Useful Contacts for Parents and Carers
There are many services available to support children, young people and families in Cheshire East.
If you or your family are struggling or need advice, please don't wait until things become a crisis. The services below can provide information, advice, practical support and signposting.
If you are unsure which service is right for you, the Cheshire East Family Information Service can help you find the appropriate support.
Safeguarding – Worried About a Child
Cheshire East Integrated Front Door
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child living in Cheshire East, contact the Cheshire East Integrated Front Door.
0300 123 5012
Option 3, then Option 2
You can contact the Integrated Front Door if you are concerned about abuse, neglect, exploitation, a child's safety or wellbeing, or if you are worried that a child may need additional support.
If a child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
Emergency Duty Team – Out of Hours
For urgent safeguarding concerns outside normal office hours:
0300 123 5022
For further information, please visit our Reporting Concerns page.
Family Support
Cheshire East Family Information Service
The Family Information Service provides free, confidential and impartial information, advice and guidance for families with children and young people aged 0–25.
They can help with:
- parenting and family support
- childcare and early education
- Family Hubs
- activities for children and families
- SEND support
- health and wellbeing
- benefits and financial support
- local services and activities.
0300 123 5033
Cheshire East Family Information Service
Family Hubs
Cheshire East Family Hubs provide support, activities, information and advice for children, young people and families.
Family Hubs can provide support around parenting, child development, relationships, health and wellbeing and other family needs.
Health and Wellbeing
NHS 111
For urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency:
Call 111
If someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk:
Call 999
Cheshire East 0–19+ Health Service – Contact Hub
The Contact Hub provides parents, carers and young people with access to health visiting, school nursing, advice, information, support groups and signposting to other services.
0300 123 4058
The service also provides access to confidential text support for young people aged 11–19.
Healthy Young Minds Cheshire East
Provides information and support around children's and young people's emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Parents, carers and young people can access advice and information about emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
Urgent Mental Health Support
If a child or young person needs urgent mental health support:
NHS 111 – select the mental health option
If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in immediate danger:
Call 999
Childline
A free and confidential service for children and young people.
0800 1111
Domestic Abuse
Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit
Support is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse, including people who are worried about someone else or who need advice about keeping themselves or their children safe.
0300 123 5101
Monday–Friday, 9:00am–4:30pm
Support can include advice, safety planning and access to safe accommodation.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247
Free, confidential support, 24 hours a day.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC)
RASASC provides support to adults, young people and children affected by sexual violence and sexual abuse, as well as parents and carers.
01260 697900
or
0330 363 0063
Support is available whether or not you choose to report an incident to the Police.
If someone is in immediate danger:
Call 999.
Housing and Homelessness
Cheshire East Housing Options
If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, struggling with your tenancy or worried about losing your home, contact Cheshire East Housing Options as soon as possible.
0300 123 5017
For out-of-hours emergency housing support:
0300 123 5025
It is important to seek advice as early as possible rather than waiting until you have nowhere to live.
Money, Benefits and Debt
If you are struggling financially, there may be support available with benefits, debt, budgeting, food costs, housing costs and other essential household expenses.
Cheshire East – Money Matters
Information about benefits, financial support and organisations that can help families experiencing financial difficulties.
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential and independent advice about:
- benefits
- debt
- housing
- employment
- family issues
- consumer problems.
0800 144 8848
Food and Essentials
If your family is struggling to afford food or other essential items, please speak to Tina Brittain - Family Support Worker who may be able to provide advice, make a referral or signpost you to appropriate local support.
You can also contact the Cheshire East Family Information Service on 0300 123 5033 for information about local support and services.
Support for Young Carers
Cheshire East Young Carers
If a child or young person regularly helps to care for a parent, sibling or another family member because of illness, disability, mental health difficulties, substance misuse or another need, they may be a young carer.
Young carers can access advice, support and activities designed to help them balance their caring responsibilities with school, friendships and their own wellbeing.
Parents and carers can contact the Family Information Service for information about local young carer support:
0300 123 5033
Support for Adult Carers
Cheshire East Carer's Hub
If you care for an adult family member, the Carer's Hub can provide information, advice, wellbeing support, activities, carer breaks and information about financial support.
0300 303 0208
Police
Emergency
999
For immediate danger, a crime in progress or when someone is at immediate risk of harm.
Non-Emergency
101
For concerns or incidents that do not require an immediate emergency response.
Online Safety
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)
If you are worried about online sexual abuse or exploitation of a child, information and advice can be found through CEOP.
Parents and carers can also report concerns about online sexual abuse or exploitation through the CEOP reporting service.
Childline
0800 1111
Children and young people can contact Childline for free and confidential support about anything that is worrying them, including bullying, relationships, abuse and online concerns.
Other Useful National Contacts
NSPCC Helpline
For adults who are concerned about a child's safety or wellbeing.
0808 800 5000
Samaritans
For anyone who needs someone to talk to.
116 123
Free, 24 hours a day.
Shout
A free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone struggling to cope.
Text SHOUT to 85258
Support for young people experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned about a young person.
0800 068 4141
If You Don't Know Who to Contact
If you are unsure which service you need, the Cheshire East Family Information Service is a good place to start.
0300 123 5033
They can provide information, advice and signposting to appropriate services for families across Cheshire East.
You can also speak to Tina Brittain - Family Support Worker if you need help identifying the right service.
Remember
Asking for help is a positive step.
You do not need to wait until a situation becomes a crisis before seeking support. If you are struggling, worried about your family or concerned about a child, please seek advice.
If a child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
