Pregnancy and parenting

We want to be there for you, should you need us, to ensure you have the best start to pregnancy and parenting.

Our Better Start Children’s Centres aim to provide the best support for you as a parent, and for your child. We offer a range of services for children aged 0 to 4 years old. For more information find your nearest Better Start Children’s Centre.

The Better Start Team also have outreach services to help you access support easily, and parent champion volunteers who can connect you with other new parents. 

Our Parenting Support Service offers parenting courses, both online and face-to-face. These courses include:

• Baby Steps for mums to be, who are 26 to 32 weeks pregnant. Visit Baby Steps or email babysteps@gstt.nhs.uk.
• Together Time for parents of babies aged 3 to 8 months. Baby led play sessions are held in Lambeth children’s centres to help build your confidence as a parent. Visit Together Time or email pairs_lambeth@slam.nhs.uk.
• Circle of Security Parenting, an 8-week course for parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years, designed to equip you with relationship tools that help you feel more confident as a parent. Visit Circle of Security Parenting.

Your personal advisor (PA) will also be able to connect you to these services.

Financial help

If you are moving into your first home with your child (or are 6+ months pregnant), in addition to your setting up home allowance, you will get an extra payment to help you buy furniture for your child.