Support for Parents and Carers
As a parent or carer for a young person, it’s important you look after your own mental health as much as theirs. Take a look at this page for sources of support around Wakefield and links to information available online.
Wakefield District Services
Wakefield has a wide range of services available to help with mental health and related issues (such as finances, addiction and housing). There are services available for men, women and children.
Wakefield Families Together
Wakefield Families Together brings services together, so that it’s easier for you to find and access the support you need, at the earliest opportunity.
We want children, young people, and families to tell us they are happy, healthy, and safe. Wakefield Families Together are about working on your behalf so that if you have a concern about your child or family member, you only need to have one conversation with us, and we can direct you to the right support. You can access this support through your child’s school, family hub, or in the local community.
To help us localise how we work with families across the Wakefield district, we have grouped our teams and partner organisations into six community ‘cluster’ areas, with nine family hubs and three Youth Hubs. You can find your local Family Hub or Youth on the Wakefield Families Together website here: Family Hubs – Wakefield Families Together and here: Youth Hubs – Wakefield Families Together
Everyone needs help and support at some point in their life. So, when you do and find it hard to deal with a difficult situation, or have worries around family relationships, behaviour, school attendance, emotional and mental health, domestic abuse, parental conflict, housing issues, or employment and debt problems, Family Hubs can help direct to the right people and services. Click here for advice on parenting support and relationships.
Sometimes the concerns you have may need a group of professionals to come together to build a package of support with you and other family members so that we have the right expertise to help the whole family. Find out more about the Team Around the School model here: The ‘Team Around’ approach – Wakefield Families Together
Website: www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk
Wakefield Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities on a wide range of issues including benefits, debt, employment, housing, relationships, immigration and much more.
Call: 0344 411 1444
Well Women Centre
Offers a variety of emotional and practical support for women only, around wellbeing, including group work, counselling and a variety of therapies, providing a safe place and to be part of a learning community.
Call: 01924 211 114
Turning Point
The service is designed to provide quick and easy access to a range of psychological therapies – so you can get the help you need, when you need it.
Call: 01924 234 860
Andy’s Man Club
A talking group which provides a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they may have faced or are currently facing.
Carers Wakefield and District
Support unpaid adult carers in Wakefield district who give their time and energy to look after a family member or friend who needs support due to an illness or disability.
Call: 01924 305 544
Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service
A comprehensive local support service.
Call: 0800 915 1561
Cost of living support
Learn more about the cost of living advice and support services Wakefield Council have to offer, such as job, housing, energy, and more.
Get Cash Wise
A dedicated financial support team based in Wakefield, Get Cash Wise can help you to manage your household budget, apply for benefits and access grants to help you in the home.
The team can help you to switch utility providers to save money on your energy bills as well as work out which payments to make first to help you save money and pay off your debts.
Access a full list of mental health support services and contact details here: Wakefield – Positive Mental Health Support Services.
Additional Information for Parents and Carers
Babies Cry, You Can Cope!
For additional help and support with infant crying, please access the following:
The Lullaby Trust – Safer Sleep for Babies, Support for Families
ICON leaflet for Parents and Carers
ICON leaflet for Parents and Carers of a Premature Baby
You can speak to your health visitor and/or GP if you are worried about your baby’s crying, or if you are struggling to cope.
The NSPCC has helpful advice for all parents and carers about caring for an infant – Baby Parenting.
Safer Sleep for Babies
The Lullaby Trust has put together a collection of helpful tips and advice regarding safer sleep for babies up to the age of 6 months.
For more information about safer sleep for babies, please visit The Lullaby Trust website.
NSPCC Guides for Parents and Carers
The NSPCC has pulled together a range of guides for parents and carers to offer support about some of the most common challenges parents might face with young children and babies.
Please contact school if you require any further support about these topics.
National Services
These services are recommended by the NHS for those living anywhere in England; you can access help at the following by visiting their websites or using the phone number posted.
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
Textcare – comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most.