We’ve put together list of useful links to websites and sources of information and support that might be useful for you. We’ve grouped them together to make them easier to search through, and created a specific category for organisations local to this area. Just click on the link below or scroll down to find something useful for you.
Child Protection
- Child Abduction Unit Find help to get your child back from abroad or arrange contact - NB This page is being rebuilt at present
- Child Protection – BaNES Numbers to call if you are concerned about a child: 01225 396312 or 01225 396313 (outside office hours call the Emergency Duty Team : 01454 615165)
- First Response Bristol Report concerns about a child to a social worker
- Gloucestershire County Council Child Protection Helpdesk: 01452 426565 Safeguarding Children Service (to log child welfare/ child protection concerns): 01452 58 3636
- North Somerset Child Protection Page 01275 888 808
- Reunite International Information about international child abduction
- South Gloucestershire Council Child Protection To report child abuse or for advice call : 01454 866000
- Wish for a brighter future Domestic abuse service in Bristol who support young people aged 11-17 and parents living in Bristol who are affected by parent abuse. The project aims to improve adolescent to parent relationships and to reduce aggressive and threatening behaviour.
Contact Centres
- Bath Child Contact Centre PO Box 5227, Frome BA11 9BX 07791 482030
- Bristol Child Contact Centre Ms Helen Gamsa, Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze, United Reform Church, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT 07511 290505 See also : http://www.bristolchildrenscontactservices.com/
- Cheltenham Child Contact Centre Tel : 01242 580812 Saturdays weekly 1pm to 3pm. Handovers on Saturday TBA
- Dursley and Cam Child Contact Centre 07824 872854 Every other Saturday 2pm to 4pm
- Gloucester Child Contact Centre The Co-ordinator, Gloucester Child Contact Centre, PO Box 286, Gloucester, GL1 3YH. 07522 541005.
- Hartcliffe & Withywood Contact Centre Kayleigh Stone, Tenants Centre, Gatehouse Way, Withywood, Bristol BS13 9AN 0117 9784401
- National Association of Child Contact Centres National Organisation. Find local contact centres. 0845 4500 280
- South Gloucestershire Child Contact Centre Contact Centre in Yate
Counselling or Support
- ACAD (Advice & Counselling on Alcohol & Drugs) Provides a range of services for people concerned about their own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use. 15-16, Park Row, Bristol BS1 5BN Tel: 0117 9293028.
- Alcoholics Anonymous AA is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. 0845 769 7555
- Bridge Foundation Bristol based : Counselling & Family Therapy (reduced rates for low income), Inner City Parents Project (Free)
- Bristol Drugs Project The principal activity of Bristol Drugs Project is to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm; our mission statement reflects our emphasis on changing behaviour. 0117 9876000.
- Counselling Directory Find a counsellor near you
- Freedom Programme Course for survivors of domestic abuse
- Next Link Voluntary organisation providing safe temporary supported housing to women & children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse within the home. Resettlement, outreach & crisis services. BaNES, S Glouc, Bristol.
- Off The Record Delivers free, confidential & easy to access counselling for young people aged 11-25 in the Bristol & S Glouc area. tel 0808 808 9120, email confidential@otrbristol.org.uk or Text 07896 880 011.
- Relate Counselling, support and information for all relationships
- Samaritans Someone to talk to about any issue that troubles you. Call 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Southside Family Project Support for families and victims of domestic abuse in BaNES
- Survive Domestic Violence Charity "Working towards freedom from domestic abuse"
- The Green House Free, confidential, specialist support & counselling to help women, men, young people & children with difficulties that can arise from sexual abuse, rape, or any kind of sexual trauma. 0117 935 1707.
- Toucan Play therapy and work with families
- Wish for a brighter future Domestic abuse service in Bristol who support young people aged 11-17 and parents living in Bristol who are affected by parent abuse. The project aims to improve adolescent to parent relationships and to reduce aggressive and threatening behaviour.
Domestic Abuse
- Bath & North East Somerset Domestic Violence & Abuse Page Contact details for domestic abuse support services in BaNES
- Bristol City Council – Domestic Abuse Page Links and contact details for domestic abuse organisations in Bristol
- Domestic Violence help in South Gloucestershire
- Freedom Programme Course for survivors of domestic abuse
- Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service
- Next Link Voluntary organisation providing safe temporary supported housing to women & children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse within the home. Resettlement, outreach & crisis services. BaNES, S Glouc, Bristol.
