A
ADHD
- Website: ADDISS (Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service)
- Website: ADHD foundation
- Website: The Hyperactive Children's Support Group
Advice and support
National:
Action For Children
Action for Children protect and support children and young people, provide practical and emotional care and support, ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting improvements to their lives.
- Website: Action For Children
Aspire
Website: Aspire Living
Changing our Lives
Changing Our Lives is a rights-based organisation. We work alongside disabled people and people experiencing mental health difficulties, of all ages, to find solutions to social injustice and health inequality.
- Website: Changing our Lives
Contact
We are Contact, the charity for families with disabled children. We support families with the best possible guidance and information. We bring families together to support each other. And we help families to campaign, volunteer and fundraise to improve life for themselves and others.
- Website: Contact
Dimensions
We support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
- Website: Dimensions
Disability Rights UK
We are disabled people leading change, working for equal participation for all. With a focus on independent living and career opportunities.
- Website: Disability Rights UK
Family Fund
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
- Website: Family Fund
Homestart
Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. Home-start works with families in communities right across the UK.
- Website: Homestart
Include Me Too
We provide a range of support including peer support, befriending services, activities and holiday clubs for disabled children, outreach and information and advice to families.
- Website: Include Me Too
In Control
We are a national charity working for an inclusive society where everyone has the support they need to live a good life and make a valued contribution.
- Website: In Control
Information, Advice and Support Services Network (IASSN)
We do not provide direct advice or support to children, young people and parents. However, we can help you find your local IAS service or you can have look at our resources section for other sources of support.
IPSEA
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691) operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.
- Website: IPSEA
Kids
Providing a wide range of support services to disabled children, young people and their families. We support children with any disability from birth to 25 years of age. We offer our support to the whole family with the aim of giving disabled children a brighter future.
- Website: Kids
Learning Disabilities
We look at how to change things that are not going well for people with learning disabilities and suggest ways to make them better.
- Website: Learning Disabilities
Scope
We're Scope, the disability equality charity in England and Wales. We provide practical information and emotional support when it's most needed and campaign relentlessly to create a fairer society.
- Website: Scope
Scope Online Community
Our online disability forum is a vibrant and supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information, and talk to people with similar experiences.
- Website: Scope Online Community
Skybadger
Sky Badger is a charity that finds help and adventure for disabled children and their families all over the UK. We do this by building bridges between disabled children and the charities and services available to help. We find everything from disabled sports clubs to sibling groups to ‘make a wish’ charities and tell families about them through our website, social media platforms, videos, information packs and helpdesk.
- Website: Skybadger
SOS SEN
We offer a free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
- Website: SOS SEN
Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN)
Supporting families affected by a syndrome without a name.
- Website: Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN)
Together For Short Lives
A charity for seriously ill children and their families. We offer confidential emotional support and information on a range of issues and provide easily digestible information about available support so families can spend less time searching for help and have more time together. And we connect families with support services and other families who understand what they are going through, so they don’t feel as alone.
- Website: Together For Short Lives
Wellchild
Providing practical and emotional support to seriously ill children, young people and their families, enabling them to leave hospital quicker and live life in their own homes.
- Website: Wellchild
Local:
Disability Information Advice Line (DIAL) Worcestershire
DIAL South Worcestershire is an independent, free, impartial and confidential information, advice and welfare benefit service for disabled people, their families, carers, friends and relevant professionals.
Echo Herefordshire
ECHO is proud to be a leading provider of services for people with disabilities living in Herefordshire. Day opportunities, leisure and social
- Website: Echo Herefordshire
Hansel and Gretel
The Hansel and Gretel Support Group is a registered charity providing mutual support and friendship to disabled and special needs children and their families in the Wyre Forest area of Worcestershire (Kidderminster, Bewdley, Stourport and surrounding communities). We provide the opportunity for families to meet together and share ideas and experiences, build friendships and overcome isolation.
- Website: Hansel and Gretel
Hereford Disability United
Herefordshire Disability United (HDU) is run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. It's committee come from a broad variety of backgrounds with a wide range of experiences and skills, intent on improving life within the county. Herefordshire Disability United is a voice for disabled people.
Malvern special families
Providing safe and fun social opportunities for children and young people with disabilities.
- Website: Malvern special families
Onside Advocacy
A charity working across Worcestershire and Herefordshire providing a range of support and services for adults who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or discriminated against.
- Website: Onside Advocacy
Parents Voice
Parents’ Voice is a group of parents who want to keep parents in Worcestershire informed, up to date and to be their voice. We want to share information to help parents be parents, whatever the age of their children.
