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Families

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

Current projects and campaigns

Contact Centres – for children of divorced parents
Away From It All Holidays
Chelmsford Prison – homework club
Overseas Relief and Development

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