- North Somerset Domestic Abuse Support Info Contact details for domestic abuse support services in North Somerset
- Rights of Women Helping women through the law - advice and information and some legal guides
- Rights of Women – helping women through the law
- Southside Family Project Support for families and victims of domestic abuse in BaNES
- Survive Domestic Violence Charity "Working towards freedom from domestic abuse"
- Voices – A Bath-based charity founded by and for survivors of domestic abuse
- Wish for a brighter future Domestic abuse service in Bristol who support young people aged 11-17 and parents living in Bristol who are affected by parent abuse. The project aims to improve adolescent to parent relationships and to reduce aggressive and threatening behaviour.
Family Court Procedure
- CAFCASS CAFCASS stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. CAFCASS is independent of the court & social services, and its role is to assist the court by making recommendations about the welfare of children involved in court proceedings
- Coram Children's Legal Centre Free advice helpline, free factsheets, legal questions and answers section.
- Court Form & Leaflet Finder See in particular CB2 (Urgent & Without Notice Hearings), CB7 (Guide for Separated Parents: Children & the Family Courts), EX710 (Can I talk about my case outside court?), & EX711 (Can the media attend my case?)
- Family Procedure Rules The rules that apply to cases in the Family Court are published on the Justice website.
- Free Advice Clinic Free 30 minute advice appointments at Bristol Court (private law children only). Book first via Personal Support Unit.
- Full Fact – Guide to Family Court
- Justice The Ministry of Justice website, includes Legal Aid & Court Information and Family Court Rules
- LiP Service – sessions on court procedure run by students at Bristol Court
- Litigants in Person Guidance Guidance about the role of lawyers when working with litigants in person (for lawyers, litigants in person and represented parties). Produced by the Law Society, Bar Council & Institute of Chartered Legal Executives
- Resolution Guide to Good Practice for Family Lawyers on Working With Litigants in Person  Although this guide is written for lawyers, it is a useful summary of what you should expect when dealing directly with a solicitor acting for your ex partner (most family solicitors are members of Resolution).
- The Family Court Guide (Judiciary website) The Family Court Guide is a framework of good practice which sets out Presidential Guidance, the rules and Practice Directions of the court & associated web based resources for those using & working in the family justice system.
- The Transparency Project – charity which explains family law (does not provide legal advice)
- UWE Bristol Law Court Clinic
Family Law
- Advice Now Advice Now have lots of resources and links about family law and courts. Check out the 'Family & Personal' and 'Government, Law & Rights' categories.
- BAILII British and Irish Legal Information Institute - publishes judgments of Family Court for free.
- Bristol CAB Free family law email advice service run by students at the Bristol University of Law through the CAB
- Coram Children's Legal Centre Free advice helpline, free factsheets, legal questions and answers section.
- Family Law Week A website aimed at family lawyers but which has lots of useful information, including summaries of recent judgments and law.
- Family Procedure Rules The rules that apply to cases in the Family Court are published on the Justice website.
- Free Advice Clinic Free 30 minute advice appointments at Bristol Court (private law children only). Book first via Personal Support Unit.
- Jordans Publishing – Family Law site website of family law publishers, contains news and articles about recent cases and legal developments, and online bookshop
- Legislation.gov Freely available copies of statutes and statutory instruments - be sure to check carefully if the law you are looking at is the up to date version.
- Pink Tape A blog written by a family barrister from Bristol, Lucy Reed.
- Rights of Women Helping women through the law - advice and information and some legal guides
- Rights of Women – helping women through the law
- RightsInfo Human Rights info to share
- Suesspicious Minds A blog about family law written by a child protection solicitor.
- The Transparency Project – charity which explains family law (does not provide legal advice)
- UWE Bristol Law Court Clinic
General Info
- Advice North Somerset
- Advice West Find help and advice in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BaNES & North Somerset
- CAB Advice Guide Information from the Citizens' Advice Bureau
- CAFCASS CAFCASS stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. CAFCASS is independent of the court & social services, and its role is to assist the court by making recommendations about the welfare of children involved in court proceedings
- Child Abduction Unit Find help to get your child back from abroad or arrange contact - NB This page is being rebuilt at present
- Child Protection – BaNES Numbers to call if you are concerned about a child: 01225 396312 or 01225 396313 (outside office hours call the Emergency Duty Team : 01454 615165)
- Child Protection Resource A website which explains the child protection system
- Coram Children's Legal Centre Free advice helpline, free factsheets, legal questions and answers section.
