Useful Links

www.nagcbritain.org.uk The National Association for Gifted Children

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/
ExamsTestsAndTheCurriculum/DG_1003762 Supporting gifted and talented children

www.parentlink.co.uk Parentlink has been set up by a group of TEACHERS to give parents practical tips on helping with children's school work.

www.afasic.org.uk support for children with speech difficulties

www.ican.org.uk I CAN works to support the development of speech, language and communication skills in all children with a special focus on those who find this hard: children with a communication disability.

www.brainwave.org.uk Therapy for Children with Developmental Delay,Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Disorder or Brain Injury

www.hertsdirect.org/parentpartnership The aim of the Parent Partnership Service is to ensure parents and carers have access to impartial information, advice and guidance so they can make appropriate informed decisions in relation to their child's special educational needs.

www.literacytrust.org.uk/familyreading/parents/index.html Tips for helping your children read

www.cafamily.org.uk Contact a family - for families with a disabled child. 0808 808 3555

www.familyfund.org.uk Family Trust Fund - Financial help for equipment or services for a disabled child 0845 130 4542

www.dialuk.org.uk Welcome to DIAL UK, a national organisation for a network of approximately 120 local disability information and advice services run by and for disabled people

http://handnews.hertscc.gov.uk HAND (Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database) information for parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities

www.snpst.org.uk Special Needs Parents Support Tring - Support group for parents of children with special needs, ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorder, Autistic Spectrum, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, SPD etc.

www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk Find out about all the Children's Centres in Herts.

www.hertsextendedschools.org.uk Hertfordshire Extended Schools

www.hertsdirect.org Hertfordshire County Council's Website

www.dacorum.gov.uk Dacorum Borough Council

www.surestart.gov.uk Offering services and informastion for children under 5.

www.childcarelink.gov.uk Information about child care and early years services in your area.

www.dcsf.gov.uk The purpose of the Department for Children, Schools and Families is to make England the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up

www.ncma.org.uk National Childminding Association.

www.daycaretrust.org.uk Information about childcare for parents

www.pre-school.org.uk Pre-School Learning Alliance a leading educational charity, specialising in early years,

www.ndna.org.uk National Day Nurseries Association

www.ofsted.gov.uk Ofsted website with ofsted reports for childcare providers.

www.direct.gov.uk/childcare Advice for parents on child care and parenting.

www.homestartdacorum.org.uk Homestart offers free, confidential and non-judgemental support in your own home. They will have time to help with the children, give parents a break and offer practical help and reassurance.

www.hertsdirect.org/caresupport/childfam/csupportservices/ Local Parenting and family support details

www.postnatalillness.co.uk Hertfordshire Postnatal Illness Support is here to offer you and/or your partner information, advice and support online.

www.postnatalillnesscounselling.co.uk Access support for post natal illness

www.mama.co.uk The Meet a Mum Association. 'The Meet A Mum Association was created to try and help thousands of mothers who feel depressed and isolated when their babies are born

www.apni.org The Association for post natal illness. Provides support to mothers suffering from post-natal illness. Increases public awareness of the illness and encourages research into its cause and nature

www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) supports all women who have had a traumatic birth experience. We understand that, for many different reasons, childbirth may not be the event we planned or expected it to be.

www.netmums.com Netmums is a unique local network for Mums (or Dads), offering a wealth of information on both a national and local level. Once you have registered on your local site you can access details for all kinds of local resources, from child-friendly cafes to childminders, places to go and much, much more. In just a few clicks you chat with local mums in our coffee house, read other mums local recommendations and check out information on pre-schools or schools in your area - it's all here, under one roof.

www.mumsnet.com Product reviews, parentinf tips and advice for parents

www.tommys.org A website dediated to helping you have a healthy pregancy

www.dad.info Support for fathers

www.fatherhood.org

www.dads-haven.co.uk Dads forum and support

www.dads-space.com No nonsense advice and information based on dads' own experiences and research.

www.dadtalk.co.uk Dads social network and parenting forum, news and articles

www.home-start.org.uk Home-Start's informal and friendly support for families with young children provides a lifeline to thousands of parents and children.

www.multiplebirths.org.uk

www.tamba.org.uk Tamba is a nationwide charity providing mutual support and information networks for parents of twins, triplets and more, as well as for professionals involved in the care of multiples. You can also contact them on Twinline, their freephone number, 0800 138 0509.

www.bliss.org.uk Premature Babies

www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com National Child Birth Trust

www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk

www.gingerbread.org.uk Advice and support for one parent families

www.onespace.org.uk The parenting site for single parents

www.nfpi.org National Family and Parenting Institute

www.parentlineplus.org.uk Parentline Plus works to offer help and support through an innovative range of free, flexible, responsive services - shaped by parents for parents.

www.cafamily.org.uk Contact a Family. Information and support for families caring for children with disabilities

www.hacsg.org.uk Hyperactive Children's Support Group

www.cry-sis.org.uk Cry-sis offers support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies.

