Find local services and information to support you and your family
Find registered childcare in N Ireland and useful information including financial support
Training and support for childcare providers
Working Parents - Financial Assistance with Childcare Costs
Many working parents are not claiming government financial assistance with childcare costs e.g. Tax Free Childcare, Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit which will support them to remain in work. Most working families are eligible ...
Last Update: 23/04/2025
Consultation on Key Childcare Issues
The Department of Health has launched a public consultation asking for a wide range of views on two key childcare issues.
Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS)
The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) will continue into 2025/26. The NICSS subsidy cap, which is the maximum amount that can be claimed per child, has also been increased to reflect the anticipated rise in childcare fees from April 2025 while the administrative payment paid to providers delivering the scheme has also been raised.
Healthy Start Scheme
The Healthy Start Scheme enables eligible pregnant women and families with children under the age of four who meet the qualifying criteria to claim pre-loaded Healthy Start cards that can be used to purchase milk, fruit and vegetables or infant formula milk. In addition to the pre-paid card, those entitled to the Scheme may also avail of free vitamins.
Help Us Keep Information Up-to-Date and Useful on Family Support NI
We need your help ! We are presently auditing content within our Family Support Directory of Services to ensure information remains useful and up-to date on Family Support NI Please take a few minutes to respond to our email
Cancer Support Services
Family Support NI with the Department of Health and Cancer Charities Coalition hosts information about services available for people living with cancer, their families, and carers.
Worried about the welfare of a child?
If you are worried about the welfare of a child
or young person not already known to social services,
please contact your gateway team in your local Health and Social Care Trust.
Are YOU worried or in despair?
Please call lifeline. Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair.
Child sexual exploitation in N Ireland
If you're concerned about child sexual exploitation or want more information, you can contact a 24-hour
helpline to get confidential advice and support:
Telephone number: 0800 389 1701
Visit NIDirect for more: Child sexual exploitation – protecting children and young people
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All organisations on this website have declared to the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) that they have clear policy and procedures for safeguarding children.
