Parent & Carer Support

• Samaritans
  To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
• SANEline
  If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
• The Mix
  If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK
  If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
  If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
• Switchboard
  If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
• Psychological Therapies
  In partnership with the NHS, Vita Health Group offer a range of short-term psychological therapies to adults 16-years and over, who live and are registered with a GP in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. You can self refer via the link:https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/leicester-leicestershire-rutland/
• Less Waste
  The ‘less waste’ programme runs courses and gives advice for people in the local area to support with using what we already have. Examples include sewing classes and home composting:https://www.lesswaste.org.uk/community-engagement/events/

• Leicester City Crisis Support
  If you are experiencing financial crisis and have no funds for utility bills or food, you can claim crisis support.
  Email your name and phone number to C19support@leicester.gov.uk.  You will receive a call back between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and an application will be completed over the phone.
• Money Advice Service
  The Money Advice Service helps people manage their money. The service do this directly through their own free and impartial advice service. You can contact them Monday to Friday 8am-6pm on 0800 138 7777
• Debt Support Trust
  Debt Support Trust is a registered charity that provides debt advice and support for people who are struggling to manage their debts. You can contact them on 0800 085 0226
• The National Benevolent Fund provide support for those who are in poverty and grants can be made to organisations or individuals. https://natben.org.uk/
• Money Helper provides guidance and advice on all things financial including pensions and budgeting. They provide a confidential service for those who are in financial crisis. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
• turn2us is a charity helping those in financial need, offering information such as available grants, benefit entitlements and support with bills. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ "When I was a band 2 TA, for example, I checked whether I could get Council Tax Support and was just outside the threshold, but I know that a lot of thresholds for benefits have changed so it is worth checking every few months. If benefits are claimed, access to cost of living payments are more likely. I will be receiving my first payment tomorrow as I am a single parent and get Child Tax Credit."
• Mosaic Foodbank
  Based at Manor House Neighbourhood Centre, Haddenham Road, LE3 2BG. Open Wednesday evening from 6pm-7pm and Friday mornings from 11am-12.30pm.
  If you require further information, please email foodbank@mosaicchurch.org.uk or call 0116 222 1021
• The Trussell Trust
  The Trussell Trust runs a number of foodbanks across Leicester and Leicestershire, including the Leicester South Foodbank, The Kings Centre, 56 Bull Head Street, Wigston, LE18 1PA, which is open Monday 6pm-7pm and Thursday 1pm-2pm. You can contact them on 07912 194783
  You can find the full list of foodbanks here - https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/leicestersouth/
• Rather than use food banks there are ways to get free or low-cost food.
  There are 3 community fridges in Leicestershire that we know of: Wigston, Loughborough and Coalville. Search for Facebook page for details. They are open at certain times during the day and are open to anyone from anywhere. You just need to turn up. The food comes from supermarkets, lots of bread, cakes and vegetables, plus cupboard stuff. All is free.
  You can get free food on the app Olio, donated by Tesco and individuals. 
  The Too Good To Go app provides food from the Cooperative, Starbucks, etc and is food at the end of the day. You usually pay £3.99 for £20 of food. 

• UAVA (United Against Violence and Abuse)
  Phone line- 0808 80 200 28 
  Text service- 07715 994 962
• Women’s Aid
  0808 80 200 28
• National Domestic Violence Helpline
  0808 2000 247
• Living without abuse
  01509 550317

You are not alone. Our school community is a place where families support one another. Join our parent forums, pop along to one of our coffee mornings or attend school events—there are many ways to feel connected.

There are also lots of places to visit and free activities available in the local area. Please use the links below to find out more:

• Local Events- https://www.visitleicester.info/ (City) Whats on | Leicestershire County Council (County)
• Leicester Museums’ website contains information about events aimed at various communities and projects- https://www.leicestermuseums.org/learning-engagement/community-engagement/community-events/
• Leicester and Leicestershire libraries’ website contains information about activities and events that happen all year and during the holidays - Libraries (City) Libraries | Leicestershire County Council (County)
• The government provide information for those wishing to volunteer with their local services. This link also signposts to other websites with a similar purpose- https://www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/volunteer