Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Parenting Information
There is a range of local support out there for you, whether that is family hubs, breastfeeding support or mental health support.
Below is a list of support available following your pregnancy and after birth across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.
This page has been created in collaboration with Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership and Blackpool Family Hubs. Special thank you to the Blackpool Family Hub Parent Panel for their time and contributions to this page.
Blackpool
Blackpool Family Hubs
Family hubs across Blackpool offer FREE classes, events and activities for local families, a chance for children to learn and play, as well as an opportunity for parents to gain support and make friends. They also offer a health visitor led baby weigh-in clinic and regular coffee mornings. In addition, Hub staff can signpost to other support across Blackpool to suit individual needs.
Timetable for all three Blackpool Hubs can be found here: Blackpool Council Family Hub timetables
Blackpool Family Hubs Facebook Page
Central Family hub
Gorton Street, Blackpool, FY1 3JW, 01253 951190
North Family Hub
31 Dingle Avenue. Blackpool, FY3 7NX, 01253 476480
South Family Hub
207 St Anne’s Road, Blackpool, FY4 2AP, 01253 476550
Baby Weigh in Clinic
Health Visitor led clinic for babies up to preschool children to be weighed.
North Family hub
Tuesday’s 1pm-2.30pm
Central Family Hub
Monday’s 9.30am-11am
South Family Hub
Wednesday’s 9.30-11
Sip & Share
This is a non-judgemental, friendly, drop-in with a free brew. A chance to gain peer support, help new parents socialise, and have your voices heard. Babies and children are welcome.
Call or text Hannah for more information on all sip and share times/days/events; 07385002813 between 9am-2.30pm or check the Family Hub Timetable.
Anya
Support for Expectant Parents
Blackpool parents can now get free access to the Anya app, designed to support you through pregnancy and into parenthood.
- Chat with Anya AI, your 24/7 virtual supporter, about any pregnancy topics on your mind.
- Chat with other parents in the Anya communities, to talk through pregnancy or parenting topics
- Get 1-2-1 support from in-app human experts
To unlock your free access, download the Anya app, sign up, and enter your Blackpool postcode.
Baby Steps
Baby steps is your group antenatal class in Blackpool. They are completely free, friendly and relaxed. Some mums-to-be go on their own, but partners/ family members/ birthing partners are welcome too.
There are both antenatal and postnatal sessions offered.
Under the Equality Act 2010, pregnant women are legally protected and entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal appointments, including classes recommended by a doctor or midwife. Employers are required to support this right and must not treat employees unfavourably for attending such appointments.
Baby Steps: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Email: bfwh.babysteps@nhs.net
Baby weigh clinics
Health Visitor led clinic for babies up to preschool children to be weighed.
North Family hub
Tuesday’s 1pm-2.30pm
Central Family Hub
Monday’s 9.30am-11am
South Family Hub
Wednesday’s 9.30-11
Sip & Share
This is a friendly non-judgemental, drop-in, with a free brew. It is a chance to gain peer support and can help new parents socialise. Babies and children are welcome. Call or text Hannah for more information on all sip and share times/days/events; 07385002813 between 9am-2.30pm or check the Family Hub Timetable.
Parent Infant Relationship Service
One-to-one support from pregnancy to age 4, for parents to enhance their relationships with their child.
Helping you to:
- Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their needs
- Notice the ways in which your child communicates their needs & feelings through behaviours
- Help your child to feel secure
- Help you work out how you can meet these needs
Email bfwh.blackpooldutypairs@nhs.net
01253 958573
Anya
Support for New Parents
Blackpool parents can now get free access to the Anya app – an app designed to support you on the journey to parenthood. Anya provides
- 24/7 personalised information and empathetic support from Anya AI
- 1-2-1 guidance from human experts through instant messaging in-app
- 3D breastfeeding animations to help with feeding comfortably
- Communities to connect with other parents
- Practical tips to help you adjust to life with your newborn
To unlock your free access, download the Anya app, sign up, and enter your Blackpool postcode.
Home Start
Homestart help families with young children through a combination of home visiting support, group support and social activities. They match the needs of your family with trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support. Support is free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
You can self refer to get support from Homestart by completing form at the bottom of this webpage- Get help – Home Start Blackpool
HENRY
Free evidence and research based infant feeding support for however you feed your baby. Henry support Blackpool families with children aged 0-4 with breastfeeding, expressing, formula feeding, combi feeding, starting solid food and fussy eating.
