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Parenting Support

Being a parent can be really rewarding. Watching your children grow and helping them to find their independence can make you so proud. Parenting can also be really hard work!! In this section you will find a range of national and local services relating to family life including parenting and support services from pre-pregnancy to adulthood.

Healthier Together provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women. The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Best Start in Life is a new government initiative and a 'one stop stop' for advice and support for your child’s development for parents from pregnancy to childcare right through to starting school.

You can also find workshops, courses and events, as well as details about health visiting and school nurse teams from Hampshire Healthy Families.

Togetherness NHS has free parenting courses for Hampshire parents.

Family Lives offers a range of free online parenting courses which are a great way to get advice and learn new skills in the comfort of your own home and at times to suit you. 

Hampshire Happy Talkers provides parents of 0-5 year olds and professionals with advice and resources, or specialist support, where needed, to aid your child’s speech and language development

First Words Together is for parents and carers of babies aged 6-24 months who have concerns about their child’s talking or listening. You can request a place yourself online or ask a health professional to refer you for five sessions run at a local library

Hampshire Healthy Steps helps parents and carers of 2-12 year olds with eating well, sleeping well, getting active and healthy teeth. You can sign up yourself online or ask a health professional to refer you to these friendly group sessions

Health visitors will have regular contact with you starting from pregnancy and your baby’s birth all the way to pre-school years, helping with issues such as feeding, health, growth and development, play and school readiness

School nursing teams work with school aged children and their families to support with general health and wellbeing and promote healthy behaviours for life

ChatHealth is a confidential text service for parents, carers and young people, connecting you with trained nurses who can help with a wide range of health and wellbeing concerns

Healthier Together provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women. The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Best Start in Life is a new government initiative and a 'one stop stop' for advice and support for your child’s development for parents from pregnancy to childcare right through to starting school.

You can also find workshops, courses and events, as well as details about health visiting and school nurse teams from Hampshire Healthy Families.

Togetherness NHS has free parenting courses for Hampshire parents.

Family Lives offers a range of free online parenting courses which are a great way to get advice and learn new skills in the comfort of your own home and at times to suit you. 

Hampshire Happy Talkers provides parents of 0-5 year olds and professionals with advice and resources, or specialist support, where needed, to aid your child’s speech and language development

First Words Together is for parents and carers of babies aged 6-24 months who have concerns about their child’s talking or listening. You can request a place yourself online or ask a health professional to refer you for five sessions run at a local library

Hampshire Healthy Steps helps parents and carers of 2-12 year olds with eating well, sleeping well, getting active and healthy teeth. You can sign up yourself online or ask a health professional to refer you to these friendly group sessions

Health visitors will have regular contact with you starting from pregnancy and your baby’s birth all the way to pre-school years, helping with issues such as feeding, health, growth and development, play and school readiness

School nursing teams work with school aged children and their families to support with general health and wellbeing and promote healthy behaviours for life

ChatHealth is a confidential text service for parents, carers and young people, connecting you with trained nurses who can help with a wide range of health and wellbeing concerns

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.

Hampshire has some beautiful and fun places to visit as a family. Many which are free or low cost.

Spending time outdoors isn’t just fun—it’s essential for your child’s development and well-being. Here are some key benefits:

How about a visit to your local park?

Find a local children's playgrounds

Feeling more adventurous? Visit Hampshire have some great ideas of places to visit including museums, farms, stately homes and family friendly local attractions.

Visit Hampshire- Things to do

In a time where the rise in the cost if living means we are all feeling to pinch, Visit Hampshire also has some money saving ideas to help you have great family days out for free or for low cost.

Visit Hampshire-Money Saving Ideas

Country Parks are public green spaces often at the edge of town or cities which provide places to enjoy the outdoors and experience nature in an informal setting. Hampshire has 5 main Country Parks which offer access to nature and often amenities such as toilets, cafes and adventure play parks.

The 5 main Country Parks in Hampshire are:

More information on Hampshire Country Parks and Farms 

In addition to the 5 main County Parks, there are also some other beautiful Country Parks.

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

Nestled on the outskirts of Southampton, Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen.

Itchen Valley is home to 6 free play areas for children to enjoy. All of our play areas encourage exploration, risk taking, imaginative play and team building!

