Help for children and families

Find support for children and family costs.

There are a few children's centres in the district. You can find your nearest children's centre on Kent County Council's website.

Organisations that can help you

Babies and toddlers

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

GROWBABY give support and have pre-loved items for babies and toddlers.

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.

All ages

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.