They operate a free helpline Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm on 01253746788, and can support you;
- Via telephone/video call
- Home visits
- Drop-in sessions-Henry Bears stay & play
- Online and face-to-face workshops
Online Timetable: Blackpool calendar | HENRY
To find out more or to request support click here.
Or email at Blackpool@Henry.org.uk
Anya
Support for New Parents
Blackpool parents can now get free access to the Anya app – an app designed to support you on the journey to parenthood. Anya provides
- 24/7 personalised information and empathetic support from Anya AI
- 1-2-1 guidance from human experts through instant messaging in-app
- 3D breastfeeding animations to help with feeding comfortably
- Communities to connect with other parents
- Practical tips to help you adjust to life with your newborn
To unlock your free access, download the Anya app, sign up, and enter your Blackpool postcode.
National Breastfeeding Helpline
0300 100 0212
The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers a non-judgemental, evidence based, friendly breastfeeding support and information to anyone in the UK who needs it.
The helpline is now open 24/7, so you can get support whatever time of day or night.
As well as calls to the helpline phone number, support is also available via webchat and Facebook & Instagram messenger.
They offer support for families on every step of your breastfeeding journey however old your baby is, one day, one week, one month, one year old or more. Call 0300 100 0212 to speak to the friendly team 24/7.
For more information visit the website: National Breastfeeding Helpline – Helpline
The Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service
The Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service offers information on the safety of taking medications whilst breastfeeding. They have a team of volunteer pharmacists who have expertise in this area and have received training in breastfeeding support. They are available every day of the year within the hours of 8:30am-8:30pm.
If you have a question for the team you can email: druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk or DM on Facebook: @BreastfeedingNetworkDrugsInBreastmilk.
The service also has a library of popular factsheets about commonly used medications and treatments so you can find out their safety whilst breastfeeding.
Good mental health of parents is important to your baby. You can always discuss any concerns with your Midwife/Health Visitor or GP.
Lancashire Women
Being a parent can be hard. If you have experience difficulties during pregnancy, birth or beyond, loss or miscarriage, or if it all feels so overwhelming- Lancashire Women can help. They have activities, groups and drop in sessions throughout the week. They also offer one to one sessions designed to support you with your mental health and wellbeing. In addition they can give advice on money, debt, energy and employability and specialist drug/alcohol support.
Details of type of support can be found here.
Or you can pop in to the Blackpool Hub to talk to one of the friendly team about what services are suitable for you. Drop in times: Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm- 255 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 3PB
Mind Your Step Walk
Blackpool Family hubs and Lancashire Women have partnered together to facilitate a walk for parents and carers around Stanley Park ending with a FREE brew.
For more information call/text Hannah 07385002813 or visit the family hub timetable.
Blackpool Healthier Minds
Blackpool’s Healthier Minds service offers a free range of psychological services to people over 16 years (by self-referral)
- Telephone number: 01253 955700
Family Lives
Family Lives offers a confidential and free (subject to your mobile provider) helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parent line). They offer emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. If you don’t get an answer first time please do try again.
Please call us on 0808 800 2222
Helpline opening hours:
– Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm
– Weekends 10am to 3pm
OR
Their WhatsApp service is open on Monday to Friday between 9am to 9pm. You can contact them about any family or parenting issue. To start a chat, please open your WhatsApp app and add the number 07441 444125 to connect with an experienced professional family support worker or the highly-trained volunteers.
Family lives also have a free online parenting course called New Baby in the Family and Let’s Play. The new baby course is also translated into Arabic and Pashtu.
Discover free online courses here.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCFT) Mental Health Helpline
Accessing mental health support :: Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Please click on the link above to access a range of mental health support from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, including:
- Hub of Hope- The UK’s largest mental health support directory
- Waythrough- Confidential support for mental health, drugs, alcohol or related challenges
- A library of approved and tested apps
- Healthy Young Minds website– advice, guidance and support related to children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
- A series of self-help guides covering a wide range of topics such as depression, anxiety and stress
Alternatively, you can ring 0800 0130 709 for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre residents for 24-hour access to mental health care, advice, support, and treatment.
Mental Health Crisis Line
If you need urgent help as you are in mental health distress, then there is always someone you can call. The Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCFT) Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110. It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services. Ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment or support.
Perinatal Mental Health Team
Through Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, there is a pregnancy and emotional wellbeing team ready to help, support and listen to you and your family.
