Who can help our family?
At St Stephen’s, we know that family life can sometimes be challenging. You’re not alone. Whether you need support with mental health, food, finances, housing, or healthy relationships- there is help available in Lancashire. Below, you’ll find a list of trusted services and organisations that can offer support when your family needs it most.
🍎 Help with Food and Essentials
St Stephen's Church Food Market
St Stephen's Church hold a food market every Friday afternoon at 2.30pm. Here you can collect fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, milk, eggs and much more. This is free to access to those who need it or donations are welcome also.
Lancashire Food Hubs
Local food banks and community pantries are available to help families access essential groceries.
Find your nearest food bank: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/media/916718/foodbanks-in-lancashire.pdf
School can support you to access a food parcel. This may be via an external food bank or through schools own food bank. If you are in need of this, please contact one of the Pastoral Team.
Support via Citizens Advice: They can also help with emergency food vouchers. More information can be found here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ .
Free School Meals
If you think your child might be eligible for free school meals, please apply here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/free-school-meals/ .
This will mean your child receives free school diners and you may be able to recieve other support for free such as financial support with trips and Christmas presents.
🧠 Mental Health Support
Lancashire Mind
This service is for adults and children requiring support for their mental health, including emotional wellbeing workshops and counselling. More information can be found on their website via this link: https://www.lancashiremind.org.uk/
CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
If you're concerned about your child's mental health, speak to our school SENCO. From here, you may be advised to speak to your GP or complete a referral to CAMHS. More information regarding CAMHS can be found here: https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-z/children-and-young-peoples-psychological-services
Samaritans (for adults and older children)
If in need of someone to talk to when struggling, The Samaritans phone line (116 123) is available 24/7, is completely free and confidential. More information can be foudn on their website: https://www.samaritans.org/
Crisis Line
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Crisis Team can provide urgent support 24/7. To seek out this support, call 0800 953 0110 for immediate help and advice.
🏠 Help with Housing and Bills
Household Support Fund
The Preston Household Support Fund can help families who are struggling with the cost of food, energy, and essential household items. To find out more and apply, visit their website: https://www.preston.gov.uk/householdsupport
Preston Council Housing Support
The Preston Housing Advisory Service offers free, confidential advice for residents at risk of homelessness and other housing related concerns. They can be contacted on 01772 906412. Alternativley, visit the Town Hall for help with housing assessments, prevention, and securing alternative accommodation. More information can be found here: https://www.preston.gov.uk/housing
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can offer support with legal advice, housing issues, debt, and more. You can access this support via their website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
🤝 Support for Domestic Abuse
Preston Domestic Violence Service
Preston Domestic Violence Services (PDVS) provides a free, confidential helpline (01772 201601) and access to outreach support, specialist counselling, the Freedom Programme, refuge referrals, and their Sanctuary Scheme to help anyone affected by domestic abuse in Preston. More informaton can be found on their website: https://www.pdvs.org.uk/contact/
Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. Whether you’re in immediate danger or simply need someone to talk to, help is always available. More information can be found here: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
NEST
NEST Lancashire supports young people aged 8–18 who have been affected by crime or abuse. They offer someone to talk to, practical help, and ways to feel safe again. This support can be accessed via phone on 0300 111 0323, by email (info@nestlancashire.org) or byvisiting their website (www.nestlancashire.org).
⚠️ Please remember, if you are in immediate danger, call 999.
👨👩👧 Family Support and Parenting
Lancashire Family Hubs
Family Hubs offer a range of support for parenting, family life, and early years development. Visit this link to find your nearest hub and what can be accessed there: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/family-hubs/
NSPCC Parenting Advice
NSPCC offer free, online tools and support for handling everyday parenting challenges. This can be accessed on their website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/
Children and Family Wellbeing Service
The Lancashire Child and Family Wellbeing Service offers early help and support for children, young people, and their families. This includes parenting support, emotional support services and help with family wellbeing. They collaborate with trusted partners like the NHS and schools to ensure families get the right help, in the right place and at the right time. To find your local Family Hub please visit: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/children-and-family-wellbeing-service/
Home Start
Home-Start provides compassionate, confidential support to families with young children who are going through challenging times. Their trained volunteers offer home visits, practical help and emotional encouragement to help you cope and feel more confident. Their support can be accessed via their website: https://www.home-start.org.uk/about-us
👂 Need Someone to Talk To?
If you're unsure where to turn, please talk to us. Our staff are here to help and can guide you in the right direction.
Ask to speak to one of our Pastoral Staff: Miss Greenhalgh, Mrs Haughton, Mrs Garstang, Miss Livesey and Mrs Islam.
