An unexpected pregnancy can be hard to face alone. 

Family and friends to encourage can make a huge difference. Who else can you bring in to help? Often she may just want to talk through with you her own networks of support.

You could ask if she has heard of a helpful organisation and encourage her to make contact. Be realistic with her; we can’t promise what is available for her personally. However, she might be surprised by what help is out there. 

We are here to talk and help signpost to a local church or project.

Here are some helpful organisations and links if you want to research online with her. (See also our other FAQ on practical help.)

Has she heard of any local projects?

Nationally some churches run practical projects, for example:

Baby items – Our locations | Baby Basics and Growkids 

Foodbanks – Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust

Money advice – CAP UK | Get help near you Christians Against Poverty 

Parenting – Babies Matter - Building a strong foundation for families

Supported housing – Lifehouses | The Salvation Army help vulnerable women. Hope into Action might have a mother and baby placement. For emergency housing see below.

Other helpful organisations/links:

Benefits/work advice – gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights, Maternity Action, pregnantthenscrewed.com

General advice – Contact us - Citizens Advice. Includes assistance with applications.

Health issues (baby) everylifecounts.ie is a support network for parents whose child has a diagnosis that means they may not live long after birth – 24hour helpline (01) 879 2382 

Housing –  Help from your council if you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness - GOV.UK  She should be considered a priority need for emergency housing if she is pregnant. 

In an emergency Find your closest housing adviser - Shelter England  

Some organisations have non-emergency housing: Pregnant & nowhere to live? - Life

Legal advice – gov.uk/civil-legal-advice, University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic

Single parents – Helpline | Gingerbread 0808 802 0925

Students – pregnantatuni.co.uk, Alma Mater Fund: facebook.com/almamaterfund instagram.com/almamaterfund/ Call, Text or WhatsApp: 07849 088 244