Help and Support for Children, Young People and Families

Information for Parents, Carers and Families

Every family needs support from time to time.

Whether you need advice about parenting, help with your child’s wellbeing, support with family relationships, health services or specialist support, there are services across South Tyneside that can help.

You do not need to wait until problems become serious before asking for support. Getting help early can often make a big difference for children, young people and families.

This page brings together local services that can help you find the right support at the right time.

Family Help and Parenting Support

Family Hubs

Family Hubs offer free support for families with children of all ages.

They can help with:

  • Parenting advice.
  • Child development.
  • Emotional wellbeing.
  • Family relationships.
  • Healthy routines.
  • Pregnancy and early years support.
  • Access to local services.

Family Hubs are welcoming places where families can ask for help, attend activities and meet other parents and carers.

Telephone: 0800 783 4645

Find out more:

Support for Young People

South Tyneside Youth Service

The Youth Service offers activities, clubs and opportunities for young people to:

  • Meet friends.
  • Build confidence.
  • Learn new skills.
  • Take part in sports and activities.
  • Get support from trusted adults. 

South Tyneside Youth Service


Connexions

Connexions supports young people aged 16-17 with:

  • Careers advice.
  • College and training.
  • Employment support.
  • CV writing.
  • Future planning. 

Connexions Service

Children's Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Looking after emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health.

Support is available for children and young people who may be experiencing:

  • Anxiety.
  • Low mood.
  • Stress.
  • Self-esteem difficulties.
  • Emotional wellbeing concerns.

Healthy Minds

Healthy Minds offers early support for children and young people with mild to moderate emotional and mental health difficulties.

Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPS)

Provides specialist support for children and young people experiencing more significant mental health difficulties.

Telephone: 0191 566 5500

Children and Young People’s Service


Mental Health Crisis Support

If you or your child need urgent mental health support:

NHS 111 Option 2

Available 24 hours a day.

NHS Mental Health Services

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Bereavement Support

Bereavement Support

Losing someone important can be very difficult for children, young people and families.

Support is available to help families cope with grief and loss.

Local Support

National Support

Telephone: 0808 808 1677

Domestic Abuse Support

Nobody should have to live in fear of abuse.

Support is available for adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

Services can help with:

  • Safety planning.
  • Advice.
  • Emotional support.
  • Housing and refuge support.
  • Support for children affected by abuse.

Local Support

Restart South Tyneside Services

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

 

Drug and Alcohol Support

Sometimes children, young people and families need support because they are worried about alcohol, drugs or substance use.

Support is available whether you are looking for advice, early help, treatment or support for a family member.

Asking for help early can make a big difference.


Support for Young People

YP Matrix

YP Matrix supports children and young people affected by:

  • Alcohol use.
  • Drug use.
  • Vaping and nicotine.
  • Risk-taking behaviour.
  • Exploitation and vulnerability.
  • Emotional wellbeing linked to substance use.

The service provides support, advice and guidance for young people and can also support parents and carers who are worried about a child. YP Matrix works with young people to reduce risks, improve wellbeing and help them make healthy choices.

Website: YP Matrix


Support for Adults

South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service (STARS)

STARS provides support for adults affected by alcohol or drug use.

The service offers:

  • Advice and information.
  • Recovery support.
  • Counselling.
  • Treatment and detox support where appropriate.
  • Help for families affected by substance use. 

Telephone: 0191 917 1160

Website: South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service (STARS)

Child Health Services

Children’s health services provide support from pregnancy through childhood and adolescence.

This includes:

  • Midwifery.
  • Health Visiting.
  • School Nursing.
  • Child development support.
  • Health advice for parents and carers.

0–19 Healthy Child Programme

Support for children, young people and families from birth to adulthood.

Telephone

0303 330 7700

More Information

Growing Healthy South Tyneside


Safe Sleeping for Babies

Information and advice to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

Elective Home Education

If you choose to educate your child at home, guidance and support are available to help you understand responsibilities, available support and local resources.

Worried About a Child?

If you are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing:

South Tyneside Children and Families Social Care

Telephone: 0191 424 5010

Out of Hours: 0191 456 2093

https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/13754

Emergency

Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

Key Message

Every family needs support sometimes. Asking for help early is a positive step and can make a real difference. Whether you need advice, emotional support, health services or practical help, there are people and services in South Tyneside ready to support you and your family.

Need support or want to speak to a safeguarding team?

Visit our contact directory to find the right team for your query — whether it's children's safeguarding, adult support, public health, or community safety.

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