www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk free resources to help children develop good language and communication skills

www.yourfamily.org.uk Positive ideas and advice for parents of young children

www.babysignlanguage.com Baby sign language is a great way to help you communicate with your pre-verbal baby. Baby sign language helps babies that are ready to communicate, but can’t quite bridge the gap to full speech. Imagine how your life would change if your baby could tell you when she wanted milk , when she was too hot , or if she just wanted to show you something you missed like a flower!

www.youngminds.org.uk Support for child mental health issues.

www.understandingchildhood.net

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

www.hpherts.nhs.uk Health promotion in Herts.

www.nhs.uk/lifecheck For parents and carers with babies aged between 5-8 months. It is being designed to help you get started on a healthier life. The questions you will answer in your NHS Early Years LifeCheck will give you personalised information and useful advice about what you can do to help keep your baby healthy, happy and safe, and what you need to consider as he or she gets older.

www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk A free general health information site for young people and families run by Great Ormond Street Hospital.

www.5aday.nhs.uk Tips and receipes to help you get your 5 fruit and veg a day

www.healthystart.nhs.uk Find out if you an qualify for Free milk, fruit and veg. Information and advice on food and health tips for a healthy diet.

www.gosmokefree.nhs.uk Support to give up smoking

www.redcross.org.uk

www.capt.org.uk Child Accident Prevention Trust

www.nits.net Advice on treating headlice

www.bliss.org.uk Premature Babies

www.postnatalillness.co.uk Hertfordshire Postnatal Illness Support is here to offer you and/or your partner information, advice and support online.

www.apni.org The Association for post natal illness. Provides support to mothers suffering from post-natal illness. Increases public awareness of the illness and encourages research into its cause and nature

www.postnatalillnesscounselling.co.uk Access support for post natal illness

www.hacsg.org.uk Hyperactive Children's Support Group

www.adhdisreal.co.uk ADHD advice and support

www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

www.cftrust.org.uk Cystic Fibrosis Trust

www.ndcs.org.uk National Deaf Childrens Society

www.nas.org.uk National Autsistic Society

www.eczema.org National Eczema Society

www.rnib.org.uk Royal National Institute for the Blind

www.brainwave.org.uk Therapy for Children with Developmental Delay,Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Disorder or Brain Injury

www.afasic.org.uk support for children with speech difficulties

www.hertsdirect.org/parentpartnership The aim of the Parent Partnership Service is to ensure parents and carers have access to impartial information, advice and guidance so they can make appropriate informed decisions in relation to their child's special educational needs.

www.cafamily.org.uk Contact a family - for families with a disabled child

www.playskill.co.uk Playskill is a new charity which has set up a parent and child term-time group for pre-school children with special physical needs in Watford. It is run by a skilled team, including a physiotherapist, occupational and speech and language therapist

www.basic-skills.co.uk Basic Skills Agency. Committed to finding, developing and disseminating good practice in literacy, language and numeracy. For adults, families and teenagers

www.literacytrust.org.uk The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy

www.dacorumlearningp.btik.com Dacorum Learning Partnership -To promote access to and particpation in lifelong learning by all residents or working in Dacorum over the age of 16.

www.westherts.ac.uk Course options from aged 14 to adult learners

www.fwa.org.uk If you're struggling to fund costs associated with your own education or training, please call the Family Welfare Association (FWA) on 020 7254 6251

ww.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Help and advice when looking for a job and claiming benefits.

www.niace.org.uk Basic Skills Agency for adults and teenagers. If you had bad experiences at school and feel you have missed out in some ways they will encourage you into all kinds of learning.

www.newdeal.gov.uk A programme that gives people on benefits the help and support they need to look for work, including training and preparing for work.

www.learndirect.com Careers and training advice

www.lsc.gov.uk/regions/EastofEngland Working together, we aim to develop a responsive system of learning and skills provision that will meet the needs of learners, businesses and communities

www.disabilityalliance.org

www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit Find out about claiming child benefit

www.hmrc.gov.uk/home.htm Claim child and working tax credit 0845 300 3900

www.workingfamilies.org.uk Our name defines two of the most important parts of life: family and employment. These are often in conflict. We feel passionately that this is unnecessary, counter-productive and must change.

www.adviceguide.org.uk Financial worries on top of everything else can put a strain on anyone's emotional well-being - if you'd like help thinking about managing your money and/or debt advice, log onto the Citizens Advice website

www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk Information on tax credits and child benefits

www.parentsguidetomoney.fsa.gov.uk Financial Sevices Authority - Whether you work with families or are starting your own, you will know that staying in control of your finances can be a challenge. On this site you will find lots of information, resources, leaflets and some fun extras for the kids. 0845 606 1234

www.direct.gov.uk/taxcredits

www.payingforchildcare.org.uk This website will help you to understand the different types of financial support you may be able to receive to help you with the costs of your childcare.

www.csa.gov.uk Child Support Agency, for advice re child maintenance. 0845 713 3133

www.cmoptions.org Child Maintenance Options - Find out about your maintenance options and making the arrangement best suited to your needs.

