Supporting parents’ mental and financial wellbeing

Sarah Woolley

Monday, March 30th, 2026

March 2026 PayPlan Blog #2

Antony Price Partnership Manager

Following Parents’ Mental Health Day at the end of January, it’s a timely reminder that while becoming a parent can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, it can also bring significant pressure, worry and emotional strain.

For many parents, financial stress plays a major role in that experience – from the cost of childcare to the responsibility of providing stability and security for another person. If this resonates, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and that support is available.

Mental health support for parents

Parents carry an enormous mental and emotional load, often quietly.

Our trusted partner charities offer confidential, specialist support:

  • MIND: Provides information, advice and emotional support for a wide range of mental health challenges, including postnatal depression.
  • Hub of Hope: Helps you find mental health services, support groups and charities available in your local area through its search directory.
  • PANDAS: The UK’s leading charity supporting people affected by prenatal and postnatal mental health conditions, offering free helplines, call-back services, online resources and local support.

Financial support for parents

We recognise that financial wellbeing and mental wellbeing are closely linked – particularly for parents who are focused on meeting their child’s needs and planning or the future.

There are a range of services and entitlements available to help ease financial pressure:

  • Through BudgetSmart, you can explore support to reduce childcare costs, including tax-free childcare, Universal Credit and access to free childcare hours.
  • Sure Start Maternity Grant[1] – a one-off £500 payment designed to help with the initial costs of having a child.
  • Child Benefit[2] – regular payments to support the cost of raising a child, typically paid every four weeks. You can usually claim once a birth is registered or when a child starts living with you.

We’re here to help

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/bfawu to speak to us via live chat or more information

[1] Sure Start Maternity Grant: Overview – GOV.UK

[2] Child Benefit: How it works – GOV.UK