Below are some resources that will help you find on and offline communities that may interest you.
= Highly recommended
Single Parent Action Network
Find out more about resources and courses for parents as part of the Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities project for Bristol.
Links to support organisations
A comprehensive list of domestic support organisations with wide range of focus
Advice for the Dads of Bristol
The Bristol Fathers website is an information gateway and comprehensive directory of projects, agencies and charities set up to support fathers and children
Information & Support for Dads
Dads space provides advice & support for all aspects of being a parent.
Government family support policy
Family support policy and information from the government that could affect you.
Find out what parternity leave you are entitled to.
If you are a father-to-be or you will be responsible with the mother for bringing up a child, you could have the right to Statutory Paternity Leave. You may also qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay. Find out what you are entitled to.
Information and advice for carers
Meeting other men in similar situations can help. It may make it easier if you talk to other men about the emotional and practical challenges of your caring role. Contact your local carers centre to see if they have a male carers group.
The place for young parents
Got a burning question or a niggling worry. Get your question answered by people that have been in the same situation as you.
For every parenting topics
The number 1 guide to UK schools
A guide to schools across Bristol, written for parents by parents.
Talk to other mums
From allergies to relationships, talk to others about ideas, concerns, triumphs and troubles
Advice for parents, a voice for parents
ACE provides advice and information to parents and carers on a wide range of school based issues including exclusion, admissions, special education needs, bullying and attendance.
Your opinions matter
Bristol's partner agencies have improved the way they listen to what local people want in their neighbourhoods. Why? Because they know that local people know best what's right for their areas.
Support for victims of domestic abuse
BDAF is a city-wide forum for anyone who works with or has an interest in working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
Challenging the Discrimination
We work with the council to combat in-equality, promote understanding and respect, and empower the local LGB community. We also do research into issues that concern our community
Led by Somali young people for Somali young people
An organisation giving teenagers a voice and the opportunity to organise their own activities to gain experience and better their opportunities in life.
A community voice for Bristol's green spaces.
The forum's three main roles are: - to offer an opportunity to share ideas and experience; - to act as a consultation body for the Bristol Parks service and other agencies; - to influence decision-making, including the allocation of resources.
Fair access to council services
Bristol BSL forum has been set up to make sure that deaf people in Bristol can have fair access to council services.
Services for disabled people
The West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) is an organisation run by and for Disabled people. Established in 1995 we are now one of the largest Centres for Independent Living
Support for victims of domestic abuse
BDAF is a city-wide forum for anyone who works with or has an interest in working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
How to help a child in touble
Advice and information for parents and carers, along with downloadable information leaflets.
Bristol women's therapy centre
Do you need to talk to another woman in confidence?
working to end domestic violence against women & children
Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps up to 250,000 women and children every year. They work to end violence against women and children, and support over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the country.
Helping Young People Out
Catch22 is a local charity with a national reach. We work with young people who find themselves in difficult situations. We believe every young person deserves the chance to get on in life - no matter what.
Shaping the Future Together
Bristol Parent Carers is a new organisation that has been established so that parents of disabled children can work in partnership with the local authorities to shape the services provided for their children and themselves, through a parent participation process.
Domestic abuse support services for women
Do you need to leave home in a hurry? Here you can find someone to talk to and consider your options.
Confidential Emotional Support
24 hour free, confidential emotional support, whatever you're feeling.
Family & Relationship Advice and Support
If you feel that you're having trouble in your relationship or family, make an appointment to discuss your options for improving it.
For those denied access
Support group for grandparents who are denied contact with their grandchildren. We meet every other month for advice and support
For people living with or around Multiple Sclerosis
West of England MS Therapy Centre provides support and relief of symptoms to people with Multiple Sclerosis and their supporters. Using a range of complementary therapies, and self help techniques we will support you and help you to live with MS.
For psychotherapy & the arts
The Bridge Foundation provides a range of psychoanalytic psychotherapy & counselling services. We are a Bristol based organisation with a strong commitment to providing accessible & high quality services to a wide range of individuals & families. Alongside our fee paying services, we are committed to delivering accessible free counselling services for parents & children previously underserved by such services and to refugee and asylum seeker families.
For those concerned about drug abuse
Families Anonymous is a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances, or with related behavioural problems. FA has groups, spread throughout the country, which meet regularly.
Your opinions matter
Bristol's partner agencies have improved the way they listen to what local people want in their neighbourhoods. Why? Because they know that local people know best what's right for their areas.
