External Advice and Guidance

Growth and Nutrition

Dental

• NHS Guidance – Children’s teeth
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/

Eating Disorders

• BEAT
• W: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Growth

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/baby-weight-and-height/

Healthy Lifestyles

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

• Change for Life – Fun ideas to help kids stay healthy
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life

Healthy Start

• NHS Guidance – Helps you give your family the best start in life through financial support with milk, infant formula, fruit/vegetables and vitamins.
• W: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/how-to-apply/

Nutrition

• British Dietetic Association
• W: https://www.bda.uk.com/

• Change for Life
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/about-change4life

• NHS Eatwell
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/

Suport and Information for Parents and Carers

Baby and Toddler groups

• HOOP
• W: https://hoop.co.uk/features/

Bereavement

• Child Bereavement UK
• W: https://childbereavementuk.org/

• Cruse
• W: https://www.cruse.org.uk/

• Winston Wish
• W: https://www.winstonswish.org/

• Public Health
• W: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/birth-five

Bottle feeding

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/bottle-feeding-advice/
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/combining-breast-and-bottle/
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/breastfeeding/expressing-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/

• UNICEF
• W: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/bottle-feeding-resources/guide-to-bottle-feeding/

Breastfeeding

• UNICEF
• W: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2010/11/otbs_leaflet.pdf

• NHS Start4Life
• W: https://dct.azureedge.net/assets/uploads/file/42e0f13e-345c-4074-94b6-b9dbfc736986.pdf

Choking

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-do-if-someone-is-choking/

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/what-should-i-do-if-i-think-my-baby-is-allergic-or-intolerant-to-cows-milk/

Early Childhood Connect

• W: https://www.earlychildhoodconnect.edu.au/home-visiting-programs/mecsh-parents/parent-into

First Aid

• There are free apps available for download to give lifesaving advice
• St Johns
• W: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/free-mobile-first-aid-app.aspx

• British Red Cross
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/baby-and-child-first-aid/

Fostering

• Essex County Council
• W: http://www.essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering

Immunisations

• GOV UK
• W: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation
• W: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-quick-guide-to-childhood-immunisation-for-the-parents-of-premature-babies
• W:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/790822/Immunisations_up_to_one_year_A5_booklet_2019.pdf

New Birth

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/your-baby-after-birth/

Perinatal Mental Health

• Mind
• W: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/#.XTCKLU-WxZQ

• EPUT
• W: https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/essex/essex-mental-health-services/adults/perinatal-mental-health-service/

• NE Essex CCG
• W: https://neessexccg.nhs.uk/perinatalmentalhealth

Pregnancy and Antenatal

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/antenatal-midwife-care-pregnant/

Shaken Baby

• Crysis
• W: https://www.cry-sis.org.uk/help-with-crying-babies

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/soothing-crying-baby/

SIDS

• Lullaby Trust
• W: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/what-is-sids/

Slings

• Lullaby Trust
• W: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/swaddling-slings/

• Suffolk Babies (North Quadrant)
• W: https://suffolkbabies.co.uk/ipswich-colchester-sling-library/

• Chelmsford Sling Library (Mid Quadrant)
• W: https://www.facebook.com/chelmsfordslinglibrary

TLC – Talk Listen and Cuddle

• An Essex campaign helping parents, carers and families give their young children the best start in life – developing their communication skills through playful learning at home.
• W: https://www.tlc-essex.info/

Health Information and Guidance

Acne

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/

Asthma

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

Anaphylaxis

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/

Breast Examination (from puberty)

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/how-should-i-check-my-breasts/

• Coppafeel
• W: https://coppafeel.org/our-charity/

Eczema

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/eczema-in-children/

ERIC

• W: https://www.eric.org.uk/

Glasses/Vision

• NHS – Eye tests for Children
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-tests-in-children/

Guide to NHS Services

• W: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/

Illness

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/infectious-illnesses-children/

