Resources for: Parenting and Families and Age 5-11

Information on local supports and services for parents and families to help with mental health and wellbeing.

12. Awestruck Academy

Awestruck Academy Creative Arts and Media Centre

Awestruck Academy is a vibrant creative centre in Clydebank offering free or low-cost classes in music, art, media, digital tech, gaming, and podcasting to all ages. They host community events, exhibitions, and a dedicated “Gaming Zone” with consoles and VR—alongside a coffee bar, creche, and chess club. Their friendly, inclusive space fosters confidence, creativity, and community connection.

Web: www.awestruck-academy.org.uk/

Services & somewhere to go Self referral Local Costs money
17. Bellsmyre DT No Text

Bellsmyre Development Trust

Bellsmyre Development Trust runs the Cutty Sark Centre in Dumbarton, a community hub offering free activities and support for all ages. They provide youth clubs, family events, gardening projects, employability drop‑ins, computer access, and counselling. It's a friendly space to get involved, meet others, and build new skills.

Phone: 01389 730111

Web: www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk

Services & somewhere to go Self referral Local Costs money
31. Centre 81

Centre 81

Centre 81 is a community hub in Whitecrook, Clydebank. It offers a wide range of activities and services for all ages, including fitness classes, IT and art workshops, a low-cost gym (Gym81), a café (Café81), and rooms for hire. The centre also hosts the ISARO Community Initiative, providing support for ethnic minorities, and Social Security Scotland's Local Delivery Service, assisting with benefit applications. 

Phone: 0141 533 7070

Web: www.clydebank-ha.org.uk/community/centre81/

Services & somewhere to go Self referral Local Costs money
76. KIDS NHS GGC

KIDS - Kids Independently Developing Skills

A helpful site with easy-to-understand health advice for kids, parents, and carers. Find tips on keeping your child healthy, spotting common illnesses, and knowing when to get extra help. You can find out about attending hospital and clinic appointments, with examples of children and young people’s experiences with health services. There are also links to supporting websites and other sources of help.

Web: https://www.rhcg.org.uk/kids-for-families/

Website Download Online Local Free
122. Runaway Helpline

SafeCall

Safecall can help if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back. You can also contact if you are worried that someone else is going to run away or if they are being treated badly or abused.

Helpline number: call or text 116 000

Web: https://safecall.org.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral Telephone National Free
158. Thinkuknow

Think You Know

 

the UK’s online safety website from CEOP, helping children and young people stay safe online. It offers clear, age‑appropriate advice, videos and activities, as well as guidance for parents, carers and professionals on issues like online grooming, sharing images and reporting concerns.

 

Web: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Website Online National Free
179. WD Health Visitors

WD Health Visiting and School Nursing Services

 

Health Visitors and School Nursing Services in West Dunbartonshire provide support to children, young people and families from birth through the school years. Health visitors work with children aged 0–5 and their families, while school nurses support school‑aged children and young people with identified health or wellbeing needs, offering advice, early help and links to other services to help families stay healthy and supported.

 

Web: http://www.wdhscp.org.uk/children/health-visitors-and-school-nursing-services/

Services & somewhere to go Professional referral Self referral Local Free
181. WD Libraries

WDC Libraries for Babies and Children

 

Offers free, welcoming sessions and resources to support early learning and family time. From Bookbug story and rhyme sessions to baby massage, baby yoga, Lego clubs and mobile library services, local libraries provide fun ways for babies and young children to enjoy books, play, and develop a love of reading from an early age.

 

Web: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/libraries/libraries-for-children-and-babies/

Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Local Free
184. WD Schools And Learning

WDC Schools and Learning

 

This page brings together information on education and learning in West Dunbartonshire, including local schools, early years and childcare, admissions, term dates, financial support, extra‑curricular activities and services for children and young people. It helps parents, carers and learners find the support and information they need at every stage of education.

 

Web: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/

Website Online Local Free
149. Kinship Carer WD Facebook Group

Kinship Care West Dunbartonshire

Provides support for kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire. They offer a network of resources, advice and community connections to help those raising children who cannot live with their parents.

 

 

Web: www.facebook.com/kinshipcarewestdunbartonshire

Services & somewhere to go Self referral Local Free
Internet Matters Logo

Internet Matters

dedicated to helping children and young people aged 3-18 stay safe online. They provide free, expert-backed resources tailored to different ages, online activities, and specific needs, including support for neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and care-experienced children. Their tools include age-specific guides, conversation starters, and digital safety checklists, all designed to empower parents, carers, and professionals to navigate the digital world confidently 

Web: https://www.internetmatters.org/

Website Online National Free
SCRA

Scotland's Children's Reporter Administration

 

The national body that supports Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System. It helps protect children and young people at risk by investigating referrals, organising Children’s Hearings, and ensuring that those who need compulsory support receive it. SCRA provides information and guidance for children, young people, families and professionals, and works to ensure positive futures for vulnerable children across Scotland.

 

 

Phone: 0131 244 8540

Web: https://www.scra.gov.uk/

Website Online Telephone Local Free
Whizz Kids

Whizz Kids

 

The UK’s leading charity supporting young wheelchair users up to the age of 25. It provides life‑changing wheelchairs and mobility equipment, alongside skills training, youth activities and employability support, helping disabled children and young people build independence, confidence and opportunities to live life to the full.

