Useful Contacts

This section includes the contact details for a range of organisations and charities that you may find useful. You can also look under 'Charitable and voluntary organisations' or 'Social service and welfare organisations' in the Yellow Pages.

We have included textphone numbers (if we have them) for readers who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have speech difficulties. Some phone numbers are 'Freephone', which means calls are usually free from landlines. For most other phone numbers, calls are charged at local or national rates. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone or a public phone. You should check the exact call charges with the provider concerned.

We have provided these contacts for your information only. They are only a small selection of the organisations available to you, and we do not guarantee that the information on their websites is correct or suitable.

Carer Organisations

Childcare

Counselling

Disability Organisations

Drugs and Alcohol

Financial and Benefits

General Information

Government Departments

Health and Welfare

Housing

Jobs and Work

Learning and Training

Parenting and Support

Rights and Legal Advice

Self Employment

Careers Advice

Career Development Loan Helpline
Phone: 0800 585 505 (8.00 am to 10.00 pm, 7 days a week).
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning
/AdultLearning/CareerDevelopmentLoans/DG_10033242  

Careers Scotland
A Scotland-wide service that offers a range of free, independent career planning and information services to people of all ages.
Phone: 0845 850 2502 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday)
Textphone 0141 889 8591
Website: www.careers-scotland.org.uk

Careers Wales
A free national careers information and advice service for everyone in Wales. Careers Wales has a network of drop-in centres. Its site also has a database of courses and training opportunities, interactive games and CVs .
Phone: learndirect on 0800 100 900
Website: www.careerswales.com or www.gyrfacymru.com

Connexions
A service that provides confidential advice, support and information for people aged 13 to 19. Speak to an adviser on-line or by phone, e-mail or text message.
Phone: 0808 001 3219 (8.00 am to 2.00 am, seven days a week).
Textphone: 08000 968 336.
Text message: 07766 413 219.
Website: www.connexions-direct.com

Graduate Prospects
This is an official careers website for university graduates.
Website: www.prospects.ac.uk

Carer's Allowance Unit
You may be able to get Carer's Allowance if you care for someone for more than 35 hours a week. Call the Carer's Allowance Unit for more information or an application form. You can also use the RNID Typetalk service.
Phone: 01253 85 61 23
Textphone: 01772 899489
E-mail: cau.customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
You can also find out more information, make a claim or report changes in circumstances on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/carers

Carers UK
This is an information and campaigning organisation for carers. It has a special helpline for carers.

CarersLine (England): 0808 808 7777
(10am to midday and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
E-mail (England): info@carersuk.org
Website: www.carersuk.org

CarersLine (Scotland): 0141 221 9141
E-mail (Scotland): info@carersscotland.org
Website: www.carersscotland.org

CarersLine (Wales): 029 2081 1370
E-mail (Wales): info@carerswales.org
Website: www.carerswales.org

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
This trust works to reach carers and develop services for carers across the country through a nationwide network of over 100 carers centres. To find your local centre, visit the Carers UK website or see the contact details for local offices below.

Glasgow office
Phone: 0141 221 5066
E-mail: infoscotland@carers.org
Northern office
Phone: 01257 234 070
E-mail: infochorley@carers.org
London office
Phone: 020 7480 7788
E-mail: help@carers.org

ChildcareLink
Information on local services that provide registered childcare and a search facility to find local childcare providers.
Phone 08000 96 02 96
Website: www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs
Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs exists to help communities in Wales by promoting, developing and supporting good quality, affordable and accessible out-of-school childcare clubs.
Phone: 029 2074 1000 (National office)
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.clybiauplantcymru.org

Daycare Trust
A charity that provides information and advice on childcare issues and finding childcare.
Phone: 020 7840 3350
Lines are open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Website: www.daycaretrust.org.uk

Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin (MYM)
Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin (MYM) is the largest provider of Welsh language early years care and education in the voluntary sector.
Phone: 0800 0 11 22 33
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.mym.co.uk  or www.bilingualfrombirth.com

National Childminding Association
A charity and membership organisation for registered childminders in England and Wales.
Freephone: 0800 169 4486
Lines are open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.ncma.org.uk

Scottish Childminding Association
A support organisation for registered childminding in Scotland.
Head office: 01786 445377
Helpline: 01786 449063
Lines are open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Website: www.childminding.org