• NE Essex CCG
• W: https://neessexccg.nhs.uk/childhood

• Basildon and Brentwood CCG
• W: https://basildonandbrentwoodccg.nhs.uk/your-health/conditions/childhood-illnesses

• Mid Essex CCG
• W: https://midessexccg.nhs.uk/livewell/information-guides/start-well/high-impact-pathways

• 0-4 Southend Child Health
• W: http://www.0-4.southendchildhealth.co.uk/childhood-illnesses.html

• Public Health
• W: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/birth-five

Medical Conditions

• All conditions
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/

• Anaphylaxis campaign
• W: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

• Asthma UK
• W: www.asthma.org.uk

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• W: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

• Autism ECC: Who to speak to if you think your child may have autism and support available
• W: https://www.essex.gov.uk/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities

• Children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND): Who to speak to if you think your child may have SEND and support available
• W: https://www.essex.gov.uk/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities

• Essex County Council: Who to speak to if you think your child may have ADHD and support available
• W: https://www.essex.gov.uk/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities

• ECFWS: Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service
• W: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/service/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-service/about-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/#what-should-i-do-if-i-think-my-child-has-adhd

• Livewell Essex
• W: https://www.livingwellessex.org/health-and-well-being/all-ages-autism-hub/

Sexual Health

• Brook
• W: https://www.brook.org.uk/

• eC-Card Scheme:
• W: https://www.essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/contraception/

• Essex Sexual Health Service
• W: https://www.essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/for-professionals/

• LGBTQ:
• W: http://www.outhouseeast.org.uk/

Testicular Examination (from puberty)

• Macmillan
• W: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/testicular-cancer/understanding-cancer/testicular-self-examination.html

Sleep Bereavement

• Children’s Sleep Charity
• W: http://www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk/

• Millpond
• W: https://millpondsleepclinic.com/

• Sleep Council
• W: https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/

Behaviour Support Services

Alcohol and Drugs

• Children’s Society
• W: www.childrenssocietyeast.org.uk/eypdas

Behaviour Management

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/dealing-with-difficult-behaviour/

• Childline
• W: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/you-your-body/drugs-alcohol-smoking/drugs/

CARA – Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse

• Victims and Survivors of Sexual Violence and Child Sexual Abuse
• W: https://www.essexeffectivesupport.org.uk/media/1077/directory-of-services-200818.pdf

Crime

• Essex Victim Support Services: For anybody affected by crime
• W: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/east-england/essex

Domestic Abuse

• Compass: To make a referral, use COMPASS 24/7 Helpline
• W: www.essexcompass.org.uk
• T: 0330 333 7444

• Next Chapter: Provides support services for those experiencing domestic abuse (use COMPASS for referral pathway)
• W: www.thenextchapter.org.uk

• The Hide Out: Women’s Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you.
• W: http://thehideout.org.uk/

Gangs

• Childline
• W: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/crime-law/gangs/

Homelessness

• Living Well Essex – Advice and support for those at risk of being homeless
• W: https://www.livingwellessex.org/at-home/finding-somewhere-to-live/homelessness/

Knife Crime

• Metropolitan Police
• W: https://safe.met.police.uk/knife_crime_and_gun_crime/other_help_and_advice.html

• Childline
• W: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/crime-law/gun-knife-crime/

Smoking Cessation

• NHS Smoke Free: Consider local support services
• W: www.nhs.uk/smokefree

Vaping

• W: https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/e-cigarettes

Child and Parent Support Services

Applying for School Places

• Essex County Council – Information for parents and carers on finding a school, applying for a school place and moving schools
• W: https://www.essex.gov.uk/topic/admissions

Benefits

• Living Well Essex – Advice on how to budget, manage debt and claim benefits
• W: https://www.livingwellessex.org/money-and-legal/managing-your-money/

Childcare

• Essex County Council – Help to find a childcare provider and information about support with costs
• W: https://www.essex.gov.uk/topic/early-years-and-childcare