You can call the Specialist Mental Health Lead Midwife on 01253 956 742
Samaritans
Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Samaritans is a charity who provide emotional support for people who are struggling to cope
Call 116 123
Shout
Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text SHOUT to 85258
Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership
A Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) is an independently- led NHS working group for service users and their families to share their maternity experiences with the Trust and commissioners. By sharing experiences, they are involved in the design, improvement and implementation of maternity services. This ensures that services are designed to meet the needs of local women, parents and families.
Email: Blackpoolmnvp@healthwatchlancashire.co.uk
Click to visit the MNVP Facebook
Healthwatch Blackpool
Healthwatch Blackpool are the independent voice for Health and Social Care. They collate community voices with the aim of improving services within the community. They do this by holding focus groups, surveys, or direct community engagement work. You can share your experience by emailing enquiries@healthwatchblackpool.co.uk and one of the team will get back to you.
Patient Relations
(Formerly known as PALS)
You may want to contact patient relations at Blackpool Teaching Hospital if you want more information or advice about your care, you wish to pay a compliment or give general views about your care, or you may wish to make them aware of your concerns or complaints.
Telephone either 01253 955588 or 01253 955589
Dad Matters
- Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre
Dad Matters supports dads to have the best possible relationship with their families. They currently offer a dad’s wellbeing group, one to one support and new dads’ workshops.
Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre – Dad Matters
Self-Referrals or enquiries can be made via telephone on 01253 728615 or emailed to: enquiries@homestartbfw.org.uk
You can also contact Eric Lee the local Dad Matters Coordinator directly on his mobile number 07743775428
Blackpool Food Banks
Food Banks & Community Food Hubs – My Blackpool Home
Baby Banks
A baby bank is here to help anyone who may need baby items including bedding, nappies, baby blankets, baby baths, moses baskets, sterilisers etc.
For more information on local baby banks and support with baby items please contact your family hubs.
Central Family hub
Gorton street, Blackpool, FY1 3JW, 01253 951190
North Family Hub
31 Dingle Avenue. Blackpool, FY3 7NX, 01253 476480
South Family Hub
207 St Anne’s Road, Blackpool, FY4 2AP, 01253 476550
Fylde and Wyre
Family hubs across Fylde and Wyre offer free classes, events and activities for local families, a chance for children to learn and play, as well as parents gaining support and a chance to make friends.
Lancashire Family Hubs Network
Timetable for Libraries below can be found here: Lancashire County Council Events
Facebook:
Fylde Family Hub: https://www.facebook.com/oaktreechildrenscentre
Wyre Family Hub: https://www.facebook.com/surestartfw
Cleveleys Library
Rossall Road, Cleveleys, FY5 1EE, 03001 236703
Fleetwood Library
North Albert Street, Fleetwood, FY7 6AJ, 03001 236703
Garstang Library
Windsor Road, Garstang, PR3 1ED, 03001 236703
Kirkham Family Hub
Chapel Walks, Kirkham, PR4 2TA, 01253 741117
Poulton Library
Blackpool Old Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7DH, 03001 236703
St Annes
Oak Tree Neighbourhood Centre, Sydney Street, FY8 1TR, 01253 741117
Thornton Library
Victoria Road East, Thornton- Cleveleys, FY5 3SZ, 03001 236703
Weeton
Weeton Neighbourhood Centre, PR4 3JQ
Anya
Support for expectant parents
Fylde and Wyre parents can now get free access to the Anya app, designed to support you through pregnancy and into parenthood.
- Chat with Anya AI, your 24/7 virtual supporter, about any pregnancy topics on your mind.
- Chat with other parents in our communities, to talk through pregnancy or parenting topics
- Get 1-2-1 support from in-app human experts
To unlock your free access, download the Anya app, sign up, and enter your Fylde or Wyre postcode.
Healthy Family Team
The Healthy Family Team are here to provide support and information from pregnancy right through to your child starting school.
Antenatal & First Years of Life – Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service
The Healthy Family Team can be contacted on our duty number 0300 247 0040.
Home Start
Homestart help families with young children through a combination of home visiting support, group support and social activities. They match the needs of the family with trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support. Support is free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
You can self refer to get support from Homestart by completing form at the bottom of this webpage- Get help – Home Start Blackpool
NCT
Lancashire infant feeding- for families living in Fylde & Wyre
NCT run infant feeding support groups as well as one-one support through home visits, video calls, phone and text.
