Pregnancy and parenting support
If you are pregnant or have a child, we are here to help. Becoming a parent can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Your Personal Adviser can help you access support, advice and services to help you and your child thrive.
Find out more at Pregnancy and parenting support | Cambridgeshire County Council.
Financial support
You may be able to get financial help during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Healthy Start can help eligible parents with the cost of healthy food, milk and vitamins during pregnancy and for young children.
You may also be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant, a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of having a baby. You do not have to pay this money back.
If you are a care leaver aged 16 to 21, we will also provide a one-off maternity grant of £250 during your third trimester to help you buy essential items for your baby.
Cold Weather Payments
If you get Universal Credit and have a child under 5, or have a health condition or disability that makes it difficult for you to work, you may be able to get extra money to help pay for heating when the weather is very cold. To check if you qualify and apply, visit Cold Weather Payment: Overview - GOV.UK.
Your Personal Adviser can help you check what financial support you may be entitled to and help you complete applications.
Support for young parents
Family Nurse Partnership
If you are a first-time parent aged 19 or under, you can access support through the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Family Nurse Partnership (FNP). The programme works with your strengths and supports you to achieve your goals for yourself and your baby.
A specially trained Family Nurse can support you during pregnancy and after your baby is born, helping you to:
- build confidence as a parent
- understand your baby's development
- look after your health and wellbeing
- build positive relationships
- achieve your education, training and employment goals
The support can continue until your child is up to two years old.
Contact the Family Nurse Partnership:
- Telephone: 0300 029 5050
- Email: cambs.pboro.childrenshealth@nhs.net
Extra help for parents
If you would like additional support, we can help you access Early Help Services during pregnancy and throughout your child's early years.
Early Help can support you to:
- build confidence as a parent
- develop routines for you and your child
- understand your child's development
- improve family wellbeing
- access support in your local community
Best Start Family Hubs
Best Start Family Hubs | Cambridgeshire County Council offer a wide range of free support and activities for parents and children aged 0 to 19, including:
- baby groups and play sessions
- parenting courses
- health visitor clinics
- antenatal programmes
- infant feeding support
- family activities and events
- advice and support for parents
Parenting courses
Parenting courses | Cambridgeshire County Council offers free parenting courses to help parents at every stage of their child's life. Courses are available online and in person.
Topics include:
- understanding your baby
- child development
- emotional wellbeing
- supporting teenagers
- parenting children with additional needs
- building positive family relationships
Your Personal Adviser can help you access these services and, if you would like, can attend appointments or groups with you until you feel confident going on your own.
Activities for parents and children
We want to help you and your child have positive experiences together. We organise trips and activities for care experienced parents and their children. This includes beach trips, family days out and local events across Cambridgeshire.
These activities are a chance to have fun, meet other families, make new friends and create happy memories with your child.
Your Personal Adviser can tell you about upcoming events and help you take part.
If your child has a social worker
If your child has a social worker, we are still here to support you.
We will help you understand what is happening, prepare for meetings and make sure you have the information you need to make decisions for your child and family.
If you would like us to, we can:
- attend meetings with you
- support you to speak in meetings
- help you understand reports and plans
- attend meetings with your solicitor
- attend court hearings with you where appropriate
Our role is to support you, make sure your voice is heard, and help you understand the process every step of the way.
Contact the Leaving Care Team:
- Duty Line: 01480 379493
- Email: cccleavingcare@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Remember: Asking for support is a strength. We are here to help you give your child the best possible start in life.
