The document below gives useful information on local services and resources which may be of interest to you and your family. A variety of areas are covered including education & learning, elderly & carers, environment & recycling, money matters, health issues, job & career advice, house & home, literacy & numeracy, physical disabilities & special needs, parenting support and much more!

Please click: Local Services Document for more information

If you are a lone parent and work for at least 16 hours a week, or you are a couple where you each work at least 16 hours a week, you may be eligible for Childcare Tax Credits to help you pay your childcare costs. This would pay a percentage of your costs at a nursery, pre-school. before or after school club, holiday scheme or with a childminder . The income threshold for the tax credits is high and it is worth ringing the Inland Revenue 0845 300 3900 and asking for a calculation on how much you could receive. The Children's Information Service 0800 3289148 can provide you with details of childcare available in your area.

To find out roughly the amount of tax credits you might be entitled to, use the tax credit caculator on www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/calculator.htm or contact your local Council.

The Family Information Service can provide a great deal of useful information for parents with children from birth up to 19 years old. Whether you are new to the area and need help finding suitable childcare and leisure activities, or whether you have a query about support for children with special needs, they will be able to help you. They will also offer advice on tax credits - more people qualify for this benefit than families realise!

The Family Information Service can be contacted on FREEPHONE number 0800 328 9148.

Their website contains some useful information, but it is best to ring as not all their contacts and activities are available online.