Lancashire Support Helpline on 0208 752 9025 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Online Timetable: Find a local support service | Lancashire Infant Feeding Support
Click to visit the NCT Facebook
National Breastfeeding Helpline
The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers non-judgemental, evidence based, friendly breastfeeding support and information to anyone in the UK who needs it.
The helpline is now open 24/7, so you can get support whatever time of day or night.
As well as calls to the helpline phone number, support is also available via webchat and Facebook & Instagram messenger.
They offer support for families on every step of your breastfeeding journey however old your baby is, one day, one week, one month, one year old or more. Call 0300 100 0212 to speak to the friendly team 24/7.
For more information visit the website.
The Drugs/Medication In Breastmilk information service
The Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service offers information on the safety of taking medications whilst breastfeeding. They have a team of volunteer pharmacists who have expertise in this area and have received training in breastfeeding support. They are available every day of the year within the hours of 8:30am-8:30pm.
If you have a question for the team you can email: druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk or DM on Facebook: @BreastfeedingNetworkDrugsInBreastmilk.
The service also has a library of popular factsheets about commonly used medications and treatments so you can find out their safety whilst breastfeeding.
Good mental health of parents is important to your baby. You can always discuss any concerns with your Midwife/Health Visitor or GP.
Family Lives
Family Lives offers a confidential and free (subject to your mobile phone provider) helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parent line). They off emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. If you don’t get an answer first time please do try again.
Please call us on 0808 800 2222
Helpline opening hours:
– Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm
– Weekends 10am to 3pm
OR
Their WhatsApp service is open on Monday to Friday between 9am to 9pm. You can contact them about any family or parenting issue. To start a chat, please open your WhatsApp app and add the number 07441 444125 to connect with an experienced professional family support worker or the highly-trained volunteers.
Family lives also have a free online parenting course called New Baby in the Family and Let’s Play. The new baby course is also translated into Arabic and Pashtu.
Click here for the free online courses.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCFT) Mental Health Support
Accessing mental health support :: Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Please click on the link above to access a range of mental health support from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, including:
- Hub of Hope- The UK’s largest mental health support directory
- Waythrough- Confidential support for mental health, drugs, alcohol or related challenges
- A library of approved and tested apps
- Healthy Young Minds website– advice, guidance and support related to children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
- A series of self-help guides covering a wide range of topics such as depression, anxiety and stress
Alternatively, you can ring 0800 0130 709 for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre residents for 24-hour access to mental health care, advice, support, and treatment.
Mental Health Crisis Line
If you need urgent help as you are in mental health distress, then there is always someone you can call. The Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCFT) Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110. It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services. Ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment or support.
Perinatal Mental Health Team
Through Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, there is a pregnancy and emotional wellbeing team ready to help, support and listen to you and your family.
You can call the Specialist Mental Health Lead Midwife on 01253 956 742
Samaritans
Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Samaritans is a charity who provide emotional support for people who are struggling to cope
Call 116 123
SHOUT
Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text SHOUT to 85258
Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership
A Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) is an independently- led NHS working group for service users and their families to share their maternity experiences with the Trust and commissioners. By sharing experiences, they are involved in the design, improvement and implementation of maternity services. This ensures that services are designed to meet the needs of local service users and families.
Email: Blackpoolmnvp@healthwatchlancashire.co.uk
Click to visit the MNVP Facebook
Healthwatch Lancashire
Healthwatch Lancashire are the independent voice for Health and Social Care. They collate community voices with the aim of improving services within the community. They do this by holding focus groups, surveys, or direct community engagement work. You can share your experience by:
Emailing: info@healthwatchlancashire.co.uk
Telephoning: 01524 239 100
Patient Relations
(Formerly known as PALS)
You may want to contact patient relations at Blackpool Teaching Hospital if you want more information or advice about your care, you wish to pay a compliment or give general views about your care, or you may wish to make them aware of your concerns or complaints.
Telephone either 01253 955588 or 01253 955589
- Patient Relations, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Rd, Blackpool FY3 8NR
Dad Matters
- Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre
Dad Matters supports dads to have the best possible relationship with their families and currently offer a Dad’s wellbeing group, one to one support and new dads’ workshops.
Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre – Dad Matters
Self-Referrals or enquiries can be made via telephone on 01253 728615 or emailed to: enquiries@homestartbfw.org.uk
You can also contact Eric Lee our Dad Matters Coordinator directly on his mobile number 07743775428
Other local dad’s groups can be found advertised on these Facebook pages:
Fylde food banks:
Wyre food banks:
