Guidance

Get help from Families First

Families First is a programme designed to help you and your family get the support you need.

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First published:
10 August 2026
Last updated:

Contents

About Families First

Whether you’re facing challenges at home, at school, or in your community, Families First brings together a range of easily accessible services. Families First can help with:

  • parenting advice and support
  • your children’s education and school attendance
  • improving your family health and wellbeing
  • advice in relation to your finances, housing, or benefits
  • accessing specialist services if needed
  • support for young people (aged between 11 and 25)

Who can use Families First?

Any family with children, or young people up to 18 years old (or up to 25, if they have additional needs), can reach out to Families First. It doesn’t matter if you’re facing a new challenge, or have been trying to solve a problem for a while, support is available for everyone.

How do I get help?

You can get in touch with Families First through your local authority’s website. You will find information on how to ask for support, what services are available, and how to get started. The help you get might be different depending on where you live, as each local authority decides what support is needed most, based on the needs of their community.

Find your local authority Families First service

More information

If you want to know more about what help is available, contact your local authority. You can also speak to your school, health visitor, or another professional you trust.

For more general information, advice and help, contact your Family Information Service.

First published

10 August 2026

Last updated

Part of