Help for children and families

If you're planning to have a baby you could get a maternity grant from Sure Start to help towards costs. 

The Healthy Start Scheme offers help for milk and healthy foods for people with children under four or that are 10 or more weeks pregnant.

Growbaby at Riverside Church, Whitstable provides free baby and toddler equipment and clothes.

Canterbury Salvation Army offers a toddler bank providing good quality baby equipment, children’s clothes and toys for free. The bank is open in term time, Friday 10am to 12pm.

Whitstable Toys provide a free toy library and exchange group for children.

Canterbury and District Early Years Project has an 'already loved' shop, a food share and parental support.

You can see what help you can get towards childcare using GOV.UK's childcare calculator. 

Tax-Free childcare is a scheme where you can get up to £500 every three months for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare.

The Salvation Army has a toddler bank for kids from babies to teens, which has a drop-in cafe and emergency food supplies. 

Messy Church offers a free monthly family group that includes lunch. 

Family Fund offers support for essential items for families with disabled children.

You can get a benefits check and advice and support on family issues from Carers UK.

Kent Young Carers support children and young people in a range of areas.

Maya’s Community Support Centre Free Shop offers free clothes and toys. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 3pm.

Gingerbread is an advice line for single parents.