Becoming a parent can be exciting, rewarding and sometimes overwhelming. It's important to know that support is available for you and your child.
If you are pregnant or have children, you can access a range of health, family and community services in Hampshire. These services can provide advice, practical support and information to help you and your family thrive.
Support may include:
Healthier Together runs a range of courses for new parents in Hampshire. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and learn some new skills. You can see what they have to offer here: Hampshire Healthy Families - groups and workshops.
You can also find information about services for families, childcare, financial support, parenting advice and local activities in our Family Support section.
The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is a voluntary programme offered to first time mums and dads aged under 19. If you are looking for support, and would like to find out more information as to whether you would be able to join the programme, you can email: hiowh.fnphampshire@nhs.net or call on 0300 003 0338. View the FNP Facebook Page.
What does the Family Nurse Partnership offer? Watch the video below to find out.
The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is a voluntary programme offered to first time mums and dads aged under 19. If you are looking for support, and would like to find out more information as to whether you would be able to join the programme, you can email: hiowh.fnphampshire@nhs.net or call on 0300 003 0338. View the FNP Facebook Page.
What does the Family Nurse Partnership offer? Watch the video below to find out.
Becoming a parent can feel exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming.
If you are a father, you can still access advice, guidance and support. Your Personal Adviser can help you find local services, parenting support and information about your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
Social meet-ups for dads/carers
You may find other options available in your local area so do search around if what you’re looking for isn’t listed below.
Dadzclub run Saturday stay ‘n’ play meetups in Portsmouth and Southampton. They also run peer support groups, a walk ‘n’ talk group, and more.
Me and My Dad Club meet every other Saturday from 9:30am to 11:30am at Spring Meadow Children’s Centre in Andover, helping fathers spend more quality time with their kids doing activities, going on outings and attending events.
Hampshire Parent Carer Network run online and face-to-face get togethers for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with any additional needs (diagnosis not needed).
Who Let the Dads Out? sessions are run by Care for the Family in many church locations across Hampshire. Sessions are run by dads for dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children. Have fun, form friendships and find support. They offer toys, games, crafts, breakfast (including bacon sandwiches) and a place to chat. They meet monthly on a Saturday morning.
Becoming a parent can feel exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming.
If you are a father, you can still access advice, guidance and support. Your Personal Adviser can help you find local services, parenting support and information about your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
Social meet-ups for dads/carers
You may find other options available in your local area so do search around if what you’re looking for isn’t listed below.
Dadzclub run Saturday stay ‘n’ play meetups in Portsmouth and Southampton. They also run peer support groups, a walk ‘n’ talk group, and more.
Me and My Dad Club meet every other Saturday from 9:30am to 11:30am at Spring Meadow Children’s Centre in Andover, helping fathers spend more quality time with their kids doing activities, going on outings and attending events.
Hampshire Parent Carer Network run online and face-to-face get togethers for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with any additional needs (diagnosis not needed).
Who Let the Dads Out? sessions are run by Care for the Family in many church locations across Hampshire. Sessions are run by dads for dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children. Have fun, form friendships and find support. They offer toys, games, crafts, breakfast (including bacon sandwiches) and a place to chat. They meet monthly on a Saturday morning.
The Bright Beginnings service gives one-to-one support to young parents aged 17-25 and their babies, through pregnancy up until the baby’s second birthday.
Support is given by trained volunteer Bright Beginnings Befrienders. They are matched with the young parents and will be there as a trusted, reliable and knowledgeable adult for the parents to get support from.
Befrienders will meet with parents regularly and are there to offer support with anything they may be struggling with, in particular the health of the parents and their baby and all aspects of parenting.
The Bright Beginnings service gives one-to-one support to young parents aged 17-25 and their babies, through pregnancy up until the baby’s second birthday.
Support is given by trained volunteer Bright Beginnings Befrienders. They are matched with the young parents and will be there as a trusted, reliable and knowledgeable adult for the parents to get support from.
Befrienders will meet with parents regularly and are there to offer support with anything they may be struggling with, in particular the health of the parents and their baby and all aspects of parenting.
If you are expecting your first baby, or are having a multiple birth, you may be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant.
This is a one-off payment from the government that can help with the costs of having a baby. It does not need to be repaid.
Speak to your Personal Adviser if you would like help understanding whether you might qualify or need help to apply.
If you are expecting your first baby, or are having a multiple birth, you may be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant.
This is a one-off payment from the government that can help with the costs of having a baby. It does not need to be repaid.
Speak to your Personal Adviser if you would like help understanding whether you might qualify or need help to apply.
If you are a parent, you may be able to claim Child Benefit to help with the cost of raising your child. Child Benefit is paid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and can help with everyday expenses.
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child. You can usually apply once your child's birth has been registered.
Child Benefit can help with the cost of raising a child. The amount you receive depends on your circumstances. The 2026/27 rate is £27.05/week for your first child then £17.90/week on top of this for each additional child. Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but you can ask for weekly payments if this would help you to manage your budget.