- Court Form & Leaflet Finder See in particular CB2 (Urgent & Without Notice Hearings), CB7 (Guide for Separated Parents: Children & the Family Courts), EX710 (Can I talk about my case outside court?), & EX711 (Can the media attend my case?)
- Families Need Fathers Info advice and support to both parents to help them maintain their relationship with their children
- Family Law Bar Association
- Family Rights Group Advises families whose children are involved with or needs children's services because of welfare needs or concerns. They promote children staying safely within their families
- First Response Bristol Report concerns about a child to a social worker
- Full Fact – Guide to Family Court
- Gloucestershire County Council Child Protection Helpdesk: 01452 426565 Safeguarding Children Service (to log child welfare/ child protection concerns): 01452 58 3636
- Only Dads A national on-line support & signposting service for parents going through separation/divorce. 07786 877718 (also Only Mums)
- Only Mums A national on-line support & signposting service for parents going through separation/divorce. 07786 877718 (also Only Dads)
- Pink Tape A blog written by a family barrister from Bristol, Lucy Reed.
- Resolution An association of family lawyers (mainly solicitors). Search for a Resolution member or find information.
- Resolution Guide to Good Practice for Family Lawyers on Working With Litigants in Person  Although this guide is written for lawyers, it is a useful summary of what you should expect when dealing directly with a solicitor acting for your ex partner (most family solicitors are members of Resolution).
- Reunite International Information about international child abduction
- Rights of Women Helping women through the law - advice and information and some legal guides
- RightsInfo Human Rights info to share
- South Gloucestershire children and young people information service information, advice and guidance on a wide range of linked support services for children, young people, their families & carers in South Gloucestershire. 01454 868 008
- South Gloucestershire Council Child Protection To report child abuse or for advice call : 01454 866000
- Suesspicious Minds A blog about family law written by a child protection solicitor.
- Talking Tots Fun, interactive classes that help your child develop language skills (12 mths - 5 yrs)
Lawyers
- Bar Council Public Access Directory Find a Barrister to instruct directly, without a solicitor
- Bar Pro Bono Unit Barristers providing free advice and representation - you must get an organisation to refer you.
- Bristol CAB Free family law email advice service run by students at the Bristol University of Law through the CAB
- Chambers & Partners Bar 2015 A Guide to barristers in the UK, can be broken down by region and specialty
- Chambers & Partners Solicitors 2015 A Guide to solicitors in the UK, can be broken down by region and specialty
- Find a legal aid lawyer or family mediator
- Law Society – Find a Solicitor
- Legal Hub – Bar Directory Find a barrister or barristers' chambers
- Litigants in Person Guidance Guidance about the role of lawyers when working with litigants in person (for lawyers, litigants in person and represented parties). Produced by the Law Society, Bar Council & Institute of Chartered Legal Executives
- Public Law Project Exceptional Funding Project The Public Law Project assists people who wish to apply for exceptional legal aid funding. An advice line runs 10-11am on Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri : 0808 165 0170.
- Resolution An association of family lawyers (mainly solicitors). Search for a Resolution member or find information.
Legal Aid
- Check if you can get Legal Aid Justice website - legal aid eligibility checker
- Find a legal aid lawyer or family mediator
- Law Society – Find a Solicitor
- Legal aid for private family matters Justice website - sets out eligibility criteria and evidence requirements where there is domestic or child abuse
- Public Law Project Exceptional Funding Project The Public Law Project assists people who wish to apply for exceptional legal aid funding. An advice line runs 10-11am on Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri : 0808 165 0170.
- Rights of Women – helping women through the law
LiP Support
- Advice North Somerset
- Advice West Find help and advice in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BaNES & North Somerset
- Bar Council Public Access Directory Find a Barrister to instruct directly, without a solicitor
- Bar Pro Bono Unit Barristers providing free advice and representation - you must get an organisation to refer you.
- Bristol CAB Free family law email advice service run by students at the Bristol University of Law through the CAB
- Families Need Fathers Info advice and support to both parents to help them maintain their relationship with their children
- Free Advice Clinic Free 30 minute advice appointments at Bristol Court (private law children only). Book first via Personal Support Unit.
- Litigants in Person Guidance Guidance about the role of lawyers when working with litigants in person (for lawyers, litigants in person and represented parties). Produced by the Law Society, Bar Council & Institute of Chartered Legal Executives
- Multifaith Support Unit Run by volunteers at the court (Bristol) to give personal, emotional & faith / culture based support to those who seek it. Found at the quiet / prayer room on the 3rd floor of the court.
