Additional Family Support Network
Support for Families Across Gloucestershire
Life can be challenging, and every family experiences moments when extra guidance, reassurance or practical help makes a difference. This page brings together trusted organisations, many based in Gloucestershire and others working nationally, to help families access the support they need and to make it easier to find services that match your family’s needs.
To make it easier to find the right support, you can jump directly to any area of the network. Each section below links to a dedicated part of this page, so you can move straight to the information that matters most to you.
- General Family Support
- SEND Support
- Young People’s Mental Health
- Housing Support
- Food and Essentials
- Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support
- Financial Guidance
- Parenting Support
- Adult Mental Health
Help for Families Navigating Everyday Challenges
Many families look for support with everyday issues such as healthy routines, online safety, bereavement, cultural inclusion or accessing specialist services. This section brings together organisations that offer targeted guidance to help families feel more confident and connected to the right resources. Partners such as Beezee, Child Bereavement UK, GARAS, Lives of Colour, The Nelson Trust and VIA offer support designed to strengthen families and help them access the right services at the right time.
SEND Support for Children and Young People
Navigating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities can sometimes feel overwhelming. This section highlights organisations that understand the complexities involved and offer specialist guidance for children and young people. NeuroThrive, ND Hub, Gloucestershire Carers Hub, the Down’s Syndrome Association, The Chamwell Centre Charity, Allsorts, Affinity Trust, Active Impact, The Spring Centre, SENDIASS, P.E.A.K, Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum and the Parent & Carer Alliance C.I.C each provide practical advice, emotional support and accessible pathways to help families feel informed and supported.
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Young People
Growing up can bring many pressures, and young people may need extra support to feel steady and understood. This section highlights organisations that offer safe spaces, practical tools and compassionate guidance for children and young people who may be struggling with their emotional wellbeing. CAMHS, the Gloucestershire Self Harm Helpline, Lumi Nova, Mind, On Your Mind Glos, Shout 85258, The Mix, Winston’s Wish, Young Minds Matter and Young Gloucestershire each provide specialist support to help young people thrive.
Housing Advice and Support for Families
A stable home is essential for family wellbeing. When housing becomes uncertain or difficult to manage, this section highlights organisations that can help families regain stability. Citizens Advice, Gloucestershire City Council Housing Services, Job Centre Plus, P3, Shelter, Step Change and CCP offer guidance on housing options, tenancy support, homelessness prevention and financial pressures linked to accommodation.
Access to Food, Essentials and Practical Help
There may be times when families need help accessing food, essentials or baby items. Cheltenham Food Bank, Feeding Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Food Bank, Gloucestershire Bundles and Grow Baby work together to ensure that practical support is available when it is needed most. These organisations provide essential items with dignity, care and understanding.
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support Services
Safety is a fundamental part of family wellbeing. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual abuse, confidential support is available through organisations that provide specialist guidance and practical help. Fear Free, GDASS, the Hollie Gazzard Trust, Honour Thy Woman Group, Respect Men’s Advice Line, the National Centre for Domestic Violence, Rape Crisis, The Nelson Trust and Women’s Aid provide specialist advice, emotional support and practical help to keep individuals and families safe.
Financial Guidance and Money Management Support
Financial pressures can affect any family, especially when unexpected costs arise. This section highlights organisations that offer budgeting advice, debt support and financial guidance. Money Helper, National Debtline, Step Change, Turn2Us, Gloucestershire Bundles, Citizens Advice and Clean Slate help families build financial confidence and access the support they need.
Parenting Support for All Stages of Family Life
Parenting can be rewarding and challenging in equal measure. This section brings together organisations that support parents and carers at every stage of family life. Aspire Foundation, Cafcass, Coram Family Lives, Cry‑sis, Let’s Talk Well, NCLP, NSPCC, PEGS and Togetherness offer guidance on parenting strategies, family relationships, communication and wellbeing.
Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Adult mental health is just as important as children’s. When life becomes overwhelming, support is available through organisations that offer specialist guidance and practical help. Be Well Gloucestershire, CandO, Cruse Bereavement Support, Every Mind Matters, the Gloucestershire Self Harm Helpline, Kooth, Mind, Rethink Mental Services, SHOUT 85258, NHS Social Prescribing, NHS Talking Therapies and Young Gloucestershire provide emotional support, counselling pathways and practical tools to help adults feel more grounded and supported.
How support services help families thrive
This page brings together a wide range of organisations that help families find the right support, connect with services that understand their needs and feel part of a wider community. Whether you are looking for SEND guidance, mental health support, housing advice, financial help, parenting resources or safety services, these organisations make it easier to access help quickly and with confidence.