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
020 3855 4472 (this is not an advice line)
No appointments are at the Mare Street address. You need to go to the Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street E8 1DY on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, 09.00-12.00. Demand is high so arrive early. If you have a child under 5 you can book an appointment through your children’s centre and for parents with older children some schools can arrange an appointment for you.
There is plenty on information online at Visit Site
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 universal 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. See website for information about eligibility for free school nursery and secondary school meals or if you have no recourse to public funds.
Parents of children attending school nursery, or a secondary school in Hackney can also apply or will have to pay for school meals unless they are receiving qualifying benefits listed here.
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HACKNEY CHILDCARE, FAMIILY SUPPORT AND CHILDREN’S CENTRES
1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY
Impartial information, advice and guidance about childcare, activities and services for children and young people, aged 0-19 years, including children and family hubs, 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.
Call 020 8820 7590, or drop in on Wednesdays 11.00-1300
Visit Site -
HEALTH SPOT HACKNEY
Young Hackney Forest Road Youth Hub, 29 Forest Road, E8 3BY and at
The Edge Youth Hub, 7 Woodberry Grove N4 1ST (this walk-in clinic is for sexual health issues only. Open first and third Thursday of the month 3pm-6.30pm
Free and confidential health and wellbeing support, guidance and information for young people, aged 11-25. Access to GPs, sexual health nurses, youth workers, counsellors and mental health practitioners, plus employment help, and substance misuse advice. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment.
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
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BABY BUDDIES
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
A free, welcoming group for Hackney mothers, babies and pregnant women.
Thurs 10.00-12.00. Call 020 7033 8524 for more information.
Shoreditch Trust Healthy Living Centre, 170 Pitfield Street, N1 6JH
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 children under school age. 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, or drop in for a weekly coffee morning Wed 10.00-11.45
St Annes Church, 37 Hemsworth Street, London N1 5LF .Call 020 7033 8524 for more information.
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GROW BABY
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
54 Ivy Street N1 5JE
Support for vulnerable families with baby clothes and equipment for newborns.
Open Thurs 10.00-14.00 in term-time.
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HACKNEY CHILDREN AND BABY BANK
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Offers families in need essential items such as nappies, buggies, clothes, shoes, toys, books and baby equipment for children aged 0-12.
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 gethelp@hackneybabybank.org
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HACKNEY PLAYBUS
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Free family support and play opportunities for families with children under five.
To find out if there’s a Playbus session in your area call 07973 183607.
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HENRY IN CITY AND HACKNEY
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Free programmes, workshops and drop-in sessions for parents and carers with babies and children from birth to age 5. Check website for workshop dates.
Call 01865 302973
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IVY STREET FAMILY CENTRE
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
54 Ivy Street, N1 5JE
Drop-in sessions – soft play, music, toys and activities - for anyone with a preschool child. £1 a session. No need to book but check website for dates:
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LITTLE VILLAGE
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Provides clothes, nappies, bedding, equipment and toys for babies and children up to the age of 5.
To receive help, you will need to be referred by a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, foodbank or children’s centre.
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NHS HEALTHY START – GET HELP TO BUY FOOD AND MILK
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under the age of 4 and your family’s monthly take-home pay is £408 or less from employment or you are on Universal Credit, or you have at least one British child under 4 years old, or you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status, or you are under the age of 18, you could qualify for free vouchers to spend on healthy food and milk (including formula).
You can apply online, email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 7010
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ROSE VOUCHERS FOR FRUIT AND VEG
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers are given out at children’s centres to spend at selected shops and markets, including Ridley Road and Hoxton Street markets.
Children’s centres are listed at:
FAMILIES
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CITY AND HACKNEY CARERS CENTRE
FAMILIES
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 020 8533 0951 10am-4pm or email info@hackneycarers.org.uk
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CLAUDIA JONES ORGANISATION
FAMILIES
103 Stoke Newington Road N16 8BX
Range of services for women and families of African Caribbean heritage, including family support and advocacy, support for women and girls experiencing any kind of violence, a free food hub and practical and emotional support in areas such as school exclusions, welfare and food poverty.
Call 020 7241 1646
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FAMILY ACTION/FAMILY LINE
FAMILIES
Self-help resources, local services, and Family Line – a free helpline
offering emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships, conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more.
Mon-Fri 09.00-19.00
Call 0808 802 6666
Text: 07537 404 282
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FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP
FAMILIES
Free, independent and confidential advice for parents, kinship carers, relatives and friends of children who are involved with children’s services in England or need their help. They support families to work with social workers and understand the law, their rights and options.
