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Useful Links
Bridge Road Children's Centre is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Children have a right to be cared for and protected and protecting them is everyone's responsibility. If you have concerns about a child or would like more information then visit the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board's new website! www.hertssafeguarding.org.uk
Need tips on how to get through the credit crunch? Hertfordshire Library Service have some tips and useful website addresses:
 Credit Crunch tips (35KB)
Change 4 Life - Eat Well, Move More, Live Longer
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
- Supporterline is run by BfN Registered Breastfeeding Supporters. Supporters are mums, who have breastfed their own babies and who have received intensive training in breastfeeding. They work on a voluntary basis and are based in their own homes.
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a helpline run in collaboration with the Breastfeeding Network (BfN) and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM). The project is funded by the Department of Health, through the Section 64 grant scheme. Calls are diverted to the nearest ABM or BfN volunteer, meaning the 'National' helpline also has a very 'local' feel to it.
- Supporterline in Bengali/Sylheti.
- The County council's Money Advice Unit has recently produced a factsheet about help with utility costs, which covers heating, water, electric, etc... (other factsheets and leaflets on benefits available)
- Do you have rent or mortgage arrears or are you facing eviction or repossession? Shelter Children's Service may be able to offer advice.
- For information on your tax credit entitlements call the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit their website www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
- For information on issues for working parents call Working Families on 020 7253 7243. Low income families should call the helpline on 0800 013 0313 or log on to www.workingfamilies.org.uk
- The Government's digital website service Direct.gov.uk provides information to help jobseekers secure employment during the economic downturn. It provides a national database of job vacancies and provides information on workless and in-work benefits.
- On your own? For information and advice on bringing up your child call 0800 018 5026 or long on to www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk and for local support groups call Gingerbread on 0800 018 4318 or log on to www.gingerbread.org.uk
- For information on pre-school provision call the Pre-School Learning Alliance on 0207 833 0991 or log on to www.pre-school.org.uk.
- British Lung Foundation - Their helpline provides advice, information, support and guidance to anyone affected by a lung problem. The team is made up of Welfare Benefits Advisors, Respiratory Nurses, a Children's Respiratory Nurse and Parent Counsellors. The Children's Nurse provides general information and advice on the whole range of children's lung conditions, such as Asthma, persistent coughing, wheeziness and Bronchiolitis. Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm on 08458 50 50 20 and calls are charged at the local rate. Alternatively they can be contacted by email at enquiries@blf-uk.org.
- Extended Schools in Stevenage - www.hertsextendedschools.org.uk/stevenage
- Contact a Family - supports families who care for children with any disability.
- Adults can't put plasters on children's cuts! Egg boxes are banned in craft lessons as they might cause salmonella! Are these simply myths or the reality - to find out visit HSE's myth of the month website.
- For information on out-of-school clubs and holiday schemes call 4Children on 0207 512 2100 or log on to www.4Children.org.uk.
- NCT - for information and support for pregnancy, birth and early years parenting call 0870 444 8707 or log on to www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
- For further information on choosing a childminder or nanny and drawing up a contract call 0800 169 4486 or log on to www.ncma.org.uk.
- Employing a nanny? Call the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses on 01332 372 337 or log on to www.pat.org.uk.
- National Day Nursery Association - for a list of members and finding out the right questions to ask when choosing a nursery call 0870 774 4244 or log on to www.ndna.org.uk.
- For information on maternity rights issues call 0207 490 7638 or log on to www.maternityalliance.org.uk.
- For information on workplace issues call the Know Your Rights Line on 0870 600 4882 or log on to www.tuc.org.uk.
- For serious complaints and/or concerns about any registered childcare provision call Ofsted on 0845 601 4772 or log on to www.ofsted.gov.uk.
SOME FAMILIES CAN GET HELP PAYING FOR CHILDCARE
- Free childcare for training and learning for work - Leading learning and skills
- www.payingforchildcare.org.uk- website which helps you understand the different types of financial support you may be able to receive to help you with the costs of your childcare.
- If you are a lone parent you could get childcare or other support to help you get into work. Call Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234 or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. Or ask you local Jobcentre Plus for more information.
- If you get Working Tax Credit - financial help for people working but on a low or middle income - you might be able to get help with paying for childcare. Contact the tax credit hotline on 0845 300 3900 or visit their website at www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.
- If you are a student (under 19) you might get help paying for childcare. Find out more from the CaretoLearn helpline 0845 600 2809 or visit www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn.
- Some employers help their employees with childcare costs. Find out more about how employers can help from Working Families on 0800 013 0313. Low and middle income families can call the helpline on 0207 253 4664 or visit www.workingfamilies.org.uk. You can order fact sheets by calling 0207 490 2414.
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