If you are a parent or carer, you have responsibility for someone else's health and wellbeing, as well as your own. Use this page to quickly find NHS services, or local organisations, which can give you the information, advice and practical support you need.
You may also want to look at our dedicated sections on Services for children, young people and families or Adult social care and health.
Support for pregnancy, birth and early years
Visit the Best Start in Life section of our Livewell website, for comprehensive guides on fertility, health during pregnancy and after giving birth, and the health and support services you'll need in the first two years of your child's life.
Preventative healthcare for children
The NHS has a number of public health programmes to monitor and support the health of all children in the UK, from birth through their primary school years. Visit their website to find out more about why the programmes are important, what's involved, and what you can do if you have further questions or concerns.
Newborn and Early Years care
Childhood vaccination programme
- Vaccinations overview (includes detailed information about the different vaccines available)
- Why vaccination is safe and important
- Timetable of vaccinations for babies and children
- Vaccination tips for parents
National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
- Why the programme exists, and how it works
- Information to support you in helping your child maintain a healthy weight
- NHS Healthier Families tools and advice
Local support services and organisations
Visit the dedicated Parenting and family support section of our Livewell directory of local services, organisations and events, to find help with a large range of issues affecting parents and families.
Get support for the person you care for
Visit the NHS website Social care and support guide, for a one-stop directory of services and information for people needing care, and their carers.
If you are looking after someone and need additional help, visit our Support for carers webpage, for information on a range of issues which may affect you or the person you are caring for.
Visit the Information for carers section of our Livewell website, to find out about local support services, groups and organisations for specific health conditions, disabilities or care needs.
Get support for yourself
The B&NES Carers' Centre offers a one-stop service providing a wide range of local information, advice, support and free activities (both online and in-person) for unpaid carers. To access their services, you can:
- sign up online
- visit the Carers' Centre, Woodlands, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 9ES (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
- call the freephone support line for urgent help on 0800 0388 885 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm), or email at support@banescarerscentre.org.uk
Mental Health Training for Non-Paid Carers
Take St. Mungo's Bridges To Wellbeing course if you are a carer that feels isolated or overwhelmed. St. Mungo's work in collaboration with KS2 Bath to provide training which consists of four sessions:
- Understanding mental health challenges
- Support people with mental health needs to make changes
- Conflict and crisis
- Learning, reflecting and support
Book through the Bridges To Wellbeing website
For more information, email St Mungo's or email KS2 Bath
Self-help
Prolonged heatwaves or harsh winters can present serious dangers to public health, particularly for infants, the elderly, and people with some health conditions. These GOV.UK-published guides cover common problems and how to keep yourself safe:
Livewell is our local directory of organisations and activities offering parenting, family and social care support. It has dedicated sections for parents and families and for carers and the people they look after.
The Wellbeing Service B&NES offers free local programmes to support parents and children with healthy eating and physical activity. Call free on 0300 247 0050 to talk to a wellbeing advisor.
Sendias is a dedicated independent website for children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, their parents and carers in Bath and North East Somerset.
For more information, visit our dedicated pages on Sources of local community and social support or Requesting early help for families with multiple needs.