Family and Child

If you are pregnant or have a child under the age of 4, you could get a little extra help to keep them healthy. NHS Healthy Start could help with the cost of milk, fruits, vegetables and more.

FREE children’s vitamins drops for babies and children under four years old would also be available to you through your midwife, health visitor, or children’s centre by showing them your NHS Healthy Start card.

To find out if you are eligible and details on how to apply for a card, visit the NHS Healthy Start website

Families Together Suffolk –  Learn & Grow Dad’s Stow is a supportive group designed for fathers and male carers to strengthen their bonds with their children through fun play and activities.  Along with child development advice.

A safe space for dad’s and male carers to socialise and connect, speak openly about parenting challenges, anxiety & mental health, daily pressures and feel supported.

The group meets on the 2^nd Saturday of the month from 10am – 11.30am at Redwoods, Red Gables, Stowmarket, IP14 1BE

To learn more or book a spot, you can message Honor directly on 07415 689087 or email 

Talking to your children about how they are feeling is not always easy and even a little daunting. Kooth have created a series of downloadable guides including ‘How to talk to your children about their feelings‘ to offer parents and carers helpful tips and advice. Also available from Kooth is a collection of podcasts for young people on topics such as self care, grief, role models, bullying, anxiety, exam stress, mindfulness, discrimination, sleep, using your voice and much more. Find out more about the support available for young people by visiting the Kooth website

Families Together Suffolk groups take place in Bury St Edmunds, Debenham, Haverhill,
Honington and Stowmarket and offer free family support. Groups aim to increase confidence in parents, help build friendships and provide a safe and supportive space for parents to explore activities and bond with their little ones.
All sessions are free to attend, and each session will have a different theme so activities change weekly. The groups offer a relaxed and supportive meeting place.

For more information, call 01379 678552 or email. Find out about their 1-to-1 family support by visiting their website here.

Orminston Families run a range of services across the East of England. Their work focuses on three main areas: mental health and wellbeing, families affected by offending, and parental support. Take a look at their website to see the services they offer.

Walk and Talk Trail from the National Literacy Trust aims to help children aged 0 – 5 years to develop their speech and communication skills.  To find out more and to download the tips and advice click on the image below.

50 Things To Do Before You’re Five is an app from Suffolk Community Libraries/Children and Families for parents with children under 5 years old and has been designed to bring a positive impact on learning and health. It’s full of free, fun and low-cost activities to do you in your local area.  Follow the links to find out more.