We can help families facing various worries and struggles. Just call us on 01642 579120.

There are also a range of services available to support you, depending on what you need help with.

You might be able to increase your income by claiming benefits or tax credits. What you can get will depend on your circumstances.

If you’re struggling to make sense of all the information out there, the unclaimed benefit campaign can help you work out what benefits you’re entitled to. You can call 01642 802303 to make an appointment.

You can also get advice from Citizens Advice, either at the Citizens Advice office on Linthorpe Road, at one of our Community Hubs, or by phone. They can help with a wide range of debt issues including Council Tax, rent, credit cards, loans, and more. You can find out more on the Middlesbrough Citizens Advice website.

The Money Helper website provides free and impartial financial advice and support. From how to budget for a new addition to childcare costs and returning to work, it’s all covered in one place.

If you’re worried about the safety or welfare of a child or family, call the Multi-Agency Children’s Hub (MACH) on 01642 726004.

The line is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5:15pm, and Friday, 8:30am to 4:45pm.

Outside of these hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 01642 524 552.

You can also report child abuse to the NSPCC.

If you’re struggling with money or debt, there are lots of places you can turn.

Middlesbrough Citizens Advice – in person, by phone, or by email
Citizens Advice (national) – online chat or by phone
Cleveland Housing Advice Centre – in person or by phone
Debt Advice Foundation – phone
National Debtline – online chat or by phone
StepChange Debt Charity – online or by phone

Find out more about getting help with money and debt.

If you need help with domestic abuse, Accessing Change Together (ACT) Middlesbrough can help.

If you need help urgently, call 01642 726800. You can also phone if you do not have an email address.

If you need help but it’s not urgent, email accessingchangetogether@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

If you need help with domestic abuse in the evening or at the weekend, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. It’s free, confidential, and open 24 hours a day.

If you’re in danger, call 999. If you’re not able to speak, press 55 when you’re prompted to.

You can also get lots of helpful information about domestic abuse on the Middlesbrough Council website.

If you need help with drugs and alcohol, Accessing Change Together (ACT) Middlesbrough can help.

If you need help but it’s not urgent, email accessingchangetogether@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

If you need help urgently, call 01642 726800. You can also phone if you do not have an email address.

You can also visit the alcohol and drugs support hub for self-help guidance. The website includes exercises which will help you look at your current use of alcohol and drugs, and the changes you could make.

Raising children can be expensive, but there’s lots of financial support available for families.

Click the links below to find out what’s available to you and your children – you might be eligible for more than you think.

If you’re struggling to make sense of it all, check the ‘benefits and money advice’ tab above to find out where you can get help.

Carers Allowance

You could get up to £81.90 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours per week. Visit the government website to see if you are eligible.

Find out more about Carer’s Allowance.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is paid to families who have children under 16, or under 20 if they are in full time education or training. You’ll get £25.60 per week for the eldest child in the household, and £16.95 per week for any younger children.

Find out more about Child Benefit.

Childcare Support

The government can help you with the cost of childcare. If you claim certain benefits, you may be eligible for free education and childcare for under 2s through a separate scheme.

Find out more about help with paying for childcare.

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance can help to pay for extra costs of looking after a child who has a disability or additional needs.

Find out more about Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition, and have difficulty doing everyday tasks because of your disability.

Find out more about PIP.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be eligible if you’re on a low income, out of work, or you cannot work.

Find out more about Universal Credit.

If you need further financial support or assistance, please contact fiona_green@middlesbrough.gov.uk or nicola_wilson@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

If you need help with housing or you’re at risk of becoming homeless, Accessing Change Together (ACT) Middlesbrough can help.

If you need help but it’s not urgent, email accessingchangetogether@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

If you need help urgently, call 01642 726800. You can also phone if you do not have an email address.

You can also get lots of helpful information about homelessness on the Middlesbrough Council website.

If you need urgent mental health help, call 111 and choose option 2 for mental health support.

If it’s an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

If you need to talk to someone you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, or text ‘Shout’ to 85258. If you’re under 25, you can text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258.

If you’d like help with your mental health but you’re not currently in crisis, speak to your GP. They can help you work out what kind of support you need, and introduce you to the right mental health service.

There are also services which specifically offer support during pregnancy and support after birth.

Quitting smoking isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the biggest things you can do to improve your health.

People who get support from their local stop smoking service find it easier to stop, and are four times more likely to stay smokefree.

Call 01642 727579 or email stopsmoking@middlesbrough.gov.uk to start your smokefree journey with Stop Smoking South Tees today.

Visit the Stop Smoking South Tees website to find out more.