Scottish Out of School Care Network
A Scottish charity that promotes, supports and develops good quality out of school care in Scotland.
Phone: 0141 564 1284
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.soscn.org

Sure Start Childcare Approval Scheme
A government approval scheme in England that provides recognised national status for people providing childcare who do not otherwise need to register.
Phone: 0845 767 8111
Lines are open from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk

Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association
A charity that offers support, advice and information on choosing a pre-school group in your area of Wales.
Phone: 01686 624573
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.walesppa.org

Consumer Credit Counselling Service
A charity that offers free help and advice for people with financial problems.
Freephone: 0800 138 1111 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday).
Website: www.cccs.co.uk

Couple Counselling Scotland
A charity that promotes, develops and co-ordinates a confidential counselling service for couples throughout Scotland.
Phone: 0845 119 6088
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm on Fridays.
Website: www.couplecounselling.org

Cruse Bereavement Care
A charity that offers free emotional support, help and advice to anyone affected by the death of someone close to them.
National helpline: 0844 477 9400
Young Person's helpline: 0808 808 1677
Lines are open from 9.30 am to 4.45 pm Monday to Friday.
Website (England): www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Website (Scotland): www.crusescotland.org.uk

National Debtline
A national helpline that provides free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
Phone: 0808 808 4000 Lines are open from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9.30 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Relate
An organisation that offers relationship counselling and a range of other relationship support services for adults, families and children in England and Wales.
Phone: 0845 456 1310
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.relate.org.uk

Listings for disability organisations
You will find a wide-ranging list of support organisations on the disability pages of the Government's Directgov website.
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/disability

SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
This is a national charity promoting learning, training and employment opportunities for young people and adults who have any kind of disability. They provide a free information and advice service.
Phone and minicom (England - Freephone): 0800 328 5050 (11.30 am to 1.30 pm on Tuesdays, and 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm on Thursdays)
Phone and minicom (Scotland): 0131 475 2348
E-mail (England and Wales): info@skill.org.uk
E-mail (Scotland): admin@skillscotland.org.uk
Website: www.skill.org.uk

Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.

Telephone: 08457 622 633 - England main number 
Textphone: 08457 622 644 - England textphone number

Telephone: 0845 604 8810 - Wales main number
Textphone:0845 604 8820 - Wales textphone

Telephone: 0845 604 5510 - Scotland main number
Textphone: 0845 604 5520 - Scotland textphone

Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

Vaccine Damage Payments Unit
One-off payments are available if you are severely disabled as a result of vaccination against certain diseases.
Phone: 01772 89 99 44 or 01772 89 97 56
E-mail: CAU-VDPU@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople

Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous provides information and support to people who think they might have a drink problem.
Phone: 0845 769 7555 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

FRANK
This is a helpline and website giving information about drugs and their effects. It also gives information about getting help with drug problems.
Phone (Freephone): 0800 77 66 00 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Textphone: 0800 917 8765.
E-mail: frank@talktofrank.com
Website: www.talktofrank.com

Know the Score
This group provides information and advice on drugs in Scotland.
Phone: 0800 587 587 9 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Website: www.knowthescore.info

Child Benefit Helpline
For help and advice with Child Benefit claims.
Phone: 0845 302 1444 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm, 7 days a week)
(Welsh-language service): 0845 302 1489
Textphone (Welsh-language): 0845 302 1474
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit

Tax Credit Helpline
For information on Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
Phone: 0845 300 3900
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call the Textphone on 0845 300 3909
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, 7 days a week.
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits

Clic Online
Provides information for 11 to 25 year-olds living in Wales. Find out more on education, employment and training, money, relationships, sport and leisure.
Website: www.cliconline.co.uk

Get Connected
Provides free advice on a range of issues affecting young people.
Freephone 0808 808 4994 (1.00 pm to 11.00 pm, 7 days a week).
E-mail: help@getconnected.org.uk
Website: www.getconnected.org.uk

Young Scot
The organisation offers incentives, information and opportunities to young people in Scotland aged from 12 to 26.
Website: www.youngscot.org.uk

youthinformation.com
A website covering a range of issues affecting young people.
Website: www.youthinformation.com

Assisted Prison Visits Unit
For information on help with the cost of travel when visiting a close relative or partner in prison.
Phone: 0845 300 1423
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call the Textphone on 0845 304 0800
Lines are open from 10.15 am to 11.45 am, and from 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm, Monday to Friday.
Email: assisted.prison.visits@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk  and go to the advice and support section.