Your Personal Adviser can help you find information about Child Benefit and support you to access advice if you are unsure what you may be entitled to.
How to Apply: GOV.UK Child Benefit Services, the HMRC app, or over the phone.
If you are a parent, you may be able to claim Child Benefit to help with the cost of raising your child. Child Benefit is paid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and can help with everyday expenses.
Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child. You can usually apply once your child's birth has been registered.
Child Benefit can help with the cost of raising a child. The amount you receive depends on your circumstances. The 2026/27 rate is £27.05/week for your first child then £17.90/week on top of this for each additional child. Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but you can ask for weekly payments if this would help you to manage your budget.
Your Personal Adviser can help you find information about Child Benefit and support you to access advice if you are unsure what you may be entitled to.
How to Apply: GOV.UK Child Benefit Services, the HMRC app, or over the phone.
Best Start in Life offers information, advice and support during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. It can help you understand what to expect, access local services and build confidence as a parent.
Family Hubs provide a welcoming place where families can access a variety of support and services in one location. Your local Children's Centre or Family Hub can offer parenting programmes, health visitor drop-in sessions, information about childcare and support with your child's early development. Family Hubs can also help you find local activities, services and advice for you and your family.
Your Personal Adviser can help you find out what support is available in your area and connect you with the services that are right for you.
Best Start in Life offers information, advice and support during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. It can help you understand what to expect, access local services and build confidence as a parent.
Family Hubs provide a welcoming place where families can access a variety of support and services in one location. Your local Children's Centre or Family Hub can offer parenting programmes, health visitor drop-in sessions, information about childcare and support with your child's early development. Family Hubs can also help you find local activities, services and advice for you and your family.
Your Personal Adviser can help you find out what support is available in your area and connect you with the services that are right for you.
Find the right support for you:
Find the right support for you:
If you are expecting a baby or have a young child, local baby banks may be able to help with essential items such as:
Your Personal Adviser can help you find out what support is available in your area and make referrals where appropriate.
If you are expecting a baby or have a young child, local baby banks may be able to help with essential items such as:
Your Personal Adviser can help you find out what support is available in your area and make referrals where appropriate.
Childcare can be expensive, but support may be available depending on your circumstances.
You may be able to access help with childcare costs through:
Your Personal Adviser can help you find information about childcare support and direct you to advice services that can explain what you may be entitled to.
Childcare can be expensive, but support may be available depending on your circumstances.
You may be able to access help with childcare costs through:
Your Personal Adviser can help you find information about childcare support and direct you to advice services that can explain what you may be entitled to.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
You can also use your card to collect:
Find out how to apply and where to use your card to buy food and milk
For more help visit Best Start in Life.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
You can also use your card to collect:
Find out how to apply and where to use your card to buy food and milk
For more help visit Best Start in Life.
Our libraries exist to support communities across Hampshire. Your local library is a hub of support for new parents and babies during their first twelve months and beyond.
Based in libraries, New Parents Meet and Connect are free drop-in sessions in local libraries, perfect for parents and carers with newborn babies to meet up
Find out how we can help your new family feel at home by visiting your local library.
Our libraries exist to support communities across Hampshire. Your local library is a hub of support for new parents and babies during their first twelve months and beyond.
Based in libraries, New Parents Meet and Connect are free drop-in sessions in local libraries, perfect for parents and carers with newborn babies to meet up
Find out how we can help your new family feel at home by visiting your local library.
If you are a care leaver with a child under the age of five and are finding family life challenging, Home-Start Hampshire may be able to support you.
Home-Start works with families who are going through difficult times and offers practical and emotional support through trained volunteers and family groups. Support can be provided in the home or in a group setting, depending on your needs and where you live.
Home-Start may be able to help if you are:
Home-Start works alongside families to identify their goals and develop a personalised support plan, helping parents build confidence and develop positive routines for family life. Support is reviewed regularly and adapted as circumstances change.
Support is available in parts of Hampshire including Rushmoor and Hart, Weywater, Meon Valley, Gosport, Fareham, Havant and the New Forest. Families must have at least one child under the age of five.
Find out more: Home-Start Hampshire
If you are a care leaver with a child under the age of five and are finding family life challenging, Home-Start Hampshire may be able to support you.
Home-Start works with families who are going through difficult times and offers practical and emotional support through trained volunteers and family groups. Support can be provided in the home or in a group setting, depending on your needs and where you live.
Home-Start may be able to help if you are:
Home-Start works alongside families to identify their goals and develop a personalised support plan, helping parents build confidence and develop positive routines for family life. Support is reviewed regularly and adapted as circumstances change.
Support is available in parts of Hampshire including Rushmoor and Hart, Weywater, Meon Valley, Gosport, Fareham, Havant and the New Forest. Families must have at least one child under the age of five.
Find out more: Home-Start Hampshire