- Website: Parents Voice
SpeakEasy NOW
SpeakEasy NOW is a self-advocacy charity run by people with learning disabilities for people with learning disabilities, across Worcestershire. Self-advocacy means speaking up about things that are important. They help other people with learning disabilities to speak up too.
- Website: SpeakEasy NOW
What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful
What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful is a special needs support network that provides a support service for families with special needs.
Additional Needs stay and play group, Worcester
Buttercup children's centre Fridays 10-11am term time
DANG- Droitwich additional needs
Wands children's centre, 2nd Thursday of every month 9-11am
PANS- Pershore Additional Needs
Blossom Vale children's centre, 2nd Friday of every month 9.30-11.30
SEN PEEP playgroup- Thursdays 1-2pm term time
SANS- sunshine additional needs, Malvern
Sunshine children's centre 1st Tuesday of every month 12.30- 1.30pm
Arthritis
- Website: Children’s Chronic ;Arthritis Association
Asthma
- Website: National Asthma Campaign
Autistic Spectrum Conditions
National
Ambitious about Autism
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism. We provide services, raise awareness and understanding, and campaign for change.
- Website: Ambitious about Autism
Asperger Foundation UK (ASF)
The Asperger's Syndrome Foundation is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of Asperger's Syndrome. The Foundation aims to promote high quality support and services
- Website: Asperger Foundation UK (ASF)
Autism Awareness
Autism Awareness is a global community interested in learning and understanding more about autism.
- Website: Autism Awareness
Autism Education Trust
The AET is a not for profit programme led by two national autism charities – the National Autistic Society and Ambitious about Autism. Established and supported by the Department for Education, the AET promotes and supports partnerships throughout the education system to improve educational access, experience and outcomes for children and young people with autism.
- Website: Autism Education Trust
Autism links
There’s lots of support and advice out there to help you make sense of the world of autism. Charities, support groups, and specialist service providers, are all ready to share advice and experience whenever you need it. Autismlinks is dedicated to making those helpful and sometimes vital links, it covers who to talk to, where to go and contains lots of helpful advice all in one place.
- Website: Autism links
Autism Spectrum Database-UK (ASD-UK)
Autism Spectrum Database UK (ASD-UK) powers autism research in the UK. All families of children on the autism spectrum can join the national database to take part in research.
- Website: Autism Spectrum Database-UK (ASD-UK)
Autistica
An autism research charity funding and promoting groundbreaking medical research, improving understanding of autism and advancing new therapies and interventions
- Website: Autistica
Caudwell Children's Autism Service
The Caudwell International Children's Centre is dedicated to multidisciplinary autism diagnosis, support and research.
- Website: Caudwell Children's Autism Service
- Website: Options
Research Autism
This website is aimed at anyone with an interest in autism. This includes people on the autism spectrum, parents and carers, service providers and policy makers. This website provides up-to-date, scientifically reliable information about autism. It provides information about some of the issues, problems and challenges facing individuals on the autism spectrum. It also provides information about a wide range of treatments, therapies and services used to help them.
- Website: Research Autism
The National Autistic Society
NAS provide specialist help, information and care for children, adults and families with autism.
- Website: The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society Parent To Parent Support Service
Our volunteers have personal experience of autism and the impact it has on their own families. They can give other parents the opportunity to talk through problems and feelings.
United Response Autism support
United Response support many people who are on the autistic spectrum.
- Website: United Response Autism support
Local
ASPIE
ASPIE is a social self-help and motivation group for adults and young people with Asperger’s Syndrome (Aspies). We provide a centre in Worcester where Aspies feel welcome and accepted.
- Website: ASPIE
Autism West Midlands
We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for autistic people. We use our passion and expertise to enrich the lives of people on the autism spectrum and those who love and care for them.
- Website: Autism West Midlands
National Autistic Society - Hereford
The Herefordshire Branch of the National Autistic Society hopes to provide support to individuals of all ages with autism, their immediate families and carers, and to help campaign for better local services for those living with autism in Herefordshire.
- Website: National Autistic Society - Hereford
Spectrum Project Your Ideas
The Spectrum Project offers support for children and young adults with high functioning Autism. We run three weekly social clubs: Spectrum Yellow ages 5-9, Spectrum Orange 10-13, Spectrum Red 14-21+
- Website: Spectrum Project Your Ideas
B
Behaviour
- Website: Challenging Behaviour Foundation
- Contact a Family ‘Understanding your child’s behaviour’ pdf
Family Lives
People contact us about all aspects of family life that include all stages of a child’s development, issues with schools and parenting/relationship support. We also respond when life becomes more complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the home, bullying, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns of both parents and their children.
