If you are expecting a baby, you can receive free maternity care and post-natal support and checks on the NHS.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant, book an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will refer you to Camden midwifery services to help you throughout your pregnancy.
If you have a child under age 5, email Camden Health Visiting Service at camden.dutyhv@nhs.net or call 020 3317 3032. Health visitors provide information and support to all families with children under 5. They can help with common issues such as feeding, sleep problems or minor illnesses, as well as checking your child’s development or advising on nursery places. Health visitors can also provide help and support with any aspect of being a parent, such as your emotional or social wellbeing, including mental health.
You can also ask your doctor or local children’s centre to refer you to health visiting services. To find out how to register with a doctor, visit the help with your health page.
Babies and young children have access to free immunisation. Ask your doctor to make you an appointment or find more on about immunisations here.
Children’s centres are for families with children aged 0-5 and for those expecting a baby. They run a range of services, many of which are free, and are a great way to meet other families with children to get help and support in one place.
If you are experiencing hardship and need clothes or items for your baby or young child under 5 years old, you can ask your support worker, midwife, health visitor, doctor, school or local Children’s Centre for a Little Village referral. Find out more on the Little Village Website
Find more information on our children's centre services webpages
Childcare for children
Camden has a range of childcare available, including childminders, nurseries and school holiday play schemes.
Children aged 0-4 years old
Camden offers free early education and childcare places for eligible 2 year-olds for up to 15 hours per week during term time. All 3 and 4 year-old children in Camden are also entitled to free early education and childcare places for 15 hours per week during term time. This starts from the term after their third birthday.
Find out more information about childcare and childcare funding here.
Children aged 5-12 years old
Camden also has a wide range of after school clubs and holiday playschemes for children aged 5-12. Find more information on our afterschool clubs and holiday playschemes webpage or ask at your child’s school.
Family support for all families with children
Camden Family Early Help is a free support service for families with children aged 0 to 19. They offer practical and emotional support with a range of life challenges, working with you and your family to help make changes, solve problems or get through a difficult time. Visit our webpage or call 020 7974 3317 9am to 5pm and ask for an ‘early help coordinator’.