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
Advice line 020 3855 4472
Mon-Fri 10am- 4pmHelp through Hardship line 0808 208 2138 Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
Drop-in sessions Mon-Wed 10am - 1pm
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 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.
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HACKNEY COUNCIL
The Council has published a cost of living support guide. It includes housing and rent, utility bills, help with food and groceries, community lunch clubs, free exercise and sport etc. Called Help at Hand. Download a copy via the website.
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HACKNEY’S FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE
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.
Advice line 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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CHILDREN’S CENTRES
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
A children’s centre is a place where local families with young children can go to enjoy facilities and receive support that they need, 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
Support for vulnerable families with baby clothes and equipment for newborns. Referrals and self-referrals. This centre recently reopened after refurbishment.
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HACKNEY CHILDREN AND BABY BANK
Offers families in need essential items such as clothes, shoes, toys, books, food and baby equipment.
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 hello@efbabybank.org.
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HACKNEY PLAYBUS
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Free family support and play opportunities for families with children under five.
0208 510 3335
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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
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. 54 Ivy Street, N1 5JE.
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LITTLE VILLAGE
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Foodbank for clothes, nappies, bedding, equipment and toys for babies and children aged up to 5.
You need to be referred by a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, foodbank or local mutual support group.
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NHS HEALTHY START
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
If you are pregnant or have children under the age of 4 and you are on benefits (for example 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 under the age of 18, you could qualify for free vouchers to spend on milk (including formula), fruit, vegetables and vitamins.
Ask your midwife, doctor or health visitor for more information or ring the Healthy Start helpline 0345 607 6823 You can use the vouchers (now a card with money on it) in many local stores and supermarkets and Ridley Road market.
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ROSE VOUCHERS FOR FRUIT AND VEG
Fresh fruit and veg vouchers are given out at children’s centres to spend at market stalls, including Ridley Road. It’s different to Healthy Start and people can claim both. To be eligible for Rose Vouchers families should meet the criteria for the Healthy Start voucher scheme for pregnant women and families in receipt of benefits.
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HEALTHY START
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 under the age of 18, you could qualify for free vouchers to spend on milk (including formula), fruit, vegetables and vitamins.
Ask your midwife, doctor or health visitor for more information or ring the Healthy Start website.
FAMILIES
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CITY AND HACKNEY CARERS CENTRE
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 Wednesdays 020 8533 0951 10am-4pm or email info@hackneycarers.org.uk
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CLAUDIA JONES ORGANISATION
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.
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FAMILY ACTION
FAMILIES
Provides practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation. They also offer small grants. Services cover early years, children and families, adult mental health and wellbeing.
Familyline 0808 802 6666
Mon - Fri, 09.00 - 21.00
Text 07537 404 282 -
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
Provides support, training, information, mentorship and advice to adolescent boys, fathers and their 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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HACKNEY DADS
FAMILIES
A peer-support group for local fathers no longer living with their children.
Email richard.howlett@vchackney.org or phone 07305 786174
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HACKNEY SHINE
FAMILIES
Provides a range of support for people aged over 65, people with respiratory and cardiovascular ill-health, disabled and housebound residents, and low-income families with children under five.
Help with bills and energy saving advice, warm home discount, free home energy visits; DWP benefits checks; help with utility debt; Thames Water discounts; handyperson service; help to report repairs.
Check website for everything they can help with or call 0800 281 768
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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.
Advice on rights at work and benefits 0808 802 0057
Advice on NHS charging for maternity care 0808 800 0041
Migrant women’s rights 020 7251 6189
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SHOREDITCH TRUST
FAMILIES
Offers a wide range of services including support for pregnant women and young families, support for people with long-term health conditions, stroke support, meal deliveries (Community Table), free activities (Community Connections), and a referral service to signpost you to other agencies offering advice.
Call 0203 559 9234 or 0207 033 8500
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Carers First
Online support for unpaid carers, including young carers, on a range of issues including carer’s assessments and support entitlements, financial and legal advice.
Helpline 0300 303 1555 or email hello@carersfirst.org.uk
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HACKNEY BROCALS
A community men’s group for men aged 50+. 020 8533 0951 or email brocals@hackneycarers.org.uk
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FAMILY LINE
An advice line for people experiencing parenting issues or struggling with the pressures of family life. Call 0808 802 6666 Mon-Fri, 9am– 9pm text 07537 404 282, email familyline@family-action.org.uk
young people
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HACKNEY QUEST
Youth club activities, mentoring, education support, holiday activities, family support. Accepts referrals from parents, CAMHS, youth organisations etc.
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OFF CENTRE
Free counselling, art therapy, advice and information service for young people aged 16-25 in City & Hackney. Runs an LGBTQI+ youth group. Sessions are run Mon-Fri; check the website for these and for drop-ins.
Call 020 8986 4016 or email OffCentre@family-action.org.uk
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PROJECT INDIGO
Off Centre at Family Action, Unit 7, Textile Building, 2a Belsham Street E9 6NG
LGTBQ youth and counselling service for young people aged 13-25.
Meets Thurs 5.30pm-7.30pm Just turn up or email indigo@family-action.org.uk
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THE WICKERS CHARITY
Aims to give young people, aged 8-18, a safe place to interact and learn. Based in Hackney Wick, offers a range of classes, boxing club, workshops and events. Free to join.
Call 0208 506 6033
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YOUNG MINDS
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
Offers free emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24. Qualified counsellors are online seven days a week to provide counselling through chat-based messaging
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Hackney 10X10 programme
The Hackney 10x10 Programme is a new initiative to support every child in Hackney to achieve 10 amazing activities by the time they are 10 years old.
Engage in exercise
Have a musical experience
Learn to swim
Take part in drama and performing arts
Visit the seaside and the countryside
Experience museums, theatres, galleries and heritage sites
Take part in camping trips and overnight residentials
Learn to ride a bike
Take part in debating
Use a library
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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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 HACKNEY ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Inclusive and supervised play for children, young people and their siblings with a range of complex needs and/or disabilities. Includes after school and holiday clubs, short breaks, Spring Lane E5 9HQ (below Springfield Park). Call 0208 806 6149
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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.
Free Helpline staffed by nurses 0800 902 0095
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm
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AFK
Provides mobility equipment not available on the NHS, such as bespoke powered wheelchairs, specialised trikes and walkers, to children and young people up to age 25.
Call 020 8347 8111
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TOGETHER FOR SHORT LIVES
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 from 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 9am-9pm
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ST JOSEPH’S HOSPICE
BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS
Support and advice helpline for people affected by serious, life-limiting illness. Free bereavement support and/or counselling to children, young people and families who have lost a family member, care giver or other significant person in their life.
Advice and support line 0300 30 30 400 Open 24/7