Support for parents

Find support for parents, help with childcare costs, essentials for new born babies, free school meals and more.

Financial support and cost of living help

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF): Government funding provided through councils to help low-income households facing financial hardship. Find out if you can make a claim.
Cost of Living Support: Visit GOV.UK for information and advice on available support schemes.

Early Years guidance: Find information and guidance on childcare costs via our Early Years section.
Tax-Free childcare: Working parents and carers could get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 per child each year) to help pay for childcare, including nurseries, childminders, holiday clubs, and before- and after-school clubs. Check if you’re eligible and find out how you can take advantage of this help.
Universal Credit childcare support: Families receiving Universal Credit may be able to claim up to £950.92 per month for one child or £1,630.15 per month for two or more children. Additional support may also be available through the Flexible Support Fund when starting work. Find out what help you could get with childcare costs on the Best Start in Life website.

Free school meals: Available to families receiving certain benefits. Check if you’re eligible.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF): HAF Fun Pompey provides activities and healthy meals during school holidays (excluding half terms) for eligible families, including those receiving benefits-related free school meals. Find out more about HAF fun Pompey on the PYC website.
School uniform support: The HIVE Uniform share store offers help with school uniforms and related costs. Find out how you can access uniform support.

NHS Healthy Start Scheme: If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be able to get help buying healthy food and milk and receive free vitamins. Find out if you can get help from NHS Healthy Start. If anyone needs help completing the application or doesn’t have access to the internet they can get support from a family hub champion.
Portsmouth Baby Bank: A charity providing free baby clothes, maternity items, toiletries, cots, prams, and other essential equipment to families experiencing financial or emotional hardship. Referrals are required through a support worker, health professional, or advice service. Find out more about the Portsmouth baby bank on the Parenting Network website.

Family Information Service: Access advice, guidance, and useful information for parents and carers. Visit our Family Information Service section.
HIVE Directory of Services: Search hundreds of local organisations and groups offering support for families and individuals. Search HIVE’s directory.

Low-cost activities: Find free or affordable activities for children and families in one place. Visit our low cost activities page.
Portsmouth leisure card: Eligible Portsmouth residents can get discounts on a range of products, services, and activities. See a list of discounts available. Find out if you qualify for a leisure card and apply.