Information for Parents, Carers and Families
Most children and families get the help and support they need through services that are available to everyone. These are called Universal Services.
Universal Services support children and young people from birth through to adulthood. They help children stay healthy, safe, learn, develop and achieve their potential.
Most families will only ever need support from Universal Services.
What Are Universal Services?
Universal Services are the everyday services that children, young people and families can access without needing help from Children’s Social Care.
Examples include:
- Schools and colleges.
- Nurseries and childcare settings.
- GPs and family doctors.
- Health visitors.
- School nurses.
- Midwives.
- Youth services.
- Family Hubs.
- Leisure, sports and community groups.
These services work with families every day and are often the first place people go for help and advice.
What Support Can Universal Services Provide?
Universal Services can help with:
- Child development.
- Education and school attendance.
- Physical health.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Parenting advice.
- Speech and language development.
- Healthy lifestyles.
- Friendships and relationships.
- Behaviour and routines.
- Safety and wellbeing.
Many worries can be addressed through early advice, guidance and support from these services.
Family Hubs
Family Hubs provide support for families with children of all ages.
They can help with:
- Parenting support.
- Child development.
- Feeding and nutrition.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Family relationships.
- Support during pregnancy and early years.
Family Hubs bring services together and can help families find the right support at the right time.
Telephone: 0800 783 4645
Health Services
Families can access support through:
- Midwives.
- Health Visitors.
- School Nurses.
- GPs.
- Dentists.
- Community health services.
These services help children stay healthy and can offer advice if parents or carers have concerns about their child’s development, health or wellbeing.
Education Services
Schools, nurseries and colleges play an important role in supporting children and families.
They can help with:
- Learning and development.
- Attendance.
- Additional needs.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Friendships and relationships.
- Accessing support services.
Many schools also have staff who can offer advice and support when families are experiencing difficulties.
Youth Services
Youth services provide safe places for children and young people to:
- Make friends.
- Learn new skills.
- Build confidence.
- Take part in activities.
- Access support when needed.
These services can be a valuable source of support for young people and their families.
When Might I Need More Support?
Sometimes families experience difficulties that cannot be resolved through everyday services alone.
You may need additional support if:
- You are struggling with parenting challenges.
- Your child is experiencing difficulties at school.
- There are concerns about emotional wellbeing.
- Your family is facing significant changes or stress.
- You need help from more than one service.
When this happens, professionals may talk to you about Early Help support.
Early Help aims to provide support before problems become more serious.
Will Children's Social Care Become Involved?
Not usually.
Most children and families receive help through Universal Services without needing Children’s Social Care involvement.
If additional support is needed, professionals may first suggest Early Help services rather than Children’s Social Care.
The aim is always to provide the right help at the right time.
Where Can I Get Advice?
If you are worried about your child, speak to:
- Your child’s school or nursery.
- Your GP.
- Your Health Visitor.
- Your School Nurse.
- Family Hubs.
- Youth Services.
Asking for help early is a positive step and can often prevent problems from becoming bigger.
Key Message
Universal Services are available to all children, young people and families. They provide advice, support and practical help to promote children’s health, wellbeing and development. Most families will access these services throughout their child’s life, and many concerns can be resolved with support from these services without the need for Children’s Social Care involvement.