational resources for Scotland.
Find an inspection report in Scotland
Education and Training Inspectorate Northern Ireland
ETI publishes inspection information for education and training settings in Northern Ireland.
Family Lives
Family Lives provides parenting information and support covering behaviour, school, relationships, family change and emotional wellbeing.
Childcare and Family Services
GOV.UK Childcare
This service helps families in England check childcare options and financial support.
Use the GOV.UK childcare service
Family Information Services
Local councils usually provide information about childcare, family activities, SEND and support services.
Family Support NI
Family Support NI provides a directory of childcare, family and community services in Northern Ireland.
Money, Benefits and Debt
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides information and advice about benefits, debt, housing, employment, consumer rights and family issues.
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper provides free and impartial government-backed guidance about money, debt, pensions, budgeting and financial decisions.
Turn2us
Turn2us provides a benefits calculator, grants search and information for people experiencing financial insecurity.
StepChange
StepChange provides free debt advice and debt-solution information.
National Debtline
National Debtline provides free debt advice for people in England, Wales and Scotland.
GOV.UK Benefits Calculators
Officially listed calculators can help families estimate possible benefit entitlement.
Use a GOV.UK benefits calculator
Healthy Start
Healthy Start provides support towards certain foods and vitamins for eligible families.
Housing and Homelessness
Shelter
Shelter provides housing and homelessness advice. Its websites and services differ by UK nation.
GOV.UK Homelessness Help
Families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness should contact their council early.
Read GOV.UK homelessness guidance
Crisis
Crisis supports people experiencing homelessness and campaigns to end homelessness.
Domestic Abuse and Family Safety
GOV.UK Domestic Abuse Support
This official guide lists domestic abuse support for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and explains how to call the police when speaking is unsafe.
Read GOV.UK domestic abuse support guidance
Refuge
Refuge provides services for women and children affected by domestic abuse and operates the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in England.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid provides information and access to domestic abuse support services.
Respect
Respect provides support and information for male victims of domestic abuse and for people concerned about their own abusive behaviour.
Single Parents, Separation and Relationships
Gingerbread
Gingerbread provides information and support for single-parent families, including benefits, work, childcare and separation.
Relate
Relate provides relationship counselling and information for couples, individuals, families, children and young people.
Child Maintenance Service
GOV.UK provides official information about arranging and managing child maintenance.
Visit the Child Maintenance Service
Family Mediation Council
The Family Mediation Council provides information and a search for accredited family mediators.
Visit the Family Mediation Council
Bereavement and Loss
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK supports children, young people, parents and families when a child grieves or when a child dies.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse provides bereavement information and support for adults, children and families.
Visit Cruse Bereavement Support
Sands
Sands supports people affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby.
Miscarriage Association
The Miscarriage Association provides information and support relating to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.
Visit the Miscarriage Association
Twins Trust Bereavement Support
Twins Trust provides specialist support for families affected by the death of one or more babies from a multiple pregnancy.
Visit Twins Trust bereavement support
Baby Banks and Essential Items
Baby Bank Alliance Map
The UK baby-bank map helps families and donors identify baby banks in different areas.
Little Village
Little Village supports families with babies and young children in London through a baby-bank network and referral partners.
Stripey Stork
Stripey Stork provides practical items to referred families in Surrey and Croydon and publishes detailed donation guidance.
Local Councils and Family Hubs
Councils and family hubs may know about local baby banks, uniform banks, food support and emergency assistance.
Food Support
Trussell
Trussell supports a network of food banks and campaigns against the need for emergency food aid.
Independent Food Aid Network
IFAN represents independent food-aid providers and publishes information about local support.
Visit the Independent Food Aid Network
Free School Meals
Eligibility and application processes differ across the UK.
Check free school meal information for England
Parenting, Babies and Family Life
Family Lives
Family Lives provides parenting information, online resources and support for family difficulties.
Home-Start UK
Home-Start provides volunteer and family support through local schemes for families facing difficult circumstances.
Twins Trust
Twins Trust supports families with twins, triplets and more through information, communities and specialist services.
Coram Family and Childcare
Coram Family and Childcare provides information and research about childcare and family services.
Visit Coram Family and Childcare
Kinship, Adoption and Fostering
Kinship
Kinship supports grandparents and other relatives or friends raising children who cannot live with their parents.
Adoption UK
Adoption UK provides support, information and communities for adoptive families and adopted people.
The Fostering Network
The Fostering Network provides information, advice and support for foster carers and fostering services across the UK.
Refugee, Migrant and Asylum Support
Refugee Council
The Refugee Council supports refugees and people seeking asylum in England.
British Red Cross Refugee Support
The British Red Cross provides support for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.
Visit British Red Cross refugee support
Migrant Help
Migrant Help provides support relating to asylum, trafficking, modern slavery and other migration issues.
