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I am pregnant or am a young parent

If you are a parent or expecting a baby, we will support you. In Hampshire, care leavers who are pregnant or have children (up to age 5) have access to targeted health visiting and Children in Care services. Health Visitors partner with your Personal Advisor (PA) or social worker to provide essential health, development, and emotional support for both you and your child

If you are pregnant, reach out to your local Leaving Care Team or PA as soon as possible to request an Early Help Assessment. This ensures your needs, and those of your baby, are identified and met early on.

Support may include:

  • advice from a health visitor
  • help with parenting
  • access to parenting courses
  • support from other professionals if needed
  • We can also help review your plan to make sure it reflects your child’s needs as well as your own.

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 find put what additional support there is for families in Hampshire in our Family Support section.

Navigating parenthood as a care leaver can feel overwhelming, but a variety of rights, financial schemes, and support networks are available to help. Expand the boxes below to find out more.

Talk to Your Personal Adviser

You do not have to work through this on your own. They can help you understand your options, access support, complete applications, contact services and make sure you receive the help you are entitled to.

Becoming a parent can be exciting, rewarding and sometimes challenging. If you are a care leaver and become a parent, support is available to help you navigate pregnancy, parenthood and family life.

Your Personal Adviser (PA)

Your Personal Adviser is your main point of contact and can help you access advice, services and support. They can:

  • review and update your Pathway Plan to reflect your changing circumstances
  • help you prepare for parenthood
  • support you to access health, housing and financial advice
  • help you find local services for parents and families
  • attend important appointments with you, where appropriate and if you would find this helpful
Housing Support

Having safe and suitable accommodation is important for you and your child. Your Personal Adviser can help you understand your housing options, access housing advice and make sure the right support is in place to help you maintain a stable home.

Becoming a parent can be exciting, rewarding and sometimes challenging. If you are a care leaver and become a parent, support is available to help you navigate pregnancy, parenthood and family life.

Your Personal Adviser (PA)

Your Personal Adviser is your main point of contact and can help you access advice, services and support. They can:

  • review and update your Pathway Plan to reflect your changing circumstances
  • help you prepare for parenthood
  • support you to access health, housing and financial advice
  • help you find local services for parents and families
  • attend important appointments with you, where appropriate and if you would find this helpful
Housing Support

Having safe and suitable accommodation is important for you and your child. Your Personal Adviser can help you understand your housing options, access housing advice and make sure the right support is in place to help you maintain a stable home.

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 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.

 

Care leavers who are expecting a baby may be able to access National Childbirth Trust (NCT) antenatal classes at a reduced rate. The Leaving Care Team can arrange a discretionary payment of the course fee directly to the NCT.

Speak to your Personal Adviser to find out more and discuss eligibility.

Care leavers who are expecting a baby may be able to access National Childbirth Trust (NCT) antenatal classes at a reduced rate. The Leaving Care Team can arrange a discretionary payment of the course fee directly to the NCT.

Speak to your Personal Adviser to find out more and discuss eligibility.

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.

Sure Start Maternity Grant: How to claim - GOV.UK

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.

Sure Start Maternity Grant: How to claim - GOV.UK

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 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.   

Childcare can be expensive, but support may be available depending on your circumstances.

You may be able to access help with childcare costs through:

  • Universal Credit
  • Tax-Free Childcare
  • Funded childcare entitlements
  • Local childcare providers
  • Care to Learn: If you are under 20 when your course starts, this government scheme can help cover the costs of childcare and travel while you study.

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.

Find out what help you can get with child care costs

Where can I find childcare?

Childcare can be expensive, but support may be available depending on your circumstances.

You may be able to access help with childcare costs through:

  • Universal Credit
  • Tax-Free Childcare
  • Funded childcare entitlements
  • Local childcare providers
  • Care to Learn: If you are under 20 when your course starts, this government scheme can help cover the costs of childcare and travel while you study.

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.

Find out what help you can get with child care costs

Where can I find childcare?

A credit card with colorful images AI-generated content may be incorrect.

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:

  • plain liquid cow’s milk
  • fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
  • fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
  • infant formula milk based on cow’s milk

You can also use your card to collect:

  • Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

Find out how to apply and where to use your card to buy food and milk

For more help visit Best Start in Life.

A credit card with colorful images AI-generated content may be incorrect.

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:

  • plain liquid cow’s milk
  • fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
  • fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
  • infant formula milk based on cow’s milk

You can also use your card to collect:

  • Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

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:

  • feeling isolated or lonely
  • struggling with your mental health or emotional wellbeing
  • coping with a child's illness or disability
  • experiencing relationship difficulties
  • dealing with bereavement or loss
  • managing your own illness or disability
  • worried about money or debt
  • finding parenting overwhelming and would like some extra support. 

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:

  • feeling isolated or lonely
  • struggling with your mental health or emotional wellbeing
  • coping with a child's illness or disability
  • experiencing relationship difficulties
  • dealing with bereavement or loss
  • managing your own illness or disability
  • worried about money or debt
  • finding parenting overwhelming and would like some extra support. 

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