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Care Leavers who are parents

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Becoming a parent is a life-changing and exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. We want our Care Leavers to know they are not alone when they become parents. As part of our Care Leavers Local Offer, we’re here to support you and your little one(s) every step of the way.

To access our offer, please contact the Leaving Care Team. If you have an assigned Personal Advisor, they will be your first point of contact and can support you directly.

We’re here to help make this journey a little easier and ensure you feel supported both as a parent and a Care Leaver.

Our offer

This offer is available to Care Leavers who are mothers or fathers. We can provide support during pregnancy, after birth and as your little one grows.

We can provide Care Leavers with a pack of baby essentials to help get started. The pack includes items such as a baby grow, bib, bottle, dummy, and more.

To get a baby starter kit, please contact your Personal Advisor or the Leaving Care Team.

We host drop-in sessions for Care Leavers who are parents. They take place at the Care Leavers Hub at Chauffeur’s Cottage. It is a relaxed space where you can enjoy a cuppa and:

  • Chat with professionals from our Family Hubs team, health visitors, and others
  • Receive support and advice around feeding your baby and early parenting
  • Meet other Care Leavers who are parents

You’re welcome to bring your little one(s) along to the session. We have a private area available which you can use if you would like to feed your baby.

Please contact your Personal Advisor or the Leaving Care Team for information about the drop-in sessions.

During your visit to the Care Leavers Hub (see dropdown box above), you can collect items such as nappies, wipes, baby formula and other essential items.

Please contact your Personal Advisor or the Leaving Care Team if you need more information.

Subject to availability and need, we may be able to provide buggies, baby mats, cots and toys to Care Leavers who are parents.

Please contact your Personal Advisor or the Leaving Care Team for details.

If you'd like to discuss your support further, please speak to your Personal Advisor or contact our Leaving Care Team:

NHS health entitlements during pregnancy

If you're pregnant, you're entitled to free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment. This continues for 12 months after your baby is born. To access this, you need a Maternity Exemption Certificate. Your GP, midwife or health visitor can apply for this on your behalf.

Visit the pregnancy health advice pages on the NHS website.

Support from other organisations

We also signpost to the National Childcare Trust (NCT) Birth, Feeding and You Programme. This is a national initiative offering free, friendly and non-judgemental peer support around breastfeeding, bottle feeding and introducing solids.

You can email the NCT for support at peersupport.peterborough@nct.org.uk.

Find local drop-ins across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

You can also find the NCT Birth, Feeding and You Programme on social media:

Families First is a friendly local team offering free help to children, young people and families.

If you're a Care Leaver and a parent, they can support you with things such as:

  • Parenting advice
  • Home visits
  • Cooking on a budget
  • Positive activities
  • Help with food parcels and baby items

Find contact details for Families First on our Peterborough Information Network Directory.

You could get a one-off payment from the Government of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as a Sure Start Maternity Grant.

You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within six months after the baby’s birth.

You do not have to pay the grant back and it will not affect your other benefits.

Visit the Sure Start Maternity Grant page on the GOV.UK website.

Last updated: 15 April 2026
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