Parenting a child with a disability or additional needs can often be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences.
Navigating the often complex public services put in place to help your child can be confusing and stressful, but there are a number of organisations that can help you with direct information, advice and support.
Where to go for advice and support
Autism East Midlands is the largest specialist autism charity in the east midlands providing direct advice and support services to parent carers. They host a free national helpline which is open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.00pm
Tel: 0808 808 3555
Email: enquiries@autismeastmidlands.org.uk
Website: www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk
APTCOO (A Place To Call Our Own) Mansfield based organisation offering support and activities to families.
Tel: 01623 629 902
Email: enquiries@aptcoo.org
Website: www.aptcoo.co.uk
Ask Us Nottinghamshire is an independent Information, Advice and Support (IAS) service who provide dedicated and impartial advice to young people and parent carers.
Tel: 0800 121 7772
Website: www.askus.notts.org.uk
Independent Parent Special Education Advice (IPSEA) IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help parents get the right education for children and young people with SEND.
Tel: 01799 582 030
Email: office@ipsea.net
Website: www.ipsea.org.uk
Family Fund Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for disabled children and their families. Last year they provided financial support to over 70,000 families.
Tel: 01904 550 055
Website: www.familyfund.org.uk
Special Needs Jungle provides parent-centred information, news and resources about SEND.
Website: www.specialneedsjungle.com
Sunshine Support provide independent information, advice and support to parents/carers and professionals of children and young people with special educational needs.
Website: www.sunshine-support.org
Nottinghamshire County Council SEND Local Offer provides information around education, health & social care, preparation for adulthood, getting around, things to do and short breaks.
Tel: 0300 500 8080
Email: local.offer@nottscc.gov.uk
Website: nottshelpyourself.org.uk
Cerebral Palsy Guidance is a website dedicated to the key information and facts you need to know, as well as advice on therapies.
Website: www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/
