Family organisations, including Relate, Netmums and the Family Matters Institute have received Government funding to deliver national online and telephone support services, Children’s Minister Sarah Teather announced today. 

The Government is providing up to £11 million to eleven voluntary and community organisations to deliver the support. Specialist organisations including the Family Rights Group, Young Minds and Contact a Family are among those benefiting from the funding.

Families will benefit from a range of support including relationship advice , advice on education issues such as exclusions and information about benefits, and services tailored specifically for father provided by the Family Matters Institute's very own www.DadTalk.co.uk.

Families who need it can also get specialist support – such as parents of disabled children and those with special educational needs and parents whose children have mental health or behaviour problems.

Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said:

All parents need help and advice at some point to deal with the normal challenges of everyday family life. And some parents need more intensive support for the particular challenges they face. The organisations we are funding have a proven track record in supporting families and are trusted by parents. We know thousands of families want and use their services.

It’s the Government’s job to support mothers and fathers to be the best parents they can be, without interfering in family life. Online and telephone support will give them the help they need, when they need it, and in a way that works best for them.

Matt Buttery, chief executive of Family Matters Institute and co-founder of www.DadTalk.co.uk, said:

“Dads have a unique and enduring impact on the lives of their children.  We are pleased to receive Government support and recognition to continue to develop and expand a service providing high quality parenting advice and information in a dad focused format. 

At this time when families are most under pressure we are working with partners to offer dads free support and advice on antenatal issues, legal issues, debt, relationships, alcohol and paternity to name but a few.

This funding will do much to support the development of a new coaching service and enhancing our capacity to support the increasing numbers of fathers looking for high-quality trusted, help, information and advice - all available through any device connected to the net"

Notes:

Family Matters Institute operates the DadTalk.co.uk online advice and support service specifically for dads.

Further information can be found on the Department for Education website click here