Resources for: Teachers and Parenting and Families
Information on local supports and services for parents and families to help with mental health and wellbeing.
Aberlour Children's Urgent Assistance Fund
Aberlour supports children, young people, and families across Scotland with practical and emotional help. Services include:
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Support for families affected by addiction
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Residential care and fostering
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Early years and disability support
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Early intervention
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Urgent Assistance Fund – providing emergency cash grants for families struggling with food, heating, clothing, and other essentials. Families must have a child under 21 and be facing extreme hardship. Applications are made by a professional (e.g. social worker or health visitor) through the Aberlour website.
Phone: 0800 0856 150
Web: www.aberlour.org.uk
Action for Children
Action for Children supports children, young people, and families across the UK by providing practical and emotional support. They help with issues like mental health, disability, fostering, and early years care, aiming to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood.
Includes 'Parent Talk' page - down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust.
Web: www.actionforchildren.org.uk/
Al -Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon Family Groups offers free and inclusive local meetings for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking. Through confidential meetings and resources, it provides a safe space to share experiences and find strength and hope.
Helpline number: 0800 0086 811
Web: www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Anna Freud Centre
Anna Freud Centre is a UK charity focused on improving the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and families. Free resources are available to download for under 5s, children and young people, families, and professionals.
The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Text AFC to 85258.
Helpline number: Text AFC to 85258
Web: www.annafreud.org/
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/
Baby Box (Parent Club website)
Scotland’s Baby Box (Parent Club) is a free, expertly curated box of essential clothing, bedding, and baby care items packed to give every newborn a great start and serve as a safe sleep space for the first few months . Registered by your midwife around 20–24 weeks, it’s delivered before your due date and includes everything from vests and a mattress to practical items like blankets, thermometer, and baby-care tools—designed to support parenting and early bonding.
Web: www.parentclub.scot/baby-box
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
Benefits and Grants
mygov.scot – Benefits in Scotland is the Scottish Government’s official site for information on social security and benefits. It covers disability, carers, family support, heating help, crisis funds, and more, with guidance on eligibility, claims, and appeals. The site also links to support services like financial advice and independent advocacy.
Web: www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits
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/
Children 1st and Parentline
Children First works to keep children safe, loved and well and together with their families. They offer practical, emotional and financial support to prevent and protect children and their families from harm and to support them to recover from trauma and abuse. If your family are feeling stressed or anxious Children First Support Line can help.
Helpline number: 08000 28 22 33
Web: https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/
Families Outside
Supporting families affected by imprisonment in Scotland, offering confidential advice, practical help, and emotional support to help families cope with the challenges of having a loved one in prison. Their services include one-to-one support, group activities, and information to help families stay connected and navigate the justice system. They also provide training and information to professionals who come into contact with families affected by imprisonment, such as teachers, social workers, health professionals, the police, and prison staff.
Helpline number: 0800 254 0088
Web: www.familiesoutside.org.uk/
Gingerbread
Gingerbread provides information to help single parents support themselves and their family, with practical advice, friendly online communities. They also campaign to reduce stigma against single parents, and make services more accessible to all families – whatever their shape or size.
Web: www.gingerbread.org.uk/
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: www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/
Kinship Care Advice Service
Provides FREE, confidential, impartial advice to Kinship Families and Professionals working with them. They provide guidance, practical resources and advocacy to ensure carers receive the support they need for the well-being of the children in their care.
Helpline number: 0808 800 0006
Web: www.kinship.scot/
MindEd
A free UK NHS-backed online learning and resource hub offering mental health education and advice for adults. It provides trusted information and e-learning to help parents, carers, professionals and volunteers understand and support the mental health of children, young people, adults and older adults.
Web: www.minded.org.uk/
My World of Work
Scotland’s free online careers information and advice service provided by Skills Development Scotland. It helps people of all ages explore careers, understand their strengths, build CVs, search for jobs and training, and plan their next steps with easy‑to‑use tools and guidance.
Web: www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
NACOA (National Association of Children of Alcoholics)
Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking via a website, webchat and a free helpline.
Helpline number: 0800 358 3456
Web: http://nacoa.org.uk/
It's Not OK
a UK awareness campaign and resource hub focused on preventing and responding to child sexual exploitation. The site offers information to help young people, parents, carers and professionals recognise the signs, understand what child sexual exploitation is, and know how to get help or report concerns. It also provides campaign materials and support to raise awareness and protect young people.