Children running happily

Alver Valley Country Park, Lee-on-the-Solent

Nestled between Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent, Alver Valley Country Park is a captivating 200-hectare green sanctuary rich in natural and historical charm. The landscape has been carefully restored into a dynamic mosaic of habitats—from reedbeds, wetlands, and meadows to heathland and woodland. The park offers something for everyone.

A playground with slides and a slide

Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh

Lakeside Country Park is the perfect space to escape the hustle of urban living. Find some peace and calm amongst 22 hectares of lakes, wet meadow and woodland. The Park is thriving with a diverse range of wildlife from birds, insects and small mammals to deer, foxes and even species of bat. You can also watch the trains at the miniature railway.

A body of water with trees around it

Yateley Common Country Park, Yateley

With heathland, woodland and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors. You can walk or cycle through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. The Common also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, birdwatch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.

A pond with lily pads and trees in the background

Bramshot Farm Country Park, Fleet

Nestled in the heart of the countryside, this park offers something for everyone. With free parking, it’s easy to start your adventure. Bring your furry friends along—we’re proudly dog friendly—and enjoy our buggy and wheelchair accessible paths, making the park open to all.

Explore signposted walks through tranquil woodlands, vibrant wildflower meadows, and serene wetlands teeming with wildlife. Take a break in our picnic area, or discover the beauty of our community orchard, a space for relaxation and connection.

A path with a fence and trees AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Hampshire has some beautiful and fun places to visit as a family. Many which are free or low cost.

Spending time outdoors isn’t just fun—it’s essential for your child’s development and well-being. Here are some key benefits:

How about a visit to your local park?

Find a local children's playgrounds

Feeling more adventurous? Visit Hampshire have some great ideas of places to visit including museums, farms, stately homes and family friendly local attractions.

Visit Hampshire- Things to do

In a time where the rise in the cost if living means we are all feeling to pinch, Visit Hampshire also has some money saving ideas to help you have great family days out for free or for low cost.

Visit Hampshire-Money Saving Ideas

Country Parks are public green spaces often at the edge of town or cities which provide places to enjoy the outdoors and experience nature in an informal setting. Hampshire has 5 main Country Parks which offer access to nature and often amenities such as toilets, cafes and adventure play parks.

The 5 main Country Parks in Hampshire are:

More information on Hampshire Country Parks and Farms 

In addition to the 5 main County Parks, there are also some other beautiful Country Parks.

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

Nestled on the outskirts of Southampton, Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen.

Itchen Valley is home to 6 free play areas for children to enjoy. All of our play areas encourage exploration, risk taking, imaginative play and team building!

Children running happily

Alver Valley Country Park, Lee-on-the-Solent

Nestled between Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent, Alver Valley Country Park is a captivating 200-hectare green sanctuary rich in natural and historical charm. The landscape has been carefully restored into a dynamic mosaic of habitats—from reedbeds, wetlands, and meadows to heathland and woodland. The park offers something for everyone.

A playground with slides and a slide

Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh

Lakeside Country Park is the perfect space to escape the hustle of urban living. Find some peace and calm amongst 22 hectares of lakes, wet meadow and woodland. The Park is thriving with a diverse range of wildlife from birds, insects and small mammals to deer, foxes and even species of bat. You can also watch the trains at the miniature railway.

A body of water with trees around it

Yateley Common Country Park, Yateley

With heathland, woodland and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors. You can walk or cycle through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. The Common also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, birdwatch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.

A pond with lily pads and trees in the background

Bramshot Farm Country Park, Fleet

Nestled in the heart of the countryside, this park offers something for everyone. With free parking, it’s easy to start your adventure. Bring your furry friends along—we’re proudly dog friendly—and enjoy our buggy and wheelchair accessible paths, making the park open to all.

Explore signposted walks through tranquil woodlands, vibrant wildflower meadows, and serene wetlands teeming with wildlife. Take a break in our picnic area, or discover the beauty of our community orchard, a space for relaxation and connection.

A path with a fence and trees AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Related Advice

These other sections on our website also have some useful information:

Check out the right hand side of this page for some useful websites.

Related Advice

These other sections on our website also have some useful information:

Check out the right hand side of this page for some useful websites.

Advice for UK Service families in Hampshire

If you are a UK Service family in Hampshire you can explore our information and advice for UK Service families.

Parenting children with SEND, being a kinship carer or supporting adopted children

Parenting can be especially challenging when you’re caring for a child with special educational needs (SEN), a disability, supporting an adopted child, or stepping in as a kinship carer. 

