Parenting support and guidance

Manage children’s behaviour with advice, strategies and support for families.

Every child is unique. Understanding how children develop, communicate and experience the world can help parents and carers build strong, positive relationships, support emotional wellbeing and respond confidently to the challenges that can arise throughout family life.

Whether you are looking for information, practical advice, support with a specific concern, or opportunities to connect with other parents, a range of support is available in Portsmouth for families with children of all ages.

Parenting information, advice and support available in Portsmouth

Family Assist

Whether you are looking for childcare, SEND support, health information, parenting advice, youth activities or family services, Family Assist can help you find the right information quickly and easily.

Find out more on the Family Assist website.

Support during pregnancy and the early years (0-5)

Families with babies and young children can access a range of health and early years support.

Your Health Visitor can provide advice and guidance about your child's health, development, feeding, sleep, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

You can contact the Health Visiting Service on 0300 123 6629.

Portsmouth families can also access the Anya app, a free digital support tool offering information and guidance on pregnancy, infant feeding, newborn care and early parenting. The app provides evidence-based advice, specialist support and resources that can be accessed whenever needed.

Best Start for Life Family Hubs

Portsmouth's Best Start for Life Family Hubs provide welcoming community spaces where families can access information, activities, support and services from pregnancy onwards. For families with children and young people with SEND, support is available up to age 25.

Family Hubs bring together services from health, education, early help and community organisations, making it easier to access support in one place.

To find out more, visit:

Family Hub champions

Every Family Hub has a dedicated Family Hub Champion who can offer information, advice and guidance and help connect families with the right support.

Family Hub Champions are a trusted point of contact who can help you understand what services, groups and opportunities are available locally.

You can contact the Family Hub Champions by:

For more information about Family Hub Champions and Family Hubs, visit the Portsmouth Family Hubs website.

Parenting courses and support

A wide range of parenting support is available through Portsmouth Parenting Service, offering practical advice, guidance and programmes tailored to children of different ages, stages and needs.

Understanding Your Child

A relationship-based programme for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 19 years. It helps parents understand how children develop, communicate their needs and manage emotions, supporting stronger relationships and family wellbeing.

Incredible Years

For parents and carers of children aged approximately 3 to 12 years.

This evidence-based programme helps strengthen relationships, build children's emotional regulation and confidence, and develop practical strategies for managing behaviour positively.

Triple P Fear-Less

Designed for parents and carers of children aged 6 to 14 years who may be experiencing anxiety.

The programme helps parents understand anxiety and develop strategies to support children to build confidence, resilience and coping skills.

Non-Violent Resistance (NVR)

For parents and carers experiencing child-to-parent violence, aggression or controlling behaviours.

NVR supports parents to strengthen their parental presence, reduce conflict and improve family relationships.

NVR Lite

A shorter introduction to the principles of Non-Violent Resistance.

Ideal for parents looking for practical tools to manage conflict, strengthen relationships and respond differently to challenging behaviours.

Triple P Stepping Stones

A positive parenting programme specifically designed for parents and carers of children with SEND aged up to 12 years.

It offers practical strategies to support development, emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour.

Triple P Discussion Groups

Short workshops focusing on common parenting topics such as behaviour, routines, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

These sessions provide practical tips and ideas that can be put into practice straight away.

Parenting Workshops and Discussion Groups

A range of themed sessions providing information, peer support and practical strategies to help parents navigate different stages of their child's development.

One-to-One Parenting Support

Individual support tailored to your family's needs.

A practitioner will work alongside you to explore challenges, build on strengths and develop practical parenting strategies.

School Readiness Sessions

Designed for parents and carers of children preparing to start school.

These sessions focus on developing independence, communication, emotional wellbeing and confidence, helping children get the best possible start to school life.

Request parenting support

If you would like to access any of these courses, or if you are unsure which support is right for you, please complete the online referral form below.

We only need some basic information and a member of the team will contact you to discuss how we can help.

Togetherness Online Parenting Courses

If you prefer to learn at a time and place that suits you, you can access our Togetherness online parenting courses free of charge.

These courses cover a wide range of topics from pregnancy through to the teenage years and can be completed at your own pace.

Use the access code: PARENTSUPPORT

Contact us

If you would like to find out more about any of the support available, please get in touch.

What was wrong with this page?