Connecting your with professional support
Search our network to be connected with a professional counsellor or psychotherapist in Bristol.
Services for Adult Carers
We offer on-going support through both group activities and on a one-to-one basis for adult carers living in our area
Links to support organisations
A comprehensive list of domestic support organisations with wide range of focus
Challenging the Discrimination
We work with the council to combat in-equality, promote understanding and respect, and empower the local LGB community. We also do research into issues that concern our community
Homophobic Incident Reporting Service
EACH provides a confidential, homophobic incident reporting service covering the West of England. If you have been the target of a homophobic incident or crime call our Actionline on 0808 1000 143
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
FFLAG is a national voluntary organisation and registered charity. We are dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay and bisexual daughters and sons.
Education, Events, Support & Volunteering
Bristol Feminist Network (BFN) is a group of women and men from Bristol and the surrounding areas who are interested in discussing feminist ideas, who believe in the importance of women's liberation, and who actively campaign on issues of gender inequality and oppression.
Money Survival Kit
Welcome to One Space’s Money Survival Kit – a comprehensive guide to help single parents make the most of their income and spending. Lone parents often have complex financial problems that reflect the difficulties they may be facing in other areas of their lives, including: difficulties with debt, housing, benefits, low pay, tax credits, insecure jobs, childcare costs, CSA and health issues.
Government family support policy
Family support policy and information from the government that could affect you.
Information and advice for parents and carers in Bristol
Supportive Parents holds details of national and local organisations which offer information and support to parents/carers of children with SEN and disabilities
Help and support for those struggling with addiction, and their families
KWADS is a Bristol-based, community-rooted organisation providing a range of services including free and confidential information, advice, guidance, signposting and support to family members, carers, concerned others and professionals in relation to someone else’s alcohol/drug misuse.
The Children's Charity in Bristol
Barnardo’s South West covers a region of sharp contrasts with many challenges.
Services for Adult Carers
We offer on-going support through both group activities and on a one-to-one basis for adult carers living in our area
Bristol based resources centre for people with Autism and Asperger's syndrome
The Brunel resource centre provides a range of activities and life skills training for people with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome or Autism. Find out how to gain a referral.
Twin line
A help and support freephone number for all parents of twins, triplets and other multiple births. It's national, confidential and is there to provide emotional support.
Parenting advice and information in Bristol
The Bristol faction of a national organisation, Net Mums is the place to go to swap stories, tips, arrange meetings and to discuss the issues affecting you and your family.
Parenting advice and support
PSS can provide parenting advice and parenting support to parents of children aged 1 to 18 years.
Shaping the Future Together
Bristol Parent Carers is a new organisation that has been established so that parents of disabled children can work in partnership with the local authorities to shape the services provided for their children and themselves, through a parent participation process.
Support for victims of domestic abuse
BDAF is a city-wide forum for anyone who works with or has an interest in working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
Varied Support Services
For free telephone counselling service or a mutual support network with other parents in the same situation as you
For those denied access
Support group for grandparents who are denied contact with their grandchildren. We meet every other month for advice and support
For people living with or around Multiple Sclerosis
West of England MS Therapy Centre provides support and relief of symptoms to people with Multiple Sclerosis and their supporters. Using a range of complementary therapies, and self help techniques we will support you and help you to live with MS.
Advice & Support for Bristol Mothers
Whether you are an anxious first time mother, or an experienced mother who is struggling to cope, we are here to help you learn to trust your inner wisdom, release your fears and anxieties and embrace the experience of motherhood.
The Premature Baby Charity
Bliss, the special care baby charity, provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK. Founded 30 years ago, we offer guidance and information at a critical time in families' lives. We also fund ground-breaking research and campaign for babies to receive the best possible level of care regardless of when and where they are born.
Challenging the Discrimination
We work with the council to combat in-equality, promote understanding and respect, and empower the local LGB community. We also do research into issues that concern our community
For psychotherapy & the arts
The Bridge Foundation provides a range of psychoanalytic psychotherapy & counselling services. We are a Bristol based organisation with a strong commitment to providing accessible & high quality services to a wide range of individuals & families. Alongside our fee paying services, we are committed to delivering accessible free counselling services for parents & children previously underserved by such services and to refugee and asylum seeker families.
For those concerned about drug abuse
Families Anonymous is a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances, or with related behavioural problems. FA has groups, spread throughout the country, which meet regularly.