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Free advice and help with managing debts and budgeting 0808 808 4000

www.cccs.co.uk Consumer Credit Counselling Service - help with debts and managing money 0800 138 1111

www.citizensadvice.org.uk Free advice and help 020 7407 4070

www.childtrustfund.gov.uk What is it and how do you claim your child's trust fund?

www.turn2us.org.uk Can help you access funds if you are in financial need

www.familyfund.org.uk Family Trust Fund - Financial help for equipment or services for a disabled child 0845 130 4542

www.turning-point.co.uk Our work across substance misuse, mental health, learning disability, employment and young people's support has led us to develop approaches that tackle people's whole needs.

www.kidscape.org.uk Helping to prevent bullying and child abuse

www.suzylamplugh.org A website dedicated to helping you think about yours and your childs personal safety.

www.csef.net The Childrens Safety Education Foundation. Tips and resources to help keep your children safe.

www.directgovkids.co.uk An interactive site to help children discover the world around them safely.

www.childseyemedia.com Watch the safer people, safer buildings film with your child. The new initiative to help children keep themselves safe

www.capt.org.uk Child Accident Prevention Trust

www.trafficclub.co.uk/ The children's trafficlub is a site aimed at 3-4 year olds to help you explore with them road safety. There are games to play online, advice for parents/carers and you can join the club to get free resources to make teaching your hild about road safety fun!

www.relatedacorum.co.uk a counselling service with expertise and experience in relationships

www.bbc.co.uk/relationships/couples/comm_counselling.shtml All relationships go through bad patches but could you benefit from counselling?

www.ukcouplescounselling.com Couples Counselling Network provides well-qualified counsellors, who have specialist training and many years experience working with couples

www.coupleconnection.net This interactive, self-help site will provide you with resources and practical tools that will enable you to improve your relationship with your partner.

www.samaritans.org Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

www.sane.org.uk Support with mental health issues 0845767 8000

www.mind.org.uk Support with around mental health issues 0845 766 0163

www.turning-point.co.uk Our work across substance misuse, mental health, learning disability, employment and young people's support has led us to develop approaches that tackle people's whole needs.

www.ncdv.org.uk The National Centre for Domestic Violence.

www.hertsdirect.org/domesticviolence Go to advice and counselling and look at the Sunflower Centre. Based in Hemel Hempstead they offer support and advice to ensure the safety of the family and to reduce repeat victimisation.

www.womensaid.org.uk Help and support for women living with domestic violence

www.endabuse.org Advice and support including advie on how to help boys grow into non violent men.

www.healthyrelationships.org.uk Help and advice including solutions which target the cause of the abuse and relationship probelems within the family.

www.respect.uk.net Respect is the UK membership association for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services. Our key focus is on increasing the safety of those experiencing domestic violence through promoting effective interventions with perpetrators. 0845 122 8609 Find your nearest course to help you change your behaviour.

www.fpa.org.uk The Family Planning Association is the UK's leading sexual health charity, offering a wide range of information on sexual health issues including contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy

www.tommys.org A website dediated to helping you have a healthy pregancy

www.units.nhs.uk Learn the safe limits for alcohol consumption

www.downyourdrink.org.uk An online self-help programme for anyone worried about their drinking; confidential, free and accessible 24 hours a day.

www.addaction.org.uk Addaction is a UK-wide treatment agency, helping individuals, families and communities to manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse

www.adfam.org.uk ADFAM offers information and advice for families of alcohol and drug users. The website has a list of local family support services. Telephone: 020 7553 7640.

www.al-anonuk.org.uk Worldwide organisation Al-Anon offering support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. Confidential Helpline: 020 740 30 888, open from 10am to 10pm.

www.alcoholconcern.org.uk Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse for England and Wales. It offers general information about alcohol and can help put you in touch with your nearest alcohol advice centre. Telephone: 020 7264 0510.

www.talktofrank.com National drugs awareness site for young people and parents/carers. Confidential helpline: 0800 77 66 00.

www.beatingaddictions.co.uk Support to recognise and beat all types of addiction.

www.b-eat.co.uk Support for eating disorders

www.gamcare.org.uk Help with gambling addictions

www.turning-point.co.uk Our work across substance misuse, mental health, learning disability, employment and young people's support has led us to develop approaches that tackle people's whole needs.

www.shelter.org.uk The housing and homeless charity

The housing advice service - 01442 228900

www.dacorum.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2774 Dacorum Borough Council - Housing Needs - 01442 228449

Night Shelters - DENS Hemel - 01442 262274

Dacorum rent aid - 01442 251213 or email dacorumrentaid@tiscali.co.uk