Parenting
Being a parent is one of the most fulfilling roles. But at times it can also be a very stressful responsibility. New parents in particular can feel isolated. All parents need social support networks.
Churches provide families with everyday advice and support. Church people offer many support services for families from church schools to childcare centres that take place in church buildings and are kept going by church volunteers.
Read on for sources of practical support from a variety of organisations including The Mothers’ Union, a Christian group which can put you in touch with other parents near you.
Parenting support
Parenting advice www.themothersunion.org/parenting.aspx
Parentline Plus www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Care for the Family www.careforthefamily.org.uk
Stress and crisis support
Home-Start UK www.home-start.org.uk
National Newpin www.newpin.org.uk
NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk
Parents Advice Centre www.pachelp.org
Postnatal support
Association for Postnatal Illness www.apni.org
National Childbirth Trust www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
Single parents
One Parent Families www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Special needs
Contact a Family www.cafamily.org.uk
Centre for Special Educational Needs www.dfee.gov.uk/sen
Mencap Learning Disability www.mencap.org.uk
Council for Disabled Children www.ncb.org.uk
National Autistic Society www.nas.org.uk
Drug abuse
Families Anonymous www.childline.org.uk
Work-life balance
Parents at Work www.parentsatwork.org.uk
Bereavement of baby or child
The Child Bereavement Trust www.childbereavement.org.uk
The Compassionate Friends Helpline www.tcf.org.uk
Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths Helpline www.sids.org.uk/fsid
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society www.uk-sands.org
Money management
Household budgeting http://www.cofe.anglican.org/debt
See also Credit Unions
The Mothers' Union
The Mothers' Union in Chelmsford diocese is part of a global network of experience and expertise in parenting. New members are always welcome.
The MU near you
For details of your local group contact Margaret Harvey margaret.g.harvey@blueyonder.co.uk or visit www.muchelmsford.org.uk
Current projects and campaigns
Contact Centres – for children of divorced parents
Away From It All Holidays
Chelmsford Prison – homework club
Overseas Relief and Development