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Emotional and wellbeing support for families and parents
Last updated: 7 April 2026
Next review: 28 January 2027
Papyrus can support children, young people and their loved ones during a mental health crisis.
You can access the Papyrus Hopeline247 online or by calling 0800 068 41 41. The Hopeline is available 24/7 365 days a week:
- For young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
- For anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide
Support for expecting families and new parents and carers
Navigating the journey through pregnancy and early parenthood can be a time of mixed emotions and unique challenges, but you are not alone. Whether you're experiencing difficulties in bonding, facing emotional wellbeing challenges, or simply need guidance in your new parenting role, you can find support and guidance dedicated to help you during these important first months. You can learn all about the support for pregnant people and new parents on our Emotional and wellbeing support webpage.
Parent and carer support programmes
Parenting can be tough at the best of times. Parent and carer support programmes are a chance to share ideas and concerns about being a parent, build positive relationships, meet other parents, reduce parenting stress and increase knowledge and understanding of children’s development and needs. Check out the Parent and carer support webpage to find the latest timetable of activities and learn about all our support programmes.
Best Start Family Hubs
Best Start Family Hubs are based in the heart of neighbourhoods and open 5 days a week, providing support for parents and carers and young people of all ages. You can meet and talk to other parents, attend parenting, wellbeing and play sessions, and access information and services for all adults.
Getting specialist help for your child
If you're worried about your child's wellbeing, with friends, at school, or at home, there are organisations that can help.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is Waltham Forest's specialist mental health team which supports children, young people, and their families. They help children and young people under 18 who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health difficulties. They also offer a counselling and psychotherapy service called You and Me Counselling that works with children, young people, adults and their families. Further mental health resources and support is available on our Social, emotional and mental wellbeing pages as part of our Local Offer.
Other support for families
- Our Early Help team works with other professionals, parents, and carers to intervene early in a child's life to make sure that problems are addressed before they can escalate. It supports families with children and young people aged 0 to 19 and up to 25 with a disability.
- Define Fine can offer peer support to parents to navigate school attendance difficulties.
- Further mental health resources and support are also available on our Social, emotional and mental wellbeing pages as part of our Local Offer.
- Other resources for young people list trusted self-help resources for emotional wellbeing support that are available via mobile apps or online.
- The Roots offer free and confidential advice to parents of young children aged 5 to 11 through Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), support sessions and workshops.
- Short breaks provide a chance for children with disabilities to spend time away from their carers, try out new things, have fun and make new friends.