sure start...what do they do?

[bubble1]

am finding parenting really difficult at the moment and wondered about asking for outside help.
dont really want to go to social services but have heard vaguely about sure start.
does anyone out there have any experience of them?

[nappyzoneloveschinesefood]

They offer support and help and also fun activities in their childrens centres. I would definitly recopmmend popping in and asking to speak to a home visitor or health visitor.

[tiredntetchy]

They can also just come to your home and play with the kids whilst you sleep/cook/chill/enjoy the company.

Nothing wrong with asking for help. It isn't easy.

[Wigeon]

Tiredntetchy - think you are thinking of Home Start?

OP - Home Start might well be able to help - you can find out how to contact them here. Or there's this free helpline called Parentline Plus which could help you explore your options and might well have lots of other suggestions too.

In terms of Sure Start - as Nappyzone says, they rund children's centres, but our local one also has all sorts of support for parents, including courses, and free sessions with Relate, the counselling organisation (family as well as couple counselling). So your local children's centre might well have some things going on which might be useful to you. You can find your nearest one here

[Wigeon]

PS - sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

[nappyzoneloveschinesefood]

It is family week in the next half term and lots of the centres are having special events so you can get mroe involved and meet the staff. Most run stay and play sessions a few times a week so find out when they are and pop in - they are ran by professionals who listen to you and then can signpost you to more services or help asign you to a home visitor person. Good luck and go easy on yourself.