Consumer and Product Safety
Office for Product Safety and Standards
The official recalls database includes alerts affecting toys, nursery equipment, furniture, electricals, clothing and other products.
Search UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls
Child Accident Prevention Trust
CAPT provides practical child accident-prevention information about choking, burns, poisoning, blind cords, batteries, falls and other household risks.
Visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
RoSPA provides safety information covering homes, roads, leisure, water and workplaces.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Citizens Advice provides information about faulty goods, refunds, scams, contracts and other consumer issues.
Visit Citizens Advice consumer guidance
Fire, Water and Road Safety
Fire Kills
Fire Kills provides UK government-backed home fire-safety information.
Royal Life Saving Society UK
RLSS UK provides water-safety education, training and drowning-prevention information.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
The RNLI provides beach, coast and water-safety information.
Brake
Brake provides road-safety information and support for people affected by road crashes.
Libraries, Reading and Learning
BookTrust
BookTrust provides reading recommendations, family reading resources and programmes for children.
National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust provides literacy resources, research and family learning support.
Visit the National Literacy Trust
Local Libraries
Libraries may provide free books, rhyme sessions, homework resources, digital services and family activities.
Find local library services in England and Wales
Legal and Rights Information
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a useful first point for many family, employment, housing, benefit and consumer-rights issues.
Rights of Women
Rights of Women provides legal information and advice for women on family law, criminal law, immigration and sexual harassment.
Law Centres Network
Law Centres provide free legal advice and representation in some local areas.
Finding Local Organisations
National directories cannot list every local charity or service.
Also search through:
- Your local council
- Family hubs
- Health visitors
- Schools and nurseries
- Libraries
- Local voluntary-service councils
- GP practices
- Housing services
Check Geographical Coverage
Before contacting an organisation, check whether it serves:
- The whole UK
- England only
- England and Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- A specific council area
- Families referred by professionals
Check Eligibility and Referral Rules
Some services:
- Accept direct contact
- Require a professional referral
- Have age limits
- Use financial eligibility rules
- Have waiting lists
- Provide information but not casework
Protect Personal Information
Before sharing sensitive information:
- Check that you are using the official website
- Confirm who will receive the information
- Ask how it will be stored
- Do not send passwords or security codes
- Do not publish medical or safeguarding details publicly
Avoid Impersonation and Scams
Be cautious if someone claiming to represent a charity asks for:
- Passwords
- One-time security codes
- Payment by gift card
- Bank login details
- Immediate payment through an unusual link
Contact the organisation through the details on its official website.
How to Prepare Before Contacting an Organisation
- Write down the main problem
- Gather relevant letters
- Record important dates
- List questions
- Check deadlines
- Have reference numbers available
- Ask for an interpreter or accessibility support where needed
After Contacting a Service
- Record the date
- Note the adviser’s name
- Keep the reference number
- Write down agreed actions
- Confirm the next deadline
- Request written information where helpful
Useful Organisations and Kidora
Kidora is a UK-only marketplace where parents can buy and sell new and preloved baby and children’s items.
Parents may use the organisations in this directory for specialist health, safeguarding, legal, financial, housing, education or family support. Kidora does not replace those services and does not provide medical, legal, safeguarding, benefits, housing or emergency advice.
Sellers pay no selling fees and keep 100% of the item sale price. Buyers pay a mandatory Buyer Protection fee on paid purchases, shown before checkout.
Suitable items can be listed at £0 as FREE rather than being thrown away, which may help another family. FREE listings are collection-only and do not include a Buyer Protection fee.
Kidora does not certify children’s products. Check instructions, condition, completeness, compatibility and official recalls before buying, selling or giving away an item.
Organisation Directory Checklist
- Choose the organisation matching the main problem
- Check its geographical coverage
- Check referral and eligibility rules
- Use the official website
- Prepare relevant records
- Keep notes and reference numbers
- Check deadlines
- Use emergency services for immediate danger
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organisation should I contact first?
Choose the service that matches the main issue. For uncertain or overlapping problems, a local council, health visitor, GP, school, family hub or Citizens Advice may help identify the correct route.
Are all these organisations UK-wide?
No. Some are UK-wide, while others operate in particular nations or local areas. Check geographical coverage before contacting them.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 999 when someone is in immediate danger, seriously ill, badly injured or unable to remain safe.
Can a charity replace professional medical advice?
No. Charities may provide information and support, but medical concerns should be discussed with the NHS or an appropriate healthcare professional.
What if an organisation cannot help me?
Ask whether it can suggest another service, contact the local council or Citizens Advice, and keep any decision or referral information in writing.
How can I tell whether a website is genuine?
Use the organisation’s official domain, avoid links from unexpected messages and contact the organisation directly if anything appears suspicious.