Care Commission
The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Care Commission) is the national organisation set up under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 to regulate and inspect Scottish care services.
Phone: 0845 603 0890
Email: freedomofinfo@carecommission.com
Website: www.carecommission.com

Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales
A part of the Welsh Assembly Government. It regulates childminders and other childcare providers caring for children aged under 8, as well as other types of care. Regional office phone numbers are on the website and in the phone book.
Website: www.csiw.wales.gov.uk/index.asp or www.asgc.cymru.gov.uk/index.asp

Child Support Agency
A government agency that makes sure parents who live apart meet their financial responsibilities and support their children.
Phone: 08457 133 133
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call the Textphone on 08457 138 924
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturdays.
Welsh-language phone: 08457 138 091 Lines are open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.csa.gov.uk

Cymorth
A Welsh Assembly Government initiative that delivers childcare, family support and services for young people. Every Cymorth plan includes Sure Start programmes for children aged up to 3 and their families. Contact your local Children's Information Service for information.
Website: www.wales.gov.uk/subichildren/content/cymorth-e.htm

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
This is the government department responsible for work and benefits. Visit this website for information about benefits and services you may be able to get and how to apply, including forms you can download.
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk

Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
Brings together functions from the former Department of Trade and Industry, including responsibilities for science and innovation, with further and higher education and skills, previously part of the Department for Education and Skills.
Website: www.dius.gov.uk

Department for Children, Schools and Families
Responsible for children's services, families, schools, 14-19 education and the Respect Taskforce.
Website: www.dcsf.gov.uk

Department of Health
This website provides information on what the Department of Health is doing to support carers, disabled people and people with health conditions.
Website: www.dh.gov.uk

Directgov
A website that offers the latest and widest range of public service information from the UK government.
Website: www.direct.gov.uk

HM Revenue & Customs - tax credits
Call the Tax Credit Helpline for information on Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
Phone: 0845 300 3900 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm, 7 days a week)
Textphone: 0845 300 3909
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk

Home Responsibilities Protection
If you have to apply for Home Responsibilities Protection, you will need to fill in a form. You can get the form from The Pension Service or from any Jobcentre Plus office.

National Assembly for Wales
A website that includes an A-Z index on a range of topics for Wales.
Website: www.wales.gov.uk

National Minimum Wage
For information on the National Minimum Wage.
Phone: 0845 6000 678
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call the textphone on 0845 915 3296
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.berr.gov.uk

Office for Standards in Education
The government body responsible for registering formal childcare providers and inspecting schools in England. Regional office phone numbers are on the website and in the phone book.
Early Years Helpline: 0845 601 4771 Lines are open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

Sure Start England
A Government initiative that brings together a range of policies and programmes delivering early education, childcare, health and family support in England.
Phone: 0870 0002288 (Public Enquiry Unit)
Website: www.surestart.gov.uk

Sure Start Scotland
A Government initiative that provides support for families with very young children (aged up to 3) through co-ordinated health services and child support networks in Scotland.
Website: www.scotland.gov.uk/surestartscotland

The Pension Service
This is a part of the Department for Work and Pensions. It has been set up to give today's and future pensioners a dedicated service. You can talk to us about what you might be able to expect when you retire.
Phone: 0845 60 60 265 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday).
Textphone: 0845 60 60 285.
Phone: Welsh-language service on 0845 60 60 275.
Textphone: Welsh-language service on 0845 60 60 295.
Website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

The Veterans Agency
Phone: 0800 169 2277
Textphone: 0800 169 34 58
E-mail: help@veteransagency.gsi.gov.uk

Welsh Assembly Government website
A website for people in Wales that includes information on a range of topics.
Website: www.wales.gov.uk

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children.
Child Protection Helpline : 0808 800 5000
Textphone: 0800 056 0566 Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cymru/Wales Helpline : 0808 100 2524
Textphone: 0808 100 1033 Lines are open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

NHS Direct
A confidential health advice and information service in England and Wales.
Phone: 0845 46 47
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Website (England): www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Website (Wales): www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk

NHS Immunisation Information
An NHS website of up-to-date information on vaccines, disease and immunisation.
Website: www.immunisation.nhs.uk

NHS24
A confidential health advice and information service in Scotland.
Phone: 08454 24 24 24
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Website: www.nhs24.com