Free advice line 0808 801 0366
Mon - Fri, 9.30am - 3pm -
FATHER 2 FATHER
FAMILIES
Provides support, training, information, mentorship and advice to adolescent boys, men, fathers and 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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MATERNITY ACTION
FAMILIES
Information on rights at work for pregnant women, new mothers and their families, employment, benefits and health care.
For advice on rights at work and benefits, call 0808 802 0029.
For advice on NHS charging for maternity care, complete online form.
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SHOREDITCH TRUST
FAMILIES
Offers a wide range of projects including health and well-being coaching for young people, Bump Buddies and Baby Buddies, wellbeing activities for people with complex mental health problems, Flavours of Home offering meals to asylum seekers, Community Table free lunches twice a week, support to those affected by stroke, and a range of courses and activities.
Call 0207 033 8500
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YOUNG HACKNEY
The Council’s youth service for young people aged 10 to 19 years old and up to 25 for people with special educational needs and disabilities. As well as offering activities for all young people, through youth clubs, sports sessions and citizenship programmes, it also offers advice and support on issues such as employment, health, sexual health, education and housing.
yOUNG PEOPLE
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HACKNEY QUEST
YOUNG PEOPLE
Youth club activities, mentoring, family and education support, holiday activities, family support, employability, volunteering.
Accepts referrals from parents, CAMHS, youth organisations etc.
Call 0208 533 5480 or email enquiry@hackneyquest.org.uk
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OFF CENTRE
YOUNG PEOPLE
Offers free counselling, art therapy, advice and information for young people aged 16-25 in City & Hackney on a range of issues including mental health, employment, education, finances, benefits, housing and training. Also offers therapeutic support and psychoeducation through groups. Call 0208 986 4016 or self-refer online.
Unit 7, The Textile Building, 291-31a Chatham Place E9 6FJ.
Call 0208 986 4016 or self-refer through the website.
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THE WICKERS CHARITY
YOUNG PEOPLE
Aims to give young people, aged 8-21, a safe place to interact and learn. Based in Hackney Wick, offers a range of classes, boxing club, mentoring and employability programmes. Free to join.
Call 0208 506 6033
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YOUNG MINDS
YOUNG PEOPLE
Support for children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing - including mental health conditions, difficult feelings or situations, for example bullying, body image, abuse, and addiction; identity and discrimination; neurodiversity and disability, understanding medication.
The website has loads of information, but for urgent help, 24/7, Text SHOUT to 85258.
Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544
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KOOTH
YOUNG PEOPLE
Free, safe and anonymous support for children and young people aged between 11 and 25.
Qualified counsellors are online seven days a week to provide counselling through chat-based messaging.
Sign up for free at:
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HEALTH SPOT HACKNEY
YOUNG PEOPLE
Young Hackney Forest Road Youth Hub, 29 Forest Road E8 3BY
Free and confidential health and wellbeing support, guidance and information for young people aged 11-25. Access to GPs, sexual health nurses, youth workers, counsellors and mental health practitioners, plus employment help, and substance misuse advice.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit the website.
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SHOUT
YOUNG PEOPLE
Free confidential 24/7 text messaging service for anyone struggling with issues such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, abuse, bullying, relationship problems. To start a conversation text the word Shout to 85258 or visit
https://giveusashout.org/get-help
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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AFK
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Help for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse through provision of mobility equipment (up to age 25); employability skills and work placements.
Call 020 8347 8111
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CONTACT
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Advice, practical and emotional 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
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Spring Lane, Big Hill, Clapton E5 9HQ (below Springfield Park).
In Hackney, Kids runs an inclusive and supervised playground for disabled children and young people, aged 6-24, and their siblings. See timetable on website.
Also offer short breaks for children/young people aged 5-25. Call 020 8356 6789, Option 1 .
Call 0208 806 6149 for both services
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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 and specialist toys.
Free Helpline staffed by nurses 0800 902 0095, Mon-Fri 08.00-20.00
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TOGETHER FOR SHORT LIVES
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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 who are grieving.
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 9.30am-5pm
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ADDICTION FAMILY SUPPORT
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ST JOSEPH’S HOSPICE
BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS
For people and their families living with life-limiting illness. Free bereavement service; community and day services; community palliative care; and counselling and advice.
24/7 advice and support line 0300 30 30 400