We hope to provide you with practical guidance and help you know where to go for further support.

You’re not alone—our goal is to empower you with knowledge, connect you with support networks, and help you create a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

Being a parent of a child with additional needs can be tough but there is some support out there which can make it a little easier.

Gateway Card and Gateway Card + help parents of children with additional needs get breaks from caring.

The Hampshire Parent Carer Network run Get Togethers all around Hampshire and online. They are a chance for parents of children with additional needs to come together, share ideas, support each other and learn new skills.

Hampshire CAMHS run workshops and drop ins around Hampshire which allow parents of children struggling with a neurodiversity of mental health issues to obtain specialist advice.

For further information please see Support for Disabled People and their Carers.

Being a parent of a child with additional needs can be tough but there is some support out there which can make it a little easier.

Gateway Card and Gateway Card + help parents of children with additional needs get breaks from caring.

The Hampshire Parent Carer Network run Get Togethers all around Hampshire and online. They are a chance for parents of children with additional needs to come together, share ideas, support each other and learn new skills.

Hampshire CAMHS run workshops and drop ins around Hampshire which allow parents of children struggling with a neurodiversity of mental health issues to obtain specialist advice.

For further information please see Support for Disabled People and their Carers.

Adopt South is the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton local authorities. 

The adoption agency provides families, both before and after an Adoption Order, with a wide range of learning opportunities, guidance, and support, available until their adopted children reach the age of 21, or 25 years if they have an EHCP(Education, Health and Care Plan).  

The Adoption Support Team can also provide assessment, and access to the ASGSF(Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund) as well as organising opportunities to learn and meet with other families throughout the year including Virtual Parent Meet Ups and Family Fun events. 

Exclusively for children aged 7-17 years old, Adopt South has partnered with an external youth provider, to deliver weekend activities for adopted children on both the mainland and the Isle of Wight. These sessions include creative and hands on experiences such as music and art, indoor and outdoor fun physical pursuits and activities for all children to enjoy. 

Register to receive emails telling you about our upcoming events 

Whether you need some advice or help, or you would like to find out the latest learning and social events, please contact our friendly Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line. Our team members have a huge range of skills and expertise. Through talking over the phone or meeting with parents, we listen and understand how we can best meet a family’s needs. 

When you get in touch with us, one of our dedicated Advice and Support Line team will take your call.  If our line is busy, you can either: leave a message or use our arrange a call back form, and we will contact you within 24 hours. 

The Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line number is 0300 3000 001. 
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. We are not open Bank Holidays. 

See Adopt South's website for more Information 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 

Adopt South is the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton local authorities. 

The adoption agency provides families, both before and after an Adoption Order, with a wide range of learning opportunities, guidance, and support, available until their adopted children reach the age of 21, or 25 years if they have an EHCP(Education, Health and Care Plan).  

The Adoption Support Team can also provide assessment, and access to the ASGSF(Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund) as well as organising opportunities to learn and meet with other families throughout the year including Virtual Parent Meet Ups and Family Fun events. 

Exclusively for children aged 7-17 years old, Adopt South has partnered with an external youth provider, to deliver weekend activities for adopted children on both the mainland and the Isle of Wight. These sessions include creative and hands on experiences such as music and art, indoor and outdoor fun physical pursuits and activities for all children to enjoy. 

Register to receive emails telling you about our upcoming events 

Whether you need some advice or help, or you would like to find out the latest learning and social events, please contact our friendly Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line. Our team members have a huge range of skills and expertise. Through talking over the phone or meeting with parents, we listen and understand how we can best meet a family’s needs. 

When you get in touch with us, one of our dedicated Advice and Support Line team will take your call.  If our line is busy, you can either: leave a message or use our arrange a call back form, and we will contact you within 24 hours. 

The Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line number is 0300 3000 001. 
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. We are not open Bank Holidays. 

See Adopt South's website for more Information 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 

Education Matters for Adopted Children

At Hampshire Virtual School, we’re here to support the education of previously looked after children (PLAC). We work with parents, carers, schools, and other professionals to make sure every child has the best possible learning experience and outcomes.

If your child attends a Hampshire school—even if you live outside the county—we’re here for you. If you live in Hampshire but your child goes to school in another local authority, you’ll need to contact the Virtual School for that area.