- Personal Support Unit Trained volunteers help people who are facing civil court proceedings without legal help. At Bristol Civil & Family Justice Centre, room G.28 on the ground floor.
- Public Law Project Exceptional Funding Project The Public Law Project assists people who wish to apply for exceptional legal aid funding. An advice line runs 10-11am on Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri : 0808 165 0170.
- UWE Bristol Law Court Clinic Legal assistance at court for those unrepresented. Provided by UWE Law School students on Friday mornings. Just turn up.
- UWE Bristol Law Court Clinic
Local Resources
- 1 Big Database a comprehensive directory of services, community and voluntary organisations, clubs and groups in Bath & North East Somerset (BaNES), Bristol & South Gloucestershire.
- ACAD (Advice & Counselling on Alcohol & Drugs) Provides a range of services for people concerned about their own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use. 15-16, Park Row, Bristol BS1 5BN Tel: 0117 9293028.
- Advice North Somerset
- Advice West Find help and advice in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BaNES & North Somerset
- Bath & North East Somerset Domestic Violence & Abuse Page Contact details for domestic abuse support services in BaNES
- Bath Child Contact Centre PO Box 5227, Frome BA11 9BX 07791 482030
- Bridge Foundation Bristol based : Counselling & Family Therapy (reduced rates for low income), Inner City Parents Project (Free)
- Bristol CAB Free family law email advice service run by students at the Bristol University of Law through the CAB
- Bristol Child Contact Centre Ms Helen Gamsa, Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze, United Reform Church, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT 07511 290505 See also : http://www.bristolchildrenscontactservices.com/
- Bristol City Council – Domestic Abuse Page Links and contact details for domestic abuse organisations in Bristol
- Bristol City Council – Places to Play Guide to places to play in Bristol and surrounds.
- Bristol Drugs Project The principal activity of Bristol Drugs Project is to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm; our mission statement reflects our emphasis on changing behaviour. 0117 9876000.
- Care & Parent Support Group (Gloucester) CPSG is a service for anyone concerned by another's misuse, or potential misuse, of drugs or alcohol. Based in Gloucester. 01242 222872
- Cheltenham Child Contact Centre Tel : 01242 580812 Saturdays weekly 1pm to 3pm. Handovers on Saturday TBA
- Child Protection – BaNES Numbers to call if you are concerned about a child: 01225 396312 or 01225 396313 (outside office hours call the Emergency Duty Team : 01454 615165)
- Domestic Violence help in South Gloucestershire
- Dursley and Cam Child Contact Centre 07824 872854 Every other Saturday 2pm to 4pm
- Early Years & Childcare Bristol Information on services locally for parents and carers of children
- First Response Bristol Report concerns about a child to a social worker
- Free Advice Clinic Free 30 minute advice appointments at Bristol Court (private law children only). Book first via Personal Support Unit.
- Gloucester Child Contact Centre The Co-ordinator, Gloucester Child Contact Centre, PO Box 286, Gloucester, GL1 3YH. 07522 541005.
- Gloucestershire County Council Child Protection Helpdesk: 01452 426565 Safeguarding Children Service (to log child welfare/ child protection concerns): 01452 58 3636
- Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service
- Gloucestershire Families Directory List of Gloucestershire resources
- Hartcliffe & Withywood Contact Centre Kayleigh Stone, Tenants Centre, Gatehouse Way, Withywood, Bristol BS13 9AN 0117 9784401
- Multifaith Support Unit Run by volunteers at the court (Bristol) to give personal, emotional & faith / culture based support to those who seek it. Found at the quiet / prayer room on the 3rd floor of the court.
- N Somerset CC N Somerset Council Family Page
- Next Link Voluntary organisation providing safe temporary supported housing to women & children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse within the home. Resettlement, outreach & crisis services. BaNES, S Glouc, Bristol.
- North Somerset Child Protection Page 01275 888 808
- North Somerset Domestic Abuse Support Info Contact details for domestic abuse support services in North Somerset
- Off The Record Delivers free, confidential & easy to access counselling for young people aged 11-25 in the Bristol & S Glouc area. tel 0808 808 9120, email confidential@otrbristol.org.uk or Text 07896 880 011.