Web: https://www.itsnotokay.co.uk/
One Parent Families Scotland
One Parent Families Scotland aims to enable single parent families to achieve their potential, to reach a decent standard of living and contribute to Scottish society.
The Lone Parent Helpline provides free, confidential advice and support to single parents. Call us about anything from dealing with a break-up, sorting out child maintenance, understanding benefits, money when having a baby, studying or moving into work.
Helpline number: 0808 801 0323
Web: www.opfs.org.uk/
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Resource
Web: www.rshp.scot/
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/
Salvesen Mindroom Centre
Phone: 0131 370 6730
Web: www.mindroom.org/
Scottish Child Law Centre
Phone: contact form on website
Web: www.sclc.org.uk/
SFAD Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Offers free national support for anyone affected by someone else’s substance use, including helpline, one‑to‑one help and bereavement support.
Routes, their youth programme available in West Dunbartonshire, supports people aged 12–26 impacted by a family member’s alcohol or drug use, providing emotional support, practical help and positive activities
Helpline number: 08080 10 10 11
Web: www.sfad.org.uk/
Scottish Refugee Council
Helpline number: 0808 196 7274
Web: www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/
Teen Sleep Hub
The one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. If you’re looking for advice on how to sleep better, would like tips on tweaking your routine or help to understand the science behind your sleep patterns, you’ll find it all here.
Phone: 03303 530 541
Web: www.teensleephub.org.uk/
The Phoenix Centre
The Phoenix is a community hub for the people of Dumbarton West, based in Castlehill. Some activities have a cost.
Web: https://www.rockcommunitychurch.org.uk/phoenix
Think You Know
The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse through an education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families. Age specific videos and webpages are also available on this site.
Web: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
WD Strategic Skills & Support Pipeline
The Strategic Skills Pipeline is a key element in West Dunbartonshire's employability and employment strategy. The Pipeline provides a route map identifying national and local service provision that is available to support residents into employment through a staged process, at the core of which, is the identification of individual need.
Web: https://westdun.wixsite.com/sspipeline/skillspipeline
WD Libraries for Babies and Children
West Dunbartonshire libraries have a range of activities and resources for babies, children and parents, including baby massage and lego club.
Web: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/libraries/libraries-for-children-and-babies/
WD Schools and Learning
Local schools' contact details, information on term dates, extra-curricular activities, how to apply for childcare and more.
Web: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/
Young Carers Package (Young Scot)
Information on how to apply for the Young Carers Package, Carer’s Allowance and the Young Carer Grant.
Web: www.young.scot/get-informed/what-you-re-entitled-to-as-a-young-carer-in-scotland
Wee Seeds
Mindfulness for mini-minds. Nurture calm children and future-proof their mental health by teaching your children focus, calm, sleep, gratitude, kindness, resilience and positive mental health. Wee Seeds is a programme of resources to teach children wellbeing skills, through scientifically proven techniques like mindfulness, meditation and movement.
Web: www.weeseeds.co.uk/
Child Poverty Action Group
Child Poverty Action Group works on behalf of the more than one in four children in the UK growing up in poverty. They work to understand what causes poverty, the impact it has on children's lives, and how it can be prevented and solved for good. They also offer training and resources to help individuals access their entitlement to benefits.
Web: www.cpag.org.uk/
Fathers' Network Scotland
charity dedicated to improving children’s lives by supporting and encouraging the positive involvement of dads, father figures, and whole families. Their resource-rich directory and interactive map help families find dad-friendly services and support groups across Scotland. The organisation also offers training for professionals to better engage fathers, and provides practical advice and wellbeing resources for dads at all stages of parenting.
Web: www.fathersnetwork.org.uk/
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
Faifley Food Share
Faifley Foodshare offers free food for individuals and families in the Faifley area who may be struggling. They collect surplus food from supermarkets and donations, making it available to anyone who needs it, in a friendly and welcoming environment. It’s a place to get essential supplies and connect with your community. Check facebook page for opening hours.