Refuge
A national charity that provides specialist accommodation and support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline.
Phone 0808 2000 247 Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Website: www.refuge.org.uk

Samaritans
This is a 24-hour phone and e-mail service for people who need to talk confidentially about a problem. The site also holds a list of local offices if you need to talk to someone face-to-face.
Phone: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

Scottish Executive
This website gives information on health, education, social work, justice, rural affairs and transport in Scotland.
Website: www.scotland.gov.uk

Scottish Women's Aid
Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Website: www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk

Shelter
The housing and homeless charity. They provide a free national housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444 (8am to midnight, 7 days a week)
Minicom: 0114 252 7934
Website: www.shelternet.org.uk

Welsh Women's Aid
Confidential support and advice for anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or anyone concerned about someone they know.
Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline Phone: 0808 80 10 800
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm, and from 8.00 pm to 2.00 am every day.
Website: www.welshwomensaid.org

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Wales)
Offers grants to fund a range of energy-efficiency measures for people who are eligible. You can also benefit from advice that suits your circumstances.
Phone 0800 316 2815
Website: www.heeswales.co.uk

housemate.org.uk
They provide on-line information about housing and homelessness for young people.
Website: www.housemate.org.uk

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
You can find out more about both benefits at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. To contact your local council, find details at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm

Keeping your home warm
If you own or privately rent your home, you might be eligible for help with heating or insulation (or both). Contact the relevant scheme in your country using the numbers below.

England
Warm Front : 0800 952 0600 (covering North East,
North West, West Midlands, South East and South West)
Warm Front : 0800 952 1555 (covering Yorkshire
and Humberside, East Midlands and Eastern areas)
Winter Warmth Advice Line: 0800 085 7000

Scotland
Warm Deal : 0800 072 0150

Wales
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme : 0800 316 2815
Winter Warmth Advice Line : 0800 085 7000

Local council
For advice on finding a home, contact your local council. You can find contact details on the Directgov website and in your local phone book.

Warm Deal (Scotland)
Offers grants for a range of energy-efficiency measures for people who are eligible. This includes cavity-wall insulation, loft, tank and pipe insulation, draughtproofing and lighting.
Phone: 0800 072 0150
Website: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/
OlderPeople/Homeimprovements/Warmdeal

Warm Front (England)
Warm Front offers grants that provide a package of energy-efficiency and heating measures specifically tailored to your property. See the website for details of who is eligible.
Phone: 0800 952 0600 (covering the North East, the North West, the West Midlands, the South East and the South West)
Phone: 0800 952 1555 (covering Yorkshire and Humberside, the East Midlands and Eastern areas)
Website: www.warmfront.co.uk

Winter Warmth Advice Line (England and Wales)
Advice and information on keeping yourself and your home warm.
Phone: 0800 085 7000 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday)

do-it.org.uk
A national list of volunteering opportunities in the UK.
Website: www.do-it.org.uk

Jobseeker Direct
A Jobcentre Plus service where you can search and apply for jobs by phone.
Phone: 0845 6060 234 (8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays)
Phone (Welsh-language service): 0845 6067 890
Textphone: 0845 6055 255
Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

justjobs4students.co.uk
Provides part-time, seasonal and temporary jobs for college and university students.
Website: www.justjobs4students.co.uk

Apprenticeships
Build up knowledge and skills, gain qualifications, and earn money or an allowance in a chosen industry. In England and Wales, positions are available to 16 to 24 year-olds. In Scotland, there is no upper age limit.
Phone (England): 08000 150 600
Phone (Scotland): Careers Scotland on 0845 850 2502
Phone (Wales): learndirect on 0800 100 900
Website (England): www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Website (Scotland): www.modernapprenticeships.com
Website (Wales): Visit the Education and Learning Wales or Careerswales websites

Education and Learning Wales (ELWa)
They provide education and training in Wales for people aged 16 and over.
Phone: 08456 088 066.
Website: www.elwa.ac.uk/ElwaWeb/portal.aspx

