Help for Families
Information, advice and activities to support you on your family journey.
Pregnancy and Birth
If you’re pregnant or you’re planning for a child, find out more about the pregnancy journey and the kinds of services, activities, courses and support we have in place to support Barking and Dagenham residents.
Baby and Pre-School (0 to 5 years)
Learn how babies develop health care and early feeding. Help your child start learning, find childcare, mental health support and activities.
Primary and Secondary School (5 to 14 years)
Learn how to support your family through parenting classes, tips on keeping both your mind and body healthy and activities happening around the borough.
Teens and Young Adults (14-25 years)
It can be hard navigating the challenges of growing up. There are a range of support and activities you could get involved in.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), 0-25 years
Barking and Dagenham’s SEND Local Offer is for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Family Hubs, Family Navigators and Early Help
Services for parents of children aged up to 19 (or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).
Help with Conflict
Parenting can be joyful, but it is also challenging. Barking and Dagenham’s Start for Life offer helps families get the support they need from community, health and council services.
Best Start in Life
The UK government’s “Best Start in Life” initiative provides comprehensive, government-backed support for families with children from pregnancy to age 5. It focuses on improving family services, health guidance, childcare accessibility, and school readiness.