Specialist help and support
Action for Children works with disabled children, young people and their families because they need specialist help and support, and generally suffer from a wide variation in the quality of services they receive.
Connecting your with professional support
Search our network to be connected with a professional counsellor or psychotherapist in Bristol.
A network of independent advice
Find help and advice in Bristol, South Gloucestershire & North Somerset.
Information for people with learning difficulties
Welcome to One For Us... the web site for people who have a learning difficulty. You will find information and stories about people who have a learning difficulty. This is a place for you to be proud of achievements and to learn how to take more control over your own life.
Helping older people flourish
Age Concern and Help the Aged have joined forces to become Age UK – so that we can be here for everyone in later life.
Creating Ideas, Fulfilling Lives
People with learning disabilities and their families use our inventive and often ground breaking support and advice to live the lives they want.
Education, Events, Support & Volunteering
Bristol Feminist Network (BFN) is a group of women and men from Bristol and the surrounding areas who are interested in discussing feminist ideas, who believe in the importance of women's liberation, and who actively campaign on issues of gender inequality and oppression.
Support, understanding and friendship
The website is designed to promote the group and our activities and we invite you warmly to join us at our meetings. Please feel free to contact us for any information which you cannot find on the site.
Behaviour Management Plans
Managing children’s behaviour can seem a Herculean task when they begin to realise how much fun getting into trouble can be. Rather than simply punishing children, which is often as hard on a parent as it is on a child and more often retributive rather than informative, consider making a behaviour management plan.
Local support
Enabling individuals to find a life coach close to them and appropriate for their needs. This is a free, confidential service that will help those seeking a new direction in their life to find the encouragement they need.
Post-natal depression support
We are a group of mothers, most of who have suffered depression or distress after the birth of one or more of our babies. We offer support, advice, information and most of all a listening ear for any worries or concerns you may have.
Family Service Directory
1 Big Database is a place to find out about organisations, support, events and other useful things going on in your area
Support Group
Monthly support group for unpaid young carers aged 18 - 25 years.
Community for single parents with support from experienced parenting facilitators and brings together essential information, interactive learning games, multi-media content, links to other local support organisations and news.
Helping Asian Women to support one another and progress
Humdard is dedicated to giving opportunities to Asian families across the city of Bristol to improve their quality of life. Our services are tailored and in response to meeting the cultural and Islamic needs of Asian Women.
Speech and Language Therapist Call-Back Service
Concerned about a child’s talking, listening and understanding? Are you looking for more information about speech, language and communication?
We offer practical, emotional and mentoring support to Teenage Parents age 16-25 in the BS13 area, raising awareness through education.
Have your say. Your place to report offensive advertisements, television shows, films and more.
FREE 8 week course for parents. Less stress, & more fun in family life. For parents of 6-8 year olds.
Help your children to fit in at school
Hints and tips for making your child's transition to school life as easy as possible
How to do just about everything
Detailed information about children with special needs for parents, and how to help them fit in as well as possible.
For better mental health
Bristol Mind raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting emotional and mental well being. Click here to see a list of mental health resources
Learn sign language to comunicate with your child
Sign classes for relatives of Deaf children in Emersons Green and Keynsham plus a parents class at Elmfield School, Westbury-On-Trym.
We are based in our large centre in Bristol, from where we provide a range of specialist services, and are home to several community groups.
Information for people with learning difficulties
Welcome to One For Us... the web site for people who have a learning difficulty. You will find information and stories about people who have a learning difficulty. This is a place for you to be proud of achievements and to learn how to take more control over your own life.
Working with refugees to build new lives
We provide advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees in the Bristol area.
For Children in Care
This website was put together by designers chosen by the Children in Care Council who said that children should all have access to a website that gave them all the information that they needed as well as useful contacts and fun games to play.
Speech and Language Therapist Call-Back Service
Concerned about a child’s talking, listening and understanding? Are you looking for more information about speech, language and communication?
Shopping Advice
Consumer Direct is the government-funded telephone & online service offering information & advice on consumer issues. Consumer Direct is funded by the Office of Fair Trading & delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services.
Finding a solictitor
Information for people who may need a solicitor or any form of legal advice.
Keeping children safe in their families
The place to go if you have any concerns about childcare or a child specifically who you think may be in trouble.
Free and confidential legal advice
If you live in Avon or Bristol, these people can help you with any legal query, free of charge and confidentially.
A network of independent advice
Find help and advice in Bristol, South Gloucestershire & North Somerset.
Online help
Information about benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues.