 

Web: https://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/

Website Online National Free
Contact

Contact

A charity offering information, guidance, and emotional support to families raising disabled children from birth up to age 25, regardless of diagnosis. They provide a national helpline, Listening Ear telephone therapy, expert parent guides, and workshops on topics like benefits, education, sleep, and wellbeing . Regional offices run family events such as accessible outings and coffee mornings.

Helpline number: 0808 808 3555

Web: https://contact.org.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral National Free
Slco

The Speech Language Communication Company

 

A Scotland‑wide, parent‑led charity supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs, offering helpline support, family‑centred interventions, peer groups and inclusive activities to improve communication, wellbeing and social participation.

 

Helpline number: 01382 250060

Phone: 01382 202644

Web: https://www.speech-language-communication-company.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral Telephone National Free
Childnet Logo

Childnet

Childnet helps kids and teens stay safe and have fun online. They’ve got cool games and videos that teach you how to spot tricky situations like fake news or bullying, and how to be kind online. You can also find tips for parents and teachers, plus ways to help your friends be safe too. It’s all about making the internet a better place for everyone!

 

Web: https://www.childnet.com/

Website Online National Free
Connecting Scotland

Connecting Scotland - Digital Skills

Digital skills resources for families, children and young people, bringing together tools and guidance to support safe, confident use of the internet. Topics include online safety, fake news, managing screen time, privacy and digital wellbeing. It is ideal for parents, carers, youth workers and young people looking to build digital confidence.

Web: https://connecting.scot/digital-champions/digital-skills/families-children-and-young-people

Online National Free
Clydebank Can Logo

Clydebank Can

Clydebank Can is a community-based project that aims to bring to life the canal and bandstand area of Three Queen’s Square in Clydebank. It will bring more arts and leisure activities into the area for local people to enjoy, giving everyone in the community more opportunity to take part in events and activities which improve health and wellbeing, and increase social and economic activity in the area.

The website also contains a 'What's On' section with a wealth of information on local events, clubs, activities and more.

Web: https://www.clydebankcan.com/

Website Services & somewhere to go Online Local Free
Play Scotland Logo

Play Scotland

 

A national organisation dedicated to promoting and developing children’s right to play across Scotland. They provide practical play ideas, resources, training, and policy guidance to help families, schools and communities create high‑quality, inclusive play opportunities that support children’s wellbeing, development and happiness.

 

 

Web: https://www.playscotland.org/

Website Online Self referral National Free
HENRY

HENRY Healthy Start, Brighter Future

HENRY provides a wide range of support for families from pregnancy to age 12 including workshops, programmes, resources and online help.

Early Years Scotland is delivering the Healthy Families Right from the Start 0-5 and Healthy Families Growing Up 5-12 programmes, along with a range of Stay Play & Learn workshops, in West Dunbartonshire.

Phone: 07387 414 287

Web: https://earlyyearsscotland.org/henry/

Website Services & somewhere to go Online Professional referral School Referral Self referral Local Free

Hollie Guard app

A free personal safety app from the Hollie Gazzard Trust. It lets you discreetly send an alert by shaking your phone or tapping a button that shares your location and live audio/video with your emergency contacts. Features include journey tracking, meeting timers, fall detection, and “stealth” or “deterrent” modes to help you stay safe in risky situations.

Web: https://hollieguard.com/

App Online National Costs money
WDC Education Logo

WDC Education - Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)

Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is the approach used in West Dunbartonshire schools to make sure children and young people get the right support at the right time. Working with families and partner services, schools provide universal and, where needed, targeted support to promote wellbeing, inclusion and achievement, placing the child or young person at the centre of planning and decision‑making

 

Web: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/additional-support-for-pupils/getting-it-right-for-every-child-girfec/

Website Online Local Free
2019 Child Bereavement Logo

Child Bereavement UK

 

Supports children, young people, parents and families when a child dies or when a child is grieving the loss of someone important. It offers free, confidential bereavement support through helplines, online resources, one‑to‑one sessions and group support, helping families understand grief, cope with loss and rebuild their lives.

 

Helpline number: 08000 288 840

Web: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

Helpline Website Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Telephone National Free
106. NHSGGC Healthy Minds

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy

 

Weekly Therapy Advice Lines in West Dunbartonshire

Speech & Language Therapy
For advice about your child’s speech, language or communication:

  • Tuesday, 11am–1pm: 01389 828265
  • Thursday, 11am–1pm: 0141 562 8862

Occupational Therapy
For questions or worries about a child’s self‑care, play or school skills:

  • Tuesday, 1:30pm–4pm: 0141 531 6536
  • Friday, 9:30am–12 noon: 0141 531 6536

Physiotherapy
For concerns about movement development or recovery from joint pain/injury:

  • Thursday, 2pm–4pm: 01389 817246

If the line is unavailable, please try again the following week.

 

 

Web: https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/services-a-to-z/specialist-childrens-services/contact-us/

Helpline Services & somewhere to go Online Telephone Local Free