Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Cornwall charities and organisations for families
Cornwall is a beautiful county with a tight-knit community that offers a range of resources to support families in need. Whether you’re looking for financial assistance, mental health support, educational resources, or guidance through challenging times, numerous charities and organizations are dedicated to making a positive impact on families across the region.
This page is designed to provide a comprehensive list of local charities and organizations that offer essential services to families in Cornwall. From supporting families with children to providing housing, food security, and parenting help, we aim to connect you with the support you need.
Explore the resources below to find the help and guidance available in Cornwall for you and your family.
Updated 10/12/2024
- Link to Cost of Living support information in Cornwall webpage
- Link to our family mental health page
- Local organisations and charities for families in Cornwall (in alphabetical order)
- National charities and organisations for families
Local organisations and charities for families in Cornwall
Chat Health
The 0 to 19 Health Advice Lines are designed to be a quick and easy way for young people and parents/carers to contact Health Visitors and School Nurses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. There are three advice lines available to text (two specific to parents/carers and one with dedicated support for young people)
The service works by sending a text message, anonymously if you wish, to Health Visiting and School Nursing to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including sleep, child development, support with behaviour, toileting and continence, feeding and nutrition, immunisations, keeping safe and healthy, childhood illnesses and support with medical conditions at school, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, relationships, smoking and vaping and drugs and alcohol.
The text messaging service is available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 9 am to 5 pm. When a text message is sent to the numbers, an automated reply confirms the message has been received. A qualified nurse will reply to the message within 48 office hours. If you prefer to telephone or email the advice link you can contact them at 01872 324261 and email at hvsnadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
Cornwall Council - Together for Families
online information about family services provided by Cornwall Council
Cornwall Family Hubs
Information about the 23 Family Hubs across Cornwall offering support for families, children and young people aged from pre-birth to 19 years old (or up to 25 years for anyone with Special Educational Needs). Family Hubs offer a friendly, informal atmosphere for families to be supported by professionals, meet with other families and access high-quality services. Programmes and services will vary by location but include programmes and services such as Start for Life, Child Health Clinics, Dads Together activity and support, Healthy Start, infant feeding and Breastfeeding support, parenting courses, advice and support, The Family Information Service
Cornwall Libraries
Use the website to find out where your local library is, what is on there and all about their online and mobile services
Cornwall Pride
An organisation offering support to LGBTQI+ individuals and families in Cornwall. It has signposts to support all over Cornwall. The initiative Penguin Soup offers mental health workshops free of charge to anyone who feels they need them. It also offers free, confidential, and anonymous support options and details of Pride events across the county.
Cornwall Rural Community Charity
An organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening Cornwall's Communities to improve quality of life
Cornwall SPACE
Cornwall Council funded a service that provides holiday activities for disabled children and young people between 5 and 18 years of age.
Home-Start Kernow
A charity offering free, confidential support, friendship and practical help to parents of children under five in Cornwall who are going through a difficult time. A carefully selected volunteer, who has parenting experience, regularly visits a family in their own home offering emotional and practical support through difficult times for as long as it is helpful or needed. They also host regular events across the region.
Penhaligon's Friends
Cornish charity supporting bereaved children, young people, parents and carers throughout the county. They offer children and young people the chance to meet others and share their experiences and practical resources to help them with their grief. Support is offered through telephone information and advice, resources, home visits, family visits, memory days, teens and family support groups, 1-2-1 sessions, school support and training for childcare professionals/those interested in helping bereaved children
Time2Move Holiday Programme
Activity programme providing fun physical activity and healthy food for children aged between 5 and 16 years during the school holidays in Cornwall - part of the national Holiday and Activities and Food Programme. Visit the website for a list of activity providers across the region
Trelya
Award-winning charity working to improve mental health, and well-being and enable positive change in West Cornwall's most under-resourced communities
White Gold Cornwall Foundation
Service working with children, young people and adults across the whole of Cornwall providing 1:1 mentoring to help navigate life's challenges. They aim to support, guide and, if appropriate, challenge young people who are vulnerable or at risk, present unacceptable or challenging behaviour, are excluded from, or fail to engage in, education, and lack confidence, self-esteem and/or social skills. Referrals are accepted from partner organisations (such as Social Care, Education and Health Services), individuals requiring support or family members of such individuals
WILD Young Parents Project
Organisations working together with young parent families to design and deliver services, share support and resources and change the narrative for young parent families by influencing national policy and services
National organisations and organisations for families.
Action for Children
A charity which aims to protect and support children and young people, providing emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives
Bank the Food
A free app that helps Food Banks communicate which items they currently need. BanktheFood will send a helpful alert when you are at your local supermarket with your local foodbank's needs
Barnardos
Charity focused on running include services to improve the lives of children and young people - see the website for details of local activities and venues
Child Accident Prevention Trust
The UK's leading experts in child accident prevention, offering safety alerts, safety advice as well as training and free resources to help secure safer work for children. The website includes free parent packs on common safety hazards and the opportunity to sign up for free emails for parents and practitioners and stay up-to-date with the latest risks, resources and safety advice.
Citizens Advice
Services which give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward with practical advice on benefits, work, debt and money, consumer, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health
Contact
A charity providing support for families with disabled children with guidance advice, parent carer participation and influence policy and campaigns to tackle the inequalities families face
Coram Family and Childcare
Guides to help you find, choose and afford childcare near you
ERIC
A charity dedicated to improving children's bowel and bladder health. Their mission is to reduce the impact of continence problems on children and their families. The website contains lots of advice sheets including information on constipation, bedwetting and daytime wetting
Family Lives
A charity providing targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. Services include a confidential helpline, live online chat, online parenting courses, leaflets and parenting advice videos
Gingerbread
A charity for single-parent families offering expert advice and practical support for single mums and dads.
Healthier Families
Formerly, Change4Life with information on how to help your family eat better and move more with
Mind
Mental health charity with information and support available
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Free helpline (0808 2000 247) operating 24 hours a day. The website also contains detailed advice and information
NSPCC
Children's Charity aims to prevent abuse, help rebuild children's lives and support families with nutritional information, exercise games and mental well-being tips for parents amongst other resources
Shelter
A Charity focusing on housing and homelessness issues with advice and support services and a free emergency helpline
Trussell Trust - find a food bank
Information about your local food bank and the referral process
Women's Aid
A national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children with information and support available online
Working Families
The national charity for working parents and carers aims to empower working parents and carers, supporting employers to build flexible and family-friendly cultures and influencing government policy