We’re here for you, when you need us. Find answers to parenting questions, join a free online course or find helpful support from recommended websites and organisations.
These award winning courses are for you, as a parent (although grandparents like these courses too!). No-one gave you a manual about how to enjoy being a parent or how to be the best parent you can be. But there are a few things that can really make a difference. These three courses are all about you and your child. There is an antenatal course, a postnatal course and a course from toddlers to teenagers (this one is in English or in Urdu). For the antenatal course, starting to get to know your child before they are even born and for all courses, getting to grips with how important you are as a mum or a dad. To find out more about the courses, click on Learn. They are free to anyone living in Torbay, Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall. Just enter the access code TAMAR
Solihull online course – Understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your
The Solihull Approach online antenatal course has exactly the same content as the antenatal class. It is written by midwives, health visitors and clinical psychologists. There are videos and quizzes. You can be confident that you are learning the key info about pregnancy, labour and birth. You are getting ready to meet your baby.
This course is for pregnant mums, fathers, partners, grandparents and anyone else who will be involved with the baby. Enter the code TAMAR, fill in a few details to create an account. You can then sign in to your course.
Down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust. We’re on hand to support parents, when you need us. Browse our articles on the most common parenting questions from our experts. Or talk one-to-one with a qualified parenting coach about anything that’s worrying you. It’s all free, and no topic is too big, small, or embarrassing.
What is the DadPad?
It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.
Why do you need it?
As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need. The resource will support you and your partner to give your baby the best possible start in life.
Dads Matter UK is here to provide support for dads worried about or suffering from Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The UK’s fatherhood think-and-do tank
We routinely discuss domestic abuse during visits. We do this because we know domestic abuse can get worse during pregnancy and after the baby is born.
Domestic abuse can take many forms and is not always physical violence. It can be;
- Controlling behaviour, such as preventing someone seeing their friends and family.
- Making someone feel humiliated, stupid or bullied.
- Sexual abuse.
- Financial abuse, such as getting you or the family into debt or controlling the money you can access.
Here are some organisations and Charites that offer support.
If your partner or someone in your family is hurting your mind or your body that’s not OK. Support is available.
We support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
The Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
National centre for domestic violence
Support for those suffering from domestic abuse.
Relationship support for everyone of all ages.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. It is defined as any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, physical violence, threatening behaviour or abusive behaviour between intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
The Torbay Community Helpline is a one-stop-shop for access to advice, information and referral to a whole range of support in the community and beyond.
Call or use the online form to ask for help or signposting about anything, including:
- Benefits, debt, and finance
- Housing issues
- Activities and groups in your area
- Mental and physical wellbeing
- Caring for someone
- Accessing training and skills
- Domestic abuse
- Volunteering
Need help after crime?
Get in touch anytime for independent, free, and confidential advice:
working together against domestic abuse until women and children are safe
Some families on a low income will be entitled to Healthy Start vouchers. You can discuss this during pregnancy or postnatally with your health visitor or midwife.
If this is your first baby and you are on a low income, towards the end of the pregnancy, or before your baby is 6 months old, you may be entitled to a Sure Start Maternity Grant. This is £500 to help with the cost of having a baby, and does not need to be paid back. Speak to your health visitor to find out more.
During pregnancy and until your child is one year old, mum is entitled to free NHS prescriptions and dental care, with a Maternity Exemption Certificate. You can discuss this at your midwifery appointments. Children are entitled to free prescriptions and dental care, whilst they are in full time education.
We can also discuss your options with regards to parental leave for both parents.
CAP can help if you are struggling with debt or unemployment, need some help breaking free from habits or learning new life skills.
Citizens Advice Torbay provides a free, impartial and confidential service to everyone.
Money Advice Service – Pregnancy
Expecting a baby is exciting, but it can also be an expensive time. Follow the Money Advice Services steps to make sure you’re prepared for your new arrival.
Support for twins, triplets or more from pregnancy onwards.
The Torbay Community Helpline is a one-stop-shop for access to advice, information and referral to a whole range of support in the community and beyond.
Call or use the online form to ask for help or signposting about anything, including:
- Benefits, debt, and finance
- Housing issues
- Activities and groups in your area
- Mental and physical wellbeing
- Caring for someone
- Accessing training and skills
- Domestic abuse
- Volunteering
Developed by UK charity Best Beginnings in collaboration with parents, healthcare professionals and partner charities across the country: the free Baby Buddy app is with you throughout your pregnancy and parenting journey, day by day.
The HANDi Paediatric app gives up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. Developed by NHS organisations in Devon, the HANDi Paediatric app is available to download for free onto any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet.
Free, proven support to help you quit!
Relationship support for everyone of all ages.
Support for twins, triplets or more from pregnancy onwards.
The Torbay Community Helpline is a one-stop-shop for access to advice, information and referral to a whole range of support in the community and beyond.
Call or use the online form to ask for help or signposting about anything, including:
- Benefits, debt, and finance
- Housing issues
- Activities and groups in your area
- Mental and physical wellbeing
- Caring for someone
- Accessing training and skills
- Domestic abuse
- Volunteering