- Personal Support Unit Trained volunteers help people who are facing civil court proceedings without legal help. At Bristol Civil & Family Justice Centre, room G.28 on the ground floor.
- Resound Parent Buddies Buddies are all parents & grandparents & provide short-term informal support, offering a listening ear & an opportunity to talk through an issue that is causing stress. Based in Mangotsfield. Contact Jan / Jayne 0117 305 0969.
- Single Parent Action Network Bristol based charity. Aims to engage & empower one-parent families living in poverty & isolation, to improve their lives & play a greater part in society. The Silai Centre, 176-178 Easton Rd, Bristol, BS5 0ES. Tel: 0117 9514231 / 0117 9550860
- South Gloucestershire Child Contact Centre Contact Centre in Yate
- South Gloucestershire children and young people information service information, advice and guidance on a wide range of linked support services for children, young people, their families & carers in South Gloucestershire. 01454 868 008
- South Gloucestershire Council Child Protection To report child abuse or for advice call : 01454 866000
- Southside Family Project Support for families and victims of domestic abuse in BaNES
- Supportive Parents A charity providing information, advice & support to parents, children & young people about any type of special educational need or disability from 0-25 years who live in Bristol, N. Somerset or S. Gloucestershire. 0117 9897725.
- The Green House Free, confidential, specialist support & counselling to help women, men, young people & children with difficulties that can arise from sexual abuse, rape, or any kind of sexual trauma. 0117 935 1707.
- Time2Share Time2Share is a local charity supporting disabled children, young people & their families. Supports families across the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset region. 0117 9415868
- Toucan Play therapy and work with families
- UWE Bristol Law Court Clinic Legal assistance at court for those unrepresented. Provided by UWE Law School students on Friday mornings. Just turn up.
- Wish for a brighter future Domestic abuse service in Bristol who support young people aged 11-17 and parents living in Bristol who are affected by parent abuse. The project aims to improve adolescent to parent relationships and to reduce aggressive and threatening behaviour.
Mediation and ADR
- Barrister Mediators Bar Council List of Barrister Mediators
- Family Mediation Council
- Find a legal aid lawyer or family mediator
- Institute of Family Law Arbitrators Find an Arbitrator
- National Family Mediation Umbrella organisation – find your nearest provider of mediation services. 0300 4000 636
- Resolution – Collaborative Law General information about collaborative law and link to all ‘PODS’ providing collaborative law services.
- Resolution Accredited Mediators
Support for parents
- 1 Big Database a comprehensive directory of services, community and voluntary organisations, clubs and groups in Bath & North East Somerset (BaNES), Bristol & South Gloucestershire.
- Bridge Foundation Bristol based : Counselling & Family Therapy (reduced rates for low income), Inner City Parents Project (Free)
- Buttle UK Charity providing small crisis grants to families in need
- Can Parent A network of organisations that provide universal parenting classes and advice that is proven to be effective.
- Care & Parent Support Group (Gloucester) CPSG is a service for anyone concerned by another's misuse, or potential misuse, of drugs or alcohol. Based in Gloucester. 01242 222872
- Early Years & Childcare Bristol Information on services locally for parents and carers of children
- N Somerset CC N Somerset Council Family Page
- Netmums Large online resource for parenting advice.
- Resound Parent Buddies Buddies are all parents & grandparents & provide short-term informal support, offering a listening ear & an opportunity to talk through an issue that is causing stress. Based in Mangotsfield. Contact Jan / Jayne 0117 305 0969.
- Single Parent Action Network Bristol based charity. Aims to engage & empower one-parent families living in poverty & isolation, to improve their lives & play a greater part in society. The Silai Centre, 176-178 Easton Rd, Bristol, BS5 0ES. Tel: 0117 9514231 / 0117 9550860
- South Gloucestershire children and young people information service information, advice and guidance on a wide range of linked support services for children, young people, their families & carers in South Gloucestershire. 01454 868 008
- Southside Family Project Support for families and victims of domestic abuse in BaNES
- Supportive Parents A charity providing information, advice & support to parents, children & young people about any type of special educational need or disability from 0-25 years who live in Bristol, N. Somerset or S. Gloucestershire. 0117 9897725.
- The National Parenting Initiative The vision of the NPI is that any parent in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales will be able to enter their postcode and find a parenting course near them.
- Time2Share Time2Share is a local charity supporting disabled children, young people & their families. Supports families across the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset region. 0117 9415868
- Toucan Play therapy and work with families