ILA Scotland
A scheme that could help you pay for learning if you live in Scotland.
Phone: 0808 100 1090 (7.30 am to 11.00 pm, 7 days a week).
E-mail: enquiries@ilascotland.org.uk
Website: www.ilascotland.org.uk

learndirect
learndirect offer high-quality learning at a time and place that suits you. You choose what and when to learn, and you can work at your own pace. There are more than 1,500 learndirect centres across England and Wales to help you get started.
Phone (Freephone): 0800 100 900 (8.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days a week).
Minicom: 0800 056 8865.
Website: www.learndirect.co.uk

learndirect Scotland
The learndirect service for people in Scotland.
Phone: 0808 100 9000 (7.00 am to 11.00 pm Monday to Friday and
9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
E-mail: info@learndirectscotland.com
Website: www.learndirectscotland.com

Learning and Skills Council
The council fund and plan education and training for people aged 16 or over in England. They can give you information about adult learning.
Phone: 0870 900 6800.
E-mail: info@lsc.gov.uk
Website: www.lsc.gov.uk

Adoption UK
A national charity providing information, advice, support and training for adoptive parents, long-term foster carers and people who are thinking about adopting.
Phone: 0870 7700 450
Lines are open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.adoptionuk.org

Child Support Agency
A government agency that makes sure parents who live apart meet their financial responsibilities and support their children.
Phone: 08457 133 133
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call the Textphone on 08457 138 924
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturdays.
Welsh-language phone: 08457 138 091
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: Child Support Agency

Children 1st
A Scottish charity that supports families under stress, protects children from harm and neglect, helps children recover from abuse, and promotes children's rights and interests.
ParentLine Scotland : 0808 800 2222
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Website: www.children1st.org.uk

e-parents
The National Family and Parenting Institute's information and advice website for parents.
Website: www.e-parents.org

Fathers Direct
A national charity and information centre that supports the welfare of children by involving fathers and male carers in their lives. The website has lots of information for dads, a section on separated families, and a comprehensive database of useful links, which can direct you to other relevant websites. Fathers Direct does not offer individual counselling or advice.
Phone: 0845 634 1328
Website: www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/

Office for Standards in Education
The government body responsible for registering formal childcare providers and inspecting schools in England. Regional office phone numbers are on the website and in the phone book.
Early Years Helpline: 0845 601 4771
Lines are open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

One Parent Families/Gingerbread
A support organisation run by lone parents for lone-parent families in England and Wales.
Freephone: 0800 018 5026
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk  or www.gingerbread.org.uk

One Parent Families Scotland
Phone: 0800 018 5026 (call 0131 556 3899 if you are using a mobile phone)
Lines are open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.opfs.org.uk

Parentline Plus
A charity that offers help and support through free and flexible services developed by parents for parents.
Phone : 0808 800 2222
Textphone: 0800 783 6783
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Email helpline: parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk
Website: www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Parentscentre
A website offering support, information and advice about your child's learning and the English education system.
Website: www.parentscentre.gov.uk

Parentzone
A website that provides information on education in Scotland, and advice on supporting your child's learning.
Website: www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk

The Fostering Network
A charity for everyone involved in fostering in the UK. It makes sure that fostered children receive the highest standards of care.
Phone: 020 7261 1884 Lines are open from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Website: www.fostering.net

Working Families
A charity that provides information and support to working parents and carers, including free legal advice on employment issues.
Low-Income Families' helpline : 0800 013 0313
Lines are open from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm on Mondays and Fridays, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Tuesday to Thursday, and from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on the first Saturday of each month.
Website: www.workingfamilies.org.uk

4Children
A national charity that provides advice and support to parents on out-of-school care and a range of children's issues.
Phone: 020 7512 2100
Lines are open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.4children.org.uk

Citizens Advice
A network of offices that provide free and independent advice on legal issues, money, benefits and other problems.
Look in the phone book for the details of your nearest office.
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Community Legal Service Direct
An easy-to-use service that provides free information, help and advice direct to the public on a range of issues. All advice is confidential and independent.
Phone: 0845 345 4 345 Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. You can also listen to recorded messages about common legal problems 24 hours a day.
Website: www.clsdirect.org.uk

Business Eye
A free, independent information service for Wales, created to find the answers to your business questions.
Phone: 08457 96 97 98
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.businesseye.org.uk

Business Gateway
Business Gateway is run in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Executive and local authorities. It provides information and advice on starting up and running businesses in Scotland.
Phone: 0845 609 6611
Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.bgateway.com

Business Link
Business Link connects you to all the business support you need in England, from getting a business idea together through to successful trading.
Phone: 0845 600 9 006
Lines are open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.businesslink.gov.uk