- Website: Family Lives
Bereavement Counselling
National
- Website: Cruse
- Website: Winston's Wish
Local
- Website: Footprints Support for Bereaved Children and their Families in Worcestershire
- Website: Primrose Hospice Children and Young People's Support
Phoenix Bereavement
Phoenix Bereavement Support Services is unique in Herefordshire and is one of very few specialist bereavement support services across the country.
- Website: Phoenix Bereavement
Hope Support
Supports children and young people when someone they love is seriously ill.
- Website: Hope Support
Brain Conditions
- Website: Brain Injury Hub
- Website: Child Brain Injury Trust
- Website: Headway
Bladder and Bowel problems
- Website: Bowel & Bladder Charity
Brittle Bones
- Website: Brittle Bones
Bullying
- Website: Anti Bullying Alliance
- Website: Bullying UK
- Website: Child Line
- PDF: Contact a Family – A guide to dealing with bullying: for parents of disabled children
- Website: Council for Disabled Children
C
Carers
National
- Website: Carers UK
- Website: Grand Parents Plus
Local
- Website: Worcestershire Association of Carers
- Website: Worcestershire Parent & Carers’ Community (WPCC)
Carers Trust for all
CarerLinks offers emotional and practical support to unpaid carers, helping them to protect their health and wellbeing and cope with their caring role.
- Website: Carers Trust for all
Cleft Lip & Palate
- Website: Clapa
Communication
Afasic
Afasic is a parent-led organisation to help children and young people with speech and language impairments and their families. We provide information and training for parents – and professionals – and produce a range of publications. Members meet in local groups in many areas of the UK.
- Website: Afasic
Communication Matters
Communication matters is a UK wide organisation that supports people of all ages who find it hard to communicate because they have little or no clear speech.
- Website: Communication Matters
I Can
We want a world where all children have the communication skills they need to fulfil their potential.
- Website: I Can
- Website: Makaton Language Programme for Hard to Talk
- Website: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Cystic Fibrosis
- Website: Cystic Fibrosis Trust
D
Diabetes
- Website: Diabetes UK
Disabilities
National
- Website: Caudwell Children
- Website: Children Today
- Website: Family Fund
- Website: Fledglings (equipment shop)
- Website: New Life Charity
- Website: PMLD Network
- Website: Scope
- Website: Steps Association for Children with Lower Limb Abnormalities
Local
- Website: Disability Support Project
Down’s Syndrome
- Website: Down’s Syndrome
- Website: The Down’s Syndrome Research Foundation UK (DSRF)
Dyslexia
National
- Website: British Dyslexia Association
- Website: Dyslexia Action
- Website: The Dyslexia Association
- Website: The Dyslexia Trust
- Website: Nessy
Local
Worcester dyslexia parent group
- Website: Worcester Dyslexia Parent Group
H&W Dyslexia Association
Hereford and Worcester Dyslexia Association (HWDA) is a local charity which covers the two counties and aims to help by: providing specialist teaching in literacy, maths and study skills for children with dyslexia or dyslexic-type difficulties and/or dyscalculic-type difficulties through its specialist tuition centres.
Dyspraxia
National
- Website: Dyspraxia Foundation
Local
- Website: Dyspraxia Education
E
Early Years
National
- Website: Educational Services for Pre-School
Local
- Website: Early Years Service
Education
National
- Website: Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)
- Website: Council for Learning Outside of the Classroom
- Website: Department for Education (DfE)
- Website: IPSEA
- Website: Juniper Training
- Website: National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN)
- Website: Network 81
- Website: Ofsted
Local
- Website: Local Offer (Herefordshire)
- Website: Local Offer (Worcestershire)
SEND Services
Call the SEND Services Helpline on 01905 845579
Email SEND Services on SEN@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk
Write to SEND Services:
The administrative officer
Inclusion and Assessment SEND Services
Worcester Children First
Worcestershire County Council
County Hall
Spetchley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP
Herefordshire SEND team
Tel: 01432 260178
Email: senteam@herefordshire.gov.uk
Exams
F
Financial Advice
National
- Website: Citizens Advice
- Website: Contact
Information on benefits and financial help including a benefits calculator.
- Website: Disability Grants
- Website: Disability rights UK
Family Fund
If you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person you might be eligible for a grant from family fund.
Website: Family Fund
Working families
Working Families is the UK’s work-life balance charity. We help working parents and carers—and their employers—find better balance between responsibilities at home and in the workplace.
