Organisations that can help
Castlegate can tell you more about the services that are available, as well as tell you about your rights and options. You can also call in if you just need to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
By early 2008 there will be eight new Children's Centre's in the York area. You'll be able to find a range of services all working in the same place, who are there to support you and your family (or family to be). These will include health services like midwives and Health Visitors, parents and toddlers groups, fun learning sessions, adult education and 'back to work' services (with childcare while you are on courses etc) and Family Support Teams (Social Services). The new Centres will be based in the following primary school sites; Hob Moor, Westfield, Carr, Clifton Green, Haxby Road, New Earswick, Tang Hall and St. Lawrence's.
If you want to find activities to go to with your baby or toddler, or groups that can offer support, friendship or a place to meet other parents then contact the Children's Information Service. They can give you details of local playgroups, toddler groups, pre-school activities etc. They can also let you know about childcare options such as childminders and day nurseries if you are thinking of going into, or returning to, work, education or training. They can also send you info packs at key stages for your child, with information on activities, health and safety etc.
The new Yor-OK website can tell you about what help and support is available for you and your child, as well as classes, activities etc.
Young Parents at the 68 Centre is for young mums and dads and parents-to-be under 25. It can offer you a chance to meet other young parents, make new friends and find support. Meets on Wednesdays 1.30-3.00pm.
Westfield Young Parents is for young mums, dads and parents-to-be under 19. As well as a chance to socialise and meet other young parents, they offer trips, parenting sessions and a crèche. Meets in the Portakabin, Westfield School, on Mondays 10-12am.
Young Parents Group at Tang Hall Community Centre is for young mums and dads under 21. They offer a chance to meet other young parents for friendship and support, and offer activities and info sessions etc. Meets on Thursdays 10-12am.
The Centre for Separated Families supports young families and works with anyone affected by divorce or separation. They offer parenting support, confidence classes and money management courses. (Other benefits such as holidays, trips and shoe grants are available if you become a member). They also run a drop-in on Wednesdays 12.30 til 2.30 at the United Reform Church on Priory St (off Micklegate).
Home-Start York offer support and friendship from a volunteer parent, who can visit you at home or go out and about with you. They offer a helping hand and a listening ear to parents of under 5's in the York area. You can contact them yourself or ask to be referred (eg by your Health Visitor, support worker or a worker at Castlegate).
Parentline Plus is a national helpline run by parents, for parents.
A little extra help
People you may work with (for example Health Visitors, support workers etc) are now using a 'Common Assessment' (also called ‘Your info’), and if you need some extra support they may talk to you about this. Common Assessment means that they should look at the whole picture of what you and your child need help with, not just the things they can help with themselves. It also means that they have a way to share this information with other practitioners who can help (so you don't have to keep repeating the same things to different people). They should also be working together with you to plan what help you get. (If you are under 18 they may offer you a Common Assessment for yourself).
Phone the One Parent Families Helpline and ask them to send you a copy of their Young Mum’s Guide – or call in to Castlegate to pick up a copy. It has information about staying healthy, telling people you are pregnant, benefits and parenting tips.