Resources for parents of children 0 to 2 years old.
Parents and carers may need help and support when they first become parents. They may turn to family, friends and community settings for advice or connection.
Evidence shows that high quality parenting programmes alongside social support and connections can improve outcomes across many areas of babies' and children's development. Parents' mental health and wellbeing are equally important.
You can meet other parents and get support from:
- parent and baby and toddler groups
- baby hubs (run at Children's Centres)
- online support groups
Local services
There are 4 Children's Centre hubs in North, East, Central and South Bristol offering a range of services. There are lots of opportunities to meet parents, socialise and try something new with your baby or toddler, and evidenced-based parenting programmes. These include:
- Universal peer support groups (Stay and Play) are held across the city based on Five to Thrive, an attachment-based approach to positive parenting. Look at the Children's Centres timetables to find Five to Thrive new parents groups for first time babies under 4 months to develop an understanding of baby brain development through talking, singing and playing.
- Welcome to the World, antenatal nurturing programme, is available across the city every term.
- Circle of Security International parenting course for parents of children aged 0 to 2 years is run by by Children's Centres and Primary Infant Mental Health Service.
- Rockabye is run across Bristol in groups. Referrals are made by specialist midwives and other voluntary sector organisations working with mothers who need mental health support, such as Mothers to Mothers. Talk to your local Children's Centre.
Bristol Children's Centres timetables and locations:
North Bristol Children's Centres
Central Bristol Children's Centres
East Bristol Children's Centres
South Bristol Children's Centres
Parenting courses currently running in Bristol, or click on ‘What's On' or ‘Timetable' on the Children's Centre links above.
Bump 2 Baby Wellbeing Guide: services for expectant parents in Bristol.
Midwifery services: local services to Bristol.
Home-Start Bristol offers free, confidential support, friendship and practical help to parents in Bristol and South Gloucestershire who are going through a challenging time and have at least one child under the age of five.
National resources
Parent Talk: support for parents from Action for Children
Online parenting classes | Family Lives online parenting course which you work through by yourself suitable for families with primary school aged children and under.
Free online parenting courses to help you understand your children's feelings better and how you can support them through the years as they develop and grow.