Early Help and Support Links
Cost of Living, Financial & Practical Support
Lancaster City Council – Mental Health & Family Support
Help with finances, housing, benefits, cost-of-living, and mental health/wellbeing services.
https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/cost-of-living/mental-health-family-support
Lancaster District Directory (LDCVS)
A searchable directory covering community groups, health and wellbeing services, food support, activities for children, youth services and more.
https://directory.lancastercvs.org.uk
Lancaster District CVS
Local voluntary sector network providing signposting and support for families. https://www.lancastercvs.org.uk
National “Help for Households” Programme
Government-backed cost-of-living support and retail discounts for families.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-and-leading-businesses-join-forces-to-help-households-with-cost-of-living
Local Food Bank Support
Schools can make families aware of local foodbank networks across the local area.
Olive Branch Foodbank: https://the-olivebranch.org.uk/
Citizens Advice
If life is difficult and you're not sure who to ask, Citizens Advice can probably help. They can provide advice about housing, employment, welfare benefits, debt, family issues and much more.
https://www.northlancashirecab.org.uk/
Lancashire Early Help Pathways & Guidance
North Lancashire Directions Group – Early Help Links
A central hub for health, SEND, behaviour, CAF/EHA processes, and local services. https://www.northlancsdirectionsgroup.com/earlyhelp
Working Well with Children and Families
Countywide model guiding how Early Help should be offered.
https://www.lancashiresafeguarding.org.uk/media/19299/wwwcf-part-1-and-2-final.pdf
Children & Family Wellbeing Service (Lancashire County Council)
Supports families across the 0–19 age range (and up to 25 for SEND):
- Parenting advice
- Emotional & behavioural support
- Health visiting & school nursing
- SEND support
- Young people’s groups
- Targeted interventions based on assessed need
Find Local Centres
Search for local groups, sessions, drop‑ins, and support across Lancaster.
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/children-and-family-wellbeing-service/
Emotional Health & Wellbeing
SAFE / Socialease Groups (Lancaster District)
Support for adults experiencing loneliness, isolation or emotional difficulties. https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/cost-of-living/mental-health-family-support
Barnardo’s Moving Mindsets – Mental Health Support Teams (MHST)
Provides CBT, 1:1 emotional support, group work, parent support and SEND‑related emotional wellbeing support across North Lancashire.
C.H.A.T.S. (Parent/Carer Mental Health Support Group)
Support for parents of children with emotional or mental health difficulties.
https://www.northlancsdirectionsgroup.com/c-h-a-t-s
Child Action North West
Child Action North West supports children, young people, vulnerable adults and families by providing services such as emotional wellbeing programmes, youth justice support, mentoring, family support and fostering. They aim to ensure people get the help they need to overcome challenges, improve resilience and achieve their full potential.
NEST
Nest Lancashire supports young people aged 8–18 who have been affected by crime, bullying, threats, or harassment, offering confidential and free help to feel safe and recover. No matter when the incident happened or how big or small it seems, trained staff are there to listen and support.
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
Lancashire SENDIAS
Independent support for parents on SEND processes, EHCPs, rights, health and social care pathways.
https://www.northlancsdirectionsgroup.com/c-h-a-t-s
Community Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Service (UHMB NHS)
Assessment of developmental delay, autism, neurological concerns, and EHCP medical advice.
https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/our-services/services/paediatric-hospital-and-community-services/community-paediatric-neurodevelopmental-service
Local Community Activities & Family Engagement
Lancaster District Directory – Activities & Wellbeing
Walking groups, nature sessions, creative workshops, youth groups, holiday activities. https://directory.lancastercvs.org.uk
Safeguarding & Social Care
Children’s Social Care – Lancashire County Council
For safeguarding concerns, referrals and statutory family support.
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/keeping-children-safe/social-care-support-for-children-and-families/
Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership – Early Help Support
Countywide Early Help information, safeguarding guidance, and resources for families.
https://lancashiresafeguardingpartnership.org.uk/p/safeguarding-children/early-help-support-for-families