additional support IN HACKNEY
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN and YOUNG PEOPLE
This list includes services, mainly in Hackney, that can offer support and advice on a wide range of issues relating to families, babies, children and young people, children with disabilities, bereavement and loss. See also our list for Older People.
You can find this and other lists here.
If you have any safeguarding or well-being concerns about a child or young person, aged under 18, living in Hackney, contact Hackney’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on
020 8356 5500, open Mon-Fri, or via the Out of Hours option on 020 8356 2710. For more information, please visit their site here.
If you are in any doubt as to the immediate safety of any child call 999.
GENERAL
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CITIZENS ADVICE EAST END
300 Mare Street E8 1HE
020 3855 4472 (this is not an advice line)
No appointments are at the Mare Street address. You need to go to the Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street E8 1DY on Wednesdays and Fridays, 09.30-12.30. Demand is high so arrive early. There is plenty on information online.
Check national CAB website for online advice and information on benefits, work, debt, housing, immigration, health etc.
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FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Although the Mayor of London has introduced universal free school meals for all primary school children you still need to apply if you are receiving tax credit or benefits so that the school can claim extra funding on your behalf. See website for information about eligibility for free school nursery and secondary school meals or if you have no recourse to public funds.
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HACKNEY COUNCIL
HERE TO HELP: COST OF LIVING SUPPORT GUIDE
An online guide to practical support, and how to apply for it, to help with the rising cost of living. It includes housing and rent, utility bills, help with food and groceries, community lunch clubs, local warm places, free exercise and sport etc.
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HACKNEY’S FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE
1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY
Impartial information, advice and guidance about childcare, activities and services for children and young people, aged 0-19 years, including about childcare providers (nurseries, childminders, playgroups etc) children’s centres, out-of-school activities, parenting courses and family support, and support for children with additional needs and/or disabilities.
Walk in advice Wed 13.00-15.00 or call to book an appointment 020 8820 7590
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
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BABY BUDDIES
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Healthy Living Centre, 170 Pitfield Street, N1 6JH
Ongoing weekly drop-in group, providing a relaxed and supportive space for clients to consider how they can support their mental health. Areas covered include mums’ and babies’ needs, sharing tips and experiences, and relaxation techniques.
Coffee mornings Wed 11.00 - 14.30
Waterhouse Restaurant, 10 Orsman Road, N1 5QJ
Call 020 7033 8524 for more information. -
BUMP BUDDIES
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
A free service for women in Hackney who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Help includes support at antenatal classes, breastfeeding, how to access low cost and free baby equipment and clothing, and details of local children’s groups.
You can be referred or refer yourself by filling in form online. Call 020 7033 8524 for more information.
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BUMP TO BABY GROUP
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
If you need help with any of these items, talk to your midwife, family support worker, health visitor, food bank, social worker, or Children’s Centre, and ask them to refer you by emailing cambridge.heath@salvationarmy.org.uk
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CHILDREN’S CENTRES
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Children’s centres are places where local families with young children can go to enjoy facilities and receive support, including free parenting support.
The facilities and activities provided are designed especially for parents with a child under five years old, or those expecting a baby. To find a full list of centres, click below.
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GROW BABY
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
54 Ivy Street N1 5JE
Support for vulnerable families with baby clothes and equipment for newborns.
Open Thurs 10.00-14.00 in term-time.
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HACKNEY CHILDREN AND BABY BANK
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Offers families in need essential items such as nappies, buggies, clothes, shoes, toys, books and baby equipment for children aged 0-12.
If you need help with any of these items, talk to your midwife, family support worker, health visitor, food bank, social worker, or Children’s Centre, and ask them to refer you by emailing gethelp@hackneybabybank.org
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HACKNEY PLAYBUS
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Free family support and play opportunities for families with children under five.
To find out if there’s a Playbus session in your area call 07973 183607.
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HENRY IN CITY AND HACKNEY
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Provides a wide range of support for families from pregnancy to age 12 including workshops, programmes, resources, parent support groups, tips and online help.
01865 302973
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IVY STREET FAMILY CENTRE
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
54 Ivy Street, N1 5JE
Drop-in sessions – soft play, music, toys and activities - for anyone with a preschool child. £1 a session.
There is still building work to be completed so check the website for times and locations as not all activities are in the Centre.
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LITTLE VILLAGE
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Provides clothes, nappies, bedding, equipment and toys for babies and children up to the age of 5.
To receive help, you will need to be referred by a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, foodbank or children’s centre.
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NHS HEALTHY START
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have children under the age of 4 and you are on benefits (eg universal credit, ESA, child tax credit or pension credit; and includes people legally living in the UK but without settled status and with no recourse to public funds) or you are under the age of 18, you could qualify for free vouchers to spend on healthy food and milk (including formula). You can apply online, email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 7010
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ROSE VOUCHERS FOR FRUIT AND VEG
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Fresh fruit and veg vouchers are given out at children’s centres to spend at selected shops and markets, including Ridley Road. Locations are on the website.
FAMILIES
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CARERS FIRST HACKNEY
FAMILIES
Online support for unpaid carers, including young carers, on a range of issues including carer’s assessments and support entitlements, financial and legal advice, and condition specific advice (eg caring for someone with dementia).