What Does PLAC Mean?

A child is considered Previously Looked After if they were in the care of a Local Authority for at least one day before moving to a permanent arrangement through:

  • Adoption
  • Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
  • Care Arrangement Order (CAO)
  • Residency Order (RO – issued up until 2014)

What Can You Expect from Your Child’s School?

  • A Designated Teacher (DT) for looked after and previously looked after children. They receive specialist training from the Virtual School to support your child effectively.
  • Strong partnerships between school and home to help with learning, attendance, emotional wellbeing, and overall achievement.
  • Regular communication about your child’s strengths and needs. While not a legal requirement, a personalised plan—such as an Education Support Plan (ESP)—created together with you and the school can be very helpful.
  • Transparency about Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding and how it’s used to support your child.
  • Listening to your child’s voice and making sure they feel heard.
  • Early, targeted support if any challenges arise.
  • Links to wider support and organisations when needed.

Key Information and Resources.

Hampshire Virtual School - Tel: 01962 835227 Email: virtualschool@hants.gov.uk

Isle of Wight Virtual School - Call: 01983 814680 Email: virtualschool@iow.gov.uk  

Portsmouth Virtual School - Call: 02392 688108 Email: PLACvirtualschool@portsmouthcc.gov.uk  

Southampton Virtual School Email: thevirtualschool@southampton.gov.uk

Education Matters for Adopted Children

At Hampshire Virtual School, we’re here to support the education of previously looked after children (PLAC). We work with parents, carers, schools, and other professionals to make sure every child has the best possible learning experience and outcomes.

If your child attends a Hampshire school—even if you live outside the county—we’re here for you. If you live in Hampshire but your child goes to school in another local authority, you’ll need to contact the Virtual School for that area.

What Does PLAC Mean?

A child is considered Previously Looked After if they were in the care of a Local Authority for at least one day before moving to a permanent arrangement through:

  • Adoption
  • Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
  • Care Arrangement Order (CAO)
  • Residency Order (RO – issued up until 2014)

What Can You Expect from Your Child’s School?

  • A Designated Teacher (DT) for looked after and previously looked after children. They receive specialist training from the Virtual School to support your child effectively.
  • Strong partnerships between school and home to help with learning, attendance, emotional wellbeing, and overall achievement.
  • Regular communication about your child’s strengths and needs. While not a legal requirement, a personalised plan—such as an Education Support Plan (ESP)—created together with you and the school can be very helpful.
  • Transparency about Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding and how it’s used to support your child.
  • Listening to your child’s voice and making sure they feel heard.
  • Early, targeted support if any challenges arise.
  • Links to wider support and organisations when needed.

Key Information and Resources.

Hampshire Virtual School - Tel: 01962 835227 Email: virtualschool@hants.gov.uk

Isle of Wight Virtual School - Call: 01983 814680 Email: virtualschool@iow.gov.uk  

Portsmouth Virtual School - Call: 02392 688108 Email: PLACvirtualschool@portsmouthcc.gov.uk  

Southampton Virtual School Email: thevirtualschool@southampton.gov.uk

Connected Carers

The Family Connections Service is the team who assess Connected Carers. They are a single point of contact for guidance, signposting and support for Connected Carers.

Connected Carers also known as a kinship carer, is a relative, friend, or other person who has a pre-existing relationship with a child and takes on the role of caring for them. This maybe because their parent is unwell, has passed away or is no longer able to care for them for another reason. 

Connected Carers

The Family Connections Service is the team who assess Connected Carers. They are a single point of contact for guidance, signposting and support for Connected Carers.

Connected Carers also known as a kinship carer, is a relative, friend, or other person who has a pre-existing relationship with a child and takes on the role of caring for them. This maybe because their parent is unwell, has passed away or is no longer able to care for them for another reason. 

Kinship Care and Kinship Local Offer

Hampshire County Council has a comprehensive Kinship Local Offer to support all kinship carers and their families. The guide brings together practical, emotional and financial support tailored to kinship families. It outlines different types of kinship care, available support services, and how to signpost families effectively.

More information

Kinship Care and Kinship Local Offer

Hampshire County Council has a comprehensive Kinship Local Offer to support all kinship carers and their families. The guide brings together practical, emotional and financial support tailored to kinship families. It outlines different types of kinship care, available support services, and how to signpost families effectively.

More information

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