Web: https://www.facebook.com/faifleyfoodshare/
NSPCC
Dedicated to keeping children and young people safe, the NSPCC website offers clear, supportive advice for children, parents, carers and professionals on staying safe, spotting concerns and getting help. It also provides access to free, confidential support services like Childline and the NSPCC Helpline, so no one has to face worries alone. You can also send an email or complete a 'report abuse online' form at any time for free via the website. You don’t have to say who you are.
Helpline number: 0808 800 5000 10am-4pm Monday - Friday
Web: https://www.nspcc.org.uk
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/
FASD Hub Scotland
The FASD Hub at Adoption UK supports families and professionals in Scotland living with or caring for someone with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). They offer an advice line, one-to-one support, online peer groups, training, and free resources to help understand and manage FASD at home, in school, and in the community.
Helpline number: 0300 666 0006 (option 2)
Web: https://www.adoptionuk.org/fasd-hub
Scotland's Children's Reporter Administration
Phone: 0131 244 8540
Web: https://www.scra.gov.uk/
The Anxious Child
The Anxious Child is a booklet guide for parents about supporting a child experiencing anxiety.
Credit; The Mental Health Foundation
Web: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/anxious-child
Coping with Self-Harm - a guide for parents and carers
A downloadable guide for parents and carers to help support young people who use self-harm as a coping strategy. This guide was developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping parents, carers, other family members and friends cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes
information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person when facing this problem and what help is available.
Web: https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/files/news/copy_of_coping-with-self-harm-brochure_final_copyright.pdf
Get Self Help
This website provides resources for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
CBT has been proven to help mental health problems. This website provides CBT self help and therapy resources, including worksheets and information sheets, plus videos and self help mp3s.
Web: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/
ADHD and You
ADHD and You is a resource hub for people living with ADHD, as well as their families and carers. It offers practical tips, expert advice, and downloadable tools to help manage ADHD at home, school, and work.
Web: https://www.adhdandyou.co.uk/
Tourette Scotland
Tourette Scotland is a charity providing support, advice and awareness for anyone living with Tourette's in Scotland and their families.
Web: https://www.tourettescotland.org/
Enquire
A free, independent resource for parents, carers, professionals, and young people across Scotland, offering confidential guidance on additional support for learning. Enquire provides a telephone helpline, email inquiries, and easy-to-read guides and factsheets. It also features a dedicated youth site, Reach, designed to help young people understand their rights and express their views.
Helpline number: 0345 123 2303
Web: https://enquire.org.uk/
Scottish Autism
Helpline number: 01259 222022
Phone: 01259 720044
Web: https://www.scottishautism.org/
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/
Forces Children's Education
This website includes clear and accurate information for education professionals and Armed Forces families in Scotland, with information and resources being added regularly.
Web: https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/
Pregnancy and parenthood while you are in school or education
Web: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2023/03/pregnancy-parenthood-school-education-leaflet/documents/pregnancy-parenthood-school-education/pregnancy-parenthood-school-education/govscot%3Adocument/pregnancy-parenthood-school-education.pdf
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
Be Internet Legends
Be Internet Legends is a free online safety and media-literacy programme aimed at 7–11-year-olds in UK schools. It teaches five key behaviours—Sharp, Alert, Secure, Kind, and Brave—through engaging activities like the Interland game, lesson plans, assemblies, and family resources to help children confidently and safely navigate the web . Includes a Be Internet Legends Curriculum for teachers to download lesson plans to deliver in class, including classroom activities.
Web: https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com/en_ie/
UK Safer Internet Centre
Helping children and young people stay safe online. Including guides and resources for a range of audiences
from parents, education, social work, healthcare, and more.
Helpline number: Professionals Online Safety Helpline 0344 381 4772
Web: https://saferinternet.org.uk/
Social Security Scotland
Social Security Scotland provides information on payments that support families, disabled people, carers, young people and those who need help with heating costs.
You will find information on the benefits they are delivering and how to find out more about eligibility.
Phone: 0800 182 2222
Web: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/
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/
SACRO
Phone: 0131 6247270
Web: https://www.sacro.org.uk/
Silvercloud
A website with courses you can do to improve your mental wellbeing. You can learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing. Courses are available for students (16yrs+), adults, and parents/carers.
It is free, use the code Scotland2020 and an email address to sign up.