Helpline 0300 303 1555 or email hello@carersfirst.org.uk
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CITY AND HACKNEY CARERS CENTRE
FAMILIES
Gives information and advice, one-to-one and group emotional, practical and social support, advocacy and wellbeing activities to unpaid carers of children and/or adults. Advice Line 020 8533 0951 10am-4pm or email info@hackneycarers.org.uk
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CLAUDIA JONES ORGANISATION
FAMILIES
103 Stoke Newington Road N16 8BX
Range of services for African Caribbean heritage women and families, children and older people, including family support, violence against women and girls, and practical and emotional support in areas such as school exclusions, welfare and food poverty. Call 020 7241 1646
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FAMILY LINE
FAMILIES
Free advice line offering emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships – including siblings – conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries etc.
Call 0808 802 6666 Mon-Fri, 9am– 9pm text 07537 404 282, email familyline@family-action.org.uk
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FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP
FAMILIES
Advises parents, grandparents, relatives and friends about their rights and options when social workers or courts make decisions about their children’s welfare.
They work with parents whose children are in need, at risk or are in the care system and with wider family members and friends who are raising children (known as kinship carers).
Free advice line 0808 801 0366
Mon - Fri, 9.30am - 3pm -
FATHER 2 FATHER
FAMILIES
Provides support, training, information, mentorship and advice to adolescent boys, men, fathers and families to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and relationships.
Call 020 3921 0717 / 07495 843 104 or email info@father2father.co.uk
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MATERNITY ACTION
FAMILIES
Information on rights at work for pregnant women, new mothers and their families, employment, benefits and health care.
For advice on rights at work and benefits, call 0808 802 0029.
For advice on NHS charging for maternity care, complete online form.
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SHOREDITCH TRUST
FAMILIES
Offers a wide range of services including support for pregnant women and young families (Bump Buddies), support for people with long-term health conditions, and stroke support.
Call 0207 033 8500
young people
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HACKNEY QUEST
YOUNG PEOPLE
Youth club activities, mentoring, education support, holiday activities, family support, volunteering. Accepts referrals from parents, CAMHS, youth organisations etc.
Call 0208 533 5480 or email enquiry@hackneyquest.org.uk
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OFF CENTRE
YOUNG PEOPLE
Free counselling and support service for young people aged 16-25 with their mental health and emotional needs.
Offers practical advice and information around issues including employment, education, finances, benefits, housing and training. Also offers therapeutic support and psychoeducation through groups, which can also reduce social isolation.
Call 0208 986 4016 or self-refer through the website.
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THE WICKERS CHARITY
YOUNG PEOPLE
Aims to give young people, aged 8-21, a safe place to interact and learn. Based in Hackney Wick, offers a range of classes, boxing club, mentoring and employability programmes. Free to join.
Call 0208 506 6033
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YOUNG MINDS
YOUNG PEOPLE
Support for children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing – including suicidal thoughts, abuse, assault, self-harm, bullying and relationship issues. The website has loads of information, but for urgent help, 24/7, Text SHOUT to 85258. Parents’ helpline 0808 802
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KOOTH
YOUNG PEOPLE
Free, safe and anonymous support for children and young people aged between 11 and 25.
Qualified counsellors are online seven days a week to provide counselling through chat-based messaging
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HEALTH SPOT HACKNEY
YOUNG PEOPLE
Young Hackney Forest Road Youth Hub, 29 Forest Road E8 3BY
Free and confidential health and wellbeing support, guidance and information for young people aged 11-25. Access to GPs, sexual health nurses, youth workers, counsellors and mental health practitioners, plus employment help, and substance misuse advice.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit the website.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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AFK
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Help for children and young people with disabilities and autism through provision of mobility equipment (up to age 25); employability skills and work placements.
Call 020 8347 8111
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CONTACT
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Advice and support services to parents and carers of children with disabilities or additional needs, including information about education, benefits and finance, social care and an A-Z of medical conditions.
Monday-Friday 9.30 am - 5pm
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FAMILY FUND
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Support services, grants and information for families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people.
Helpline 01904 550055
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KIDS
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Spring Lane, Big Hill, Clapton E5 9HQ (below Springfield Park).
In Hackney, Kids runs an inclusive and supervised playground for disabled children and young people, aged 6-24, and their siblings. See timetable on website.
Also offer short breaks for children/young people aged 5-18 - referrals via the Short Breaks team in Hackney. Call 020 8356 6789, Option 1 .
Call 0208 806 6149 for both services
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NEWLIFE
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Advice and support for families caring for a child with a disability or terminal illness. Can offer grants towards equipment, emergency equipment and free loan of equipment and specialist toys.
Free Helpline staffed by nurses 0800 902 0095, Mon-Fri 08.00-20.00
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TOGETHER FOR SHORT LIVES
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Information and advice for parents and carers of children with life threatening or life limiting conditions, including support around diagnosis, moving to adult services and end-of-life care. Helpline 0808 8088 100
BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS
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CRUSE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Free care and bereavement counselling for people suffering with grief.
Helpline 0808 808 1677
Support for young people at
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GRIEF ENCOUNTER
BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS
Support for bereaved children and young people.
Helpline 0808 802 0111
Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm
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REHAB4ADDICTION
Offers support to those suffering a bereavement who have addiction and/or mental health issues. Lists a wide range of resources and information, including a directory of treatment centres.
24 hour helpline 0800 140 4690
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ST JOSEPH’S HOSPICE
BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS
For people and their families living with life-limiting illness. Free bereavement service; community and day services; community palliative care; and counselling and advice.
24/7 advice and support line 0300 30 30 400