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• ‘What to expect when’ guide for parents with young children
• W: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/resources-and-publications/information-guides/what-to-expect-when-a-parents-guide/

Essex Effective Support

• Directory to help find Support Services in Essex
• W: https://caraessex.org.uk/

Extended Child Entitlement

• Essex County Council – Information about entitlement to 30 hours of free childcare for families with 3 and 4 year olds
• W: https://eycp.essex.gov.uk/funding/30-hours-extended-entitlement/

Freecycle

• Request and offer goods for free
• W: https://www.freecycle.org/

Free Early Education for Two Year Olds

• Essex County Council – Information about entitlement to free early education for some two year olds
• W: https://www.essex.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs

Grants, White goods and Furniture

• Turn 2 Us – Charity providing links to local providers of grants, white goods and furniture
• W: www.turn2us.org.uk

Headlice

• NHS Guidance
• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/

Homestart

• Essex Homestart – Homestart volunteers work alongside families with children aged 0-5 years, to give confidential and compassionate support.
• Mid, West and South
• W:  https://home-startessex.org.uk/
• North Essex Homestart
• W: https://www.homestartcolchester.org.uk/

Legal Advice

• Living Well Essex – Help and advice on dealing with local issues, plus places to go for further support
• W: https://www.livingwellessex.org/money-and-legal/legal/

LGBTQ

• Essex Pride – Information and links to further support organisations
• W: https://www.essexpride.org/support/

Managing Money

• Living Well Essex – Advice on how to budget, manage debt and claim benefits
• W: https://www.livingwellessex.org/money-and-legal/managing-your-money/

Returning to work

• Living Well Essex – Provides help and support to get you ready for work, as well as links to local jobcentre
• W: https://www.livingwellessex.org/work-and-learning/finding-work/

School Readiness

• ECFWS – Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service
• W: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/service/school-readiness/

Youth Enquiry Service (YES)

• Confidential Service – For young people aged 11-25 within Colchester and Tendring, who are facing difficulties in their lives.
• W: https://www.yesyouthenquiryservice.org/

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Emotional Health Websites

• Anxiety UK: Advice and information on all anxiety conditions
• W: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
• T: 0344 4775 774
• Text Line: 07537 416905

• Big White Wall: Big White Wall provides a safe, anonymous online community where young people can talk about what they’re going through, and share experiences with people who feel the same as them. There is also a library of articles, tips and courses to help young people understand how they are feeling. Trained counsellors called Wall Guides are online 24/7 to keep the service safe.
• W: www.bigwhitewall.com

• Childline: Trained counsellors who can talk to anyone aged under 19 about any issue they are going through.
• W: www.childline.org.uk/
• T: 0800 1111

• Kooth: XenZone is a provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults. Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.
• W: https://www.kooth.com/

• Mind: Provides advice and support to anyone experiencing mental health problems.
• W: www.mind.org.uk

Positive Mental Health

• W: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/

• Rethink: A national mental health charity offering information, advice and support about mental health issues.
• W: www.rethink.org

• Young Minds: Young Minds is a national charity working towards improving wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Colourful, easy to use and resourceful.
• W: www.youngminds.org.uk
• T: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4pm)

Self-Harm

• Harmless: A national voluntary organisation for those who self-harm, their families and professionals.
• W: www.harmless.org.uk

• Lifesigns: An online, user-led voluntary organisation, which aids understanding of self-injury and provides information and support to people of all ages affected by self-injury.
  W: www.lifesigns.org.uk

• SelfHarm: SelfharmUK is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm. It provides a space to talk, ask any questions and be honest about what’s going on in their life.
• W: www.selfharm.co.uk

Suicide

• Papyrus Helpline: A national UK strategy aimed at the prevention of young suicide
  W: www.papyrus-uk.org
• T:  0800 068 41 41  HOPElineUK