I live in Swindon and we have a Barnados Childrens centre. When I first heard of it I thought well I'm not on any kind of benefit and it's a charitable organisation so I can't use the facilities.....but I was wrong.
Our Childrens centre does 2 drop in creche mornings that are absolutely free so you can take your kids in and have a chat to other mums but with qualified nursery nurses on hand so you can pop to the next room for coffee. They also have a chap that comes in to give free legal advice, again they look after your kids free in the drop in creche.
At Christmas the free drop in creche was set up so that the mums could go and do the christmas shopping knowing that the kids were safe and looked after.
In July I am going on a trip organised by them to Bristol Zoo, myself, my other half and our 3 kids are all going by coach and including the entrance tickets it's costing just £5!
They are just such a marvellous place for me, although we are not getting any benefits/tax credits I left work to take care of little ones and so every penny counts. I can honestly say that the centre is a lifeline.
The bottom line is there is probably a Barnados childrens centre near you so you should search it out, you won't regret it!
Lisalumps