Support for families

Parent helplines

A family of two adults and two children smiling at the camera.

Children 1st Parentline Scotland

This free helpline, email and webchat service offers advice and support for parents and carers including cash grants, debt and income advice. They are available Monday to Friday between 9 am and 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday between 9 am and 12 pm.

For more information visit the Children 1st website or contact

08000 28 22 33

Families Outside

Families Outside offers support for families affected by imprisonment. Available Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

For more information visit the Families Outside website or contact

support@familiesoutside.org.uk

0800 254 0088

Or send a text message via mobile phone: FAMOUT to 60777

Lone Parent helpline - One Parent Families Scotland

The Lone Parent Helpline provides advice and support to single parents. Call about anything from dealing with a break-up, sorting out child maintenance, understanding benefits, and money when having a baby, studying or moving into work. They provide a free confidential friendly service that provides advice and supports your well-being whatever you are going through.

Advisers are available Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 4 pm via 08088 010323.

Access the webchat at the One Parent Families website.

For more information visit the One Parent Families website or email

advice@opfs.org.uk

NSPCC

The NSPCC Helpline is staffed by trained professionals who can provide expert advice and support. You can contact them if you are concerned about a child, if you’re a parent or carer looking for advice, or if you’re a professional in need of information and guidance. The voice helpline is currently available between 10 am and 8 pm, Monday to Friday.  

For more information visit the NSPCC website or contact

help@nspcc.org.uk

0808 800 5000.

Social Care Direct - Children and Families Social Work

Request help or advice about a child or vulnerable adult requiring support due to illness, a disability or someone who is at risk or harm.

0131 200 2324

If you think that a child needs immediate protection you must call Children and Families Social Work on

0131 200 2327

0800 7316 969 (out of hours)

An online referral to Social Care Direct for a child can be made at the Social Care Direct website.