Web: https://wellbeing.silvercloudhealth.com/onboard/nhsscotland/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? The CEOP are here to help and this website has advice for you. You can make a report directly to them if something has happened online which has made you feel unsafe, scared or worried. They take all reports seriously and will will do everything they can to keep you safe.
Web: https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/11_18/
Play Scotland
Web: https://www.playscotland.org/
Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People (EPIC)
EPIC is a research programme that takes an individualised ‘tool-kit’ approach to child development. It aims to facilitate optimal learning, behaviour, and wellbeing in children and young people.
The principles of EPIC apply to all children but are particularly relevant to children with ADHD, ASD, DCD/dyspraxia and those born prematurely.
Our resources can be used outwith taking part in an actual intervention. The booklets in the resources section can be used by parents and teachers to identify a child’s strengths and difficulties and help with understanding of them (‘Understanding’ booklets). The Strategy booklet can be used to practice strategies to optimise thinking skills, learning and well-being.
Web: https://www.ed.ac.uk/clinical-brain-sciences/research/epic-edinburgh-psychoeducation-intervention?
Get Safe Online
A website providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online. It includes advice on safeguarding children when they are online on many topics including gaming, cyberbullying and social media.
Web: https://www.getsafeonline.org/
Parentzone
Web: https://parentzone.org.uk/
Togetherness
Web: https://togetherness.co.uk/
Sleepio
Sleepio is a free, NHS-recommended digital treatment for insomnia and poor sleep for anyone aged 18+.
Sleepio delivers cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in 10 minute sessions over six weeks.
You can start today!
Web: https://sleepio.com/sleepio/nhs/391#1/1
Shameless Youths
Web: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/community/shameless-youths
Cerebral Palsy Scotland
Cerebral Palsy Scotland is a Glasgow-based charity supporting children, young people, and adults with cerebral palsy across Scotland. They offer access to specialist therapy, including the Bobath concept, and provide fully funded therapy sessions for children through the Better Start programme. The charity also hosts social events, provides mental health and wellbeing support, and maintains a comprehensive support directory to connect families with relevant services.
Phone: 01413525000
Web: https://cerebralpalsyscotland.org.uk/
Compass
Compass is for young people preparing for change, and for parents and carers of young people aged 14-26 who have additional support needs of any kind, including learning disabilities, physical or mental health difficulties, autism, complex or profound disabilities, and experience of care (either as a young carer or a care experienced young person). Compass helps you explore choices and make confident decisions about your future.
Compass also supports parents and carers of young people in Scotland who need help as they make the transition to young adult life.
There is also a version of Compass for professionals and practitioners who are supporting young people and their families through the transition to young adult life.
Web: https://compasslaunch.scot/?
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/
Shore by Shorespace
Aa safe, anonymous website where young people can get support if they’re worried about sexual thoughts or behaviour—whether it’s their own, someone else’s, online or offline. It offers reliable info about sex, the law, consent and managing emotions, plus confidential live chat (Mon-Thu, 5-8pm) and email support. Perfect if you need trusted advice but don’t want to go through friends or family.
Web: https://shorespace.org.uk/
Outside the Box
Outside the Box provides development support to groups and people across Scotland who want to make a difference in their communities.
They have loads of downloadable resources such as cost of living guides, info for LGBTIQ+ families, and human righths and equality.
Phone: 0141 419 0451
Web: https://otbds.org/
Supporting Scotland's Children: Core Knowledge and Values
An online resource from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) that sets out the core knowledge and values everyone working with babies, children, young people and families in Scotland should share. It covers children’s rights, wellbeing, safeguarding and partnership working, and reflects key policy frameworks such as GIRFEC, The Promise, and UNCRC incorporation. The resource is designed as a practical tool for induction, training and ongoing learning across all sectors.
Web: https://learn.sssc.uk.com/Supportingscotlandschildren/#/
WD Education - Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is West Dunbartonshire Council’s approach to making sure all children and young people get the right support to succeed and thrive in school and life. It aims to identify and meet individual needs early through universal and targeted support, involve children and families in planning, and coordinate help from education and other services so every child can reach their potential.
Web: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/additional-support-for-pupils/getting-it-right-for-every-child-girfec/
The Chat
Web: https://thechat.scot/
Voice Collective
Web: https://www.voicecollective.co.uk/
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/