The winter months bring extra challenges with financial pressures, families all under one roof, and combined with the stress of coping with Covid-19 this year.

All of these issues can put increasing pressure on families, making it difficult to cope, which can cause mental health issues and other problems. We have compiled these sources of support and guidance to help Bracknell Forest families cope.

Bracknell Forest Children’s Social Care Team

Children’s Social Care Team aims to make sure that children and young people in Bracknell Forest achieve the best possible outcomes for their lives through education, advice and guidance and access to support. The following teams make up children's social care in Bracknell Forest: First Response Team, MASH Team, Children’s Specialist Support Team, Larchwood, Family Safeguarding Team, Life Chances, Family Placement, Leaving Care Team and Youth Offending Services.  To make an enquiry click here. 

Domestic Abuse

The current restrictions on our day-to-day living and additional stresses because of coronavirus will put pressure on lots of relationships and families. Domestic abuse is likely to get worse with coronavirus restrictions, and in these circumstances, some people might also experience abuse for the first time. Call 999 if you’re at immediate risk. Other support is offered by Berkshire Women’s Aid on 0118 950 4003, available 24 hours a day. You can also visit the Berkshire Women's Aid website. They support people of all genders.

Domestic Abuse- Plain Talking

Plain Talking is a free, confidential, one-to-one support service in Bracknell for men and women who recognise that their behaviour in their relationship is becoming, or has become, problematic and who need support to make positive, healthy and long-term change. Contact Plain Talking by emailing plain.talking@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or text your details to 0782 695 1498. You can also contact the national Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.

Family Support Advisers

Family support advisers (FSAs) are there to support you and your child to get the best from school. This includes support such as: offering one to one support, putting parents and carers in touch with support groups and providing access to parenting programmes. For a full list on what FSA’s can provide visit Bracknell Forest website or make an online enquiry by submitting this form.  

Family Information Services

The Family Information Service (FIS) provides a free and impartial information and signposting service. This relates to childcare and other services that support parents and carers of children and young people up to the age of 20 (25 with additional needs). We also work with organisations and professionals who support families.

Financial Support- Benefits

The Bracknell Forest welfare and housing team can help customers who are in need of other types of financial support such as housing benefit or help with council tax. Contact them by: You can contact our benefits team by: email: benefits@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or phone: 01344 352010

Financial Support- Buy with Confidence

Buy With Confidence is the only nationally available business approval scheme that’s 100% owned, controlled and operated by independent public sector bodies. Using a Buy with Confidence approved member is the best way to ensure a legal, honest and fair service if you need work doing around your home. Buy With Confidence

Financial Support- COVID Winter Grant Scheme

The government have a new package which offers help over winter. It is aimed at families with children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and are struggling to pay for food and heating. The package includes help towards food which is provided by Bracknell or Crowthorne Foodbank. The scheme can also provide support towards gas and electricity bills. Find out more

Financial Support- Test and Trace Support Payments

The government have a new package to support and enforce self-isolation. Visit the Test and Trace Support Payments page for information and how to claim.

NSPCC Support for Parents

Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. The NSPCC Support for Parents webpage provides parenting tips for all stages of your child’s life, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations.

Safeguarding- Children and Young People

Bracknell Forest MASH is the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns about children and young people living in Bracknell. The MASH brings together a team of professionals from a number of partner agencies to deal with all safeguarding concerns for a child or young persons. If you believe that urgent action is needed, in cases where there is a child protection concern, please contact the MASH directly on 01344 352005

Important Contact Details

In an emergency, or if you suspect you or someone else is in immediate danger, phone 999

For Deaf Access Text 999 or Emergency Minicom TextRelay on 18000 (You must be registered to use this service).

If you need advice on accessing health and care services, how to stay safe and well this winter, mental health, or dealing with loneliness and isolation, we have developed advice and information pages on all these topics.