Website: Working families
Local
- Website: Worcester Citizens Advice
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
- Website: The FASD Trust
- Website: Fasaware
Fragile X Syndrome
- Website: Fragile X Syndrome
H
Health
Local
- Website: Community Paediatric Team
- Website: Healthwatch Worcestershire
- Website: Patient Relations Team
- Website: Umbrella Pathway
- Website: Healthwatch Herefordshire
Hearing
National
- Website: Action on Hearing Loss
- Website: National Deaf Children’s Society
Local
- Website: Worcester Deaf Children's Society
Heart conditions
- Website: Children’s Heart Federation
L
Learning Disability
Legislation and Children
- Website: The Coram children’s legal centre
M
Mental Health
National
- Website: Every mind matters
- Website: Help guide
- Website: Kooth
- Website: Mental Health Government Online Resources
- Website: Mind
- Website: Minded
- Website: Youngminds
Local
- Website: Reading Well in Herefordshire
- Website: Reading Well in Worcestershire
- Website: Jigsaw
Hereford Mind
We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
- Website: Hereford Mind
Hereford bipolar
The Hereford Bipolar UK Support Group belongs to the national network of local groups run by Bipolar UK. We are a peer support group offering one another support as we talk about Bipolar and our own unique experiences with the illness. The group is open to all individuals affected by Bipolar, including those with a diagnosis, those pre-diagnosis, their family members, friends and carers. Sometimes we invite speakers to the group, in the past we have had a pharmacist, Healthy Lifestyles getting us cooking and various therapists. At the moment we are a very small group and you will find us very friendly and welcoming.
- Website: Hereford bipolar
Strong Young Minds Herefordshire
Strong Young Minds is a Big Lottery funded project designed to improve the mental health & wellbeing of young people in Herefordshire. The SYM Project is for young people (10 - 24 yrs) who are disenfranchised, distressed, unemployed, at risk of social isolation, poor achievement & ill health, due to poor mental health and wellbeing.
- Website: Strong Young Minds
P
Parent Carer Forum
A parent carer forum is a group of parents and carers of children with additional needs or disabilities.The aim of parent carer forums is to make sure that the services in their local area meet the needs of children with additional needs or disabilities and their families.
- Website: Families in Partnership Worcestershire
- Website: Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire
Play and Recreation
National
- Website: Charlottes Tandems
- Website: Cinema CEA Card
- Website: Family Fund
- Website: Get kids going
- Website: Give Us a Break
- Website: Let Us Play
- Website: Listening Books
- Website: PHAB
- Website: Riding for the Disabled Association
- Website: Tourism For All
Local
- Website: Disability Football Directory West midlands
- Website: Disability Sport Worcester
- Website: Inclusive Swimming Sessions
- Website: The Myriad Centre
- Website: Vue Worcester Accessibility
- Website: Worcester Inclusion Project
- Website: Worcester Snoezelen
Riding for the disabled Hereford
Riding and horse care sessions aim to improve mobility while providing mental and physical stimulation with the opportunity to open up new horizons.
- Website: Riding for the disabled Hereford
S
Short Breaks
National
- Website: Barnados
Local
- Website: Worcestershire Short breaks
Marches Family Network
Providing inclusive activities, services and short breaks for children and young people with disabilities in Herefordshire.
- Website: Marches Family Network
Single Parent Families
- Website: Ginger Bread
Siblings
T
Therapy
National
- Website: Counselling Directory
Local
- Website: Reading Well in Herefordshire
- Website: Reading Well in Worcestershire
- Website: Worcester Snoezelen
- Website: The Myriad Centre
Megan Baker House
Megan Baker House (MBH) provides conductive education sessions for children and adults with motor disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia, Parkinson's disease, stroke and Acquired brain injury. Through conductive education participants learn how to manage and deal with the difficulties caused by their condition to enable them to lead a more independent life.
Website: Megan Baker House
Tourette’s Syndrome
- Website: Tourettes Action
Transport
National
- Website: IPSEA Transport
Local
- Website: Worcestershire Transport Information
U
Undiagnosed Conditions
- Website: Syndromes without a name (SWAN)
V
Vision
National
- Website: RNIB
- Website: Royal Society For Blind Children (RSBC)
- Website: Victa Parent Portal
Local
Y
Young Carers
- Website: Worcestershire Young Carers
Herefordshire Young carers
Herefordshire Carers Support has an established programme to support young carers through activities just for them, run by Susan Brace. This year and for two more years it is funded by the BBC Children in Need charity.
- Email Susan: susan.brace@hycclub.co.uk
- Contact: 07484 245128
Young People
National:
- Website: Kooth
- Website: Papyrus
- Website: Preparing for adulthood
- Website: The mix
- Website: Youngminds
Local
- Website: Bromsgrove Basement Project
- Website: Our Way Self Advocacy Kidderminster
- Website: Skills 4 Worcestershire
- Website: The Monday Night Club
- Website: Your Ideas
- Website: Young Solutions
No Wrong Door
NWD offers access to information, support and guidance from a range of agencies in a variety of areas.
- Website: No Wrong Door