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!
Devon charities and organisations for families
Devon 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 Devon. 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 Devon for you and your family.
Updated 20/12/2024
- Link to cost of living support information on Devon webpage
- Link to our family mental health page
- Local organisations and charities for families in Devon
- National charities and organisations for families
Local organisations are listed in alphabetical order
Baby Bank Exeter
Charity was created to help alleviate child poverty in homes within a 30-mile radius of Exeter; and to support families in need at times of financial and emotional stress. They collect good quality pre-loved and new baby items donated by members of our community and then re-distribute them in need, free of charge, via a referral system through their health visitors, social workers or support workers
Balloons
A charity supporting bereaved children and young people across Exeter, East and Mid Devon offering a range of services to children and young people aged 5 to 25 when someone significant in their life dies or is about to die
Checkpoint Torbay
Charity providing help to young people ages 8 to 18 across Torbay, Paignton and Brixham. They can speak to you on the phone, online or face to face.
Children and Family Health Devon
NHS service helps children and young people with behaviour, eating disorders, movement, physical disabilities, swallowing difficulties, complex physical health, learning disability, ME/CFS, sensory issues, early years developmental delay, mental health, neurodiversity, speech, language and communication
Devon Family Hubs - Action for Children
Locations offer a welcoming environment and serve as a central point of access for all families, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to age 25
Jeremiah's Journey
Charity offering bereavement support to families in the Plymouth area. They will spend time with families, listening before they offer emotional and practical support, whether you are anticipating a death or for those who have been bereaved.
Plymouth Community Dental Services
Service providing dentistry for people who cannot receive dental care from a general dental practice, such as those with special needs and patients requiring specialist minor oral surgery as well as routine children up until the age of 16/ This service is also part of the urgent care provision for unregistered patients in Plymouth.
Plymouth Family Hubs
A place for families, parents, carers and young people in Plymouth to find support and advice. Family Hubs provide families with children aged 0 to 19 (up to 25 for Young People with SEND) with support, when they need it, in a way that suits them. Their 'Start for Life' offer, supporting pregnancy through to 4 is the first stage of the programme to go live and you will able to access this through Family Hubs, Children's Centres and online
Plymouth Online Directory
Website signposting links to information in Plymouth related to consumer and legal advice, community facilities, schools, wellbeing, social care and family hub
Torbay - Family Hub Torbay
Locations bring together all the support a family may need and provide a welcoming space and a 'front door for families from pregnancy through to young people turning 19 (or 25 if they experience SEND). The online Family Hub gives instant access to their Torbay Family Hub service with free, local and trusted information, services and support
Turntable
Exeter-based charitable organisation that collects donated furniture, electrical items and housewares, that are in good, clean condition, free of charge, to pass on to families and individuals on very low incomes
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