Support and resources available

Autism telephone support helpline

A national support telephone helpline has been set up for parents/carers of children with autism. Daisy Chain offer a telephone service to enable families to access advice, support and resources. The service is open to young people, adults and families of those affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.

The aim is to provide support and services for those who display traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing differences, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The service is for those pre, during and post diagnosis.

The team are supporting families with the following:  responding to enquiries from parents/carers, young people and adults and carrying out telephone appointments  sourcing, sharing and sending resource packs to support parents with loneliness and isolation  creating and sending bespoke resources and visuals

To contact the care team, please call 0800 031 5445. Full details are available through the following link: https://www.daisychainproject.co.uk/national-telephone-support-service

Neurodiversity Week Events

There is a whole week of free events to celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2022 (21-27 March). Events range from introductory webinars, panel discussions and more.

The sessions are aimed to educate and encourage conversations around neurodiversity, providing a safe space where you can join thousands of people in celebrating different minds.

Click on the following link to access the programme of events offered: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events

Autism Information and Advice Service Life skills for autistic individuals

Chesterfield drop in event

Autism Alliance March 2022

Autism Alliance 16 March 2022

Free School Meal Criteria

Families could qualify for free school meals if meeting the following criteria:  Universal Credit, provided there is an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)  Income Support  Income-based Jobseekers Allowance  Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999  the guarantee element of State Pension Credit  Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) as assessed by HMRC  Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

Universal Credit has begun to be rolled out in Derbyshire and will affect all areas of Derbyshire by the end of 2022 - full details are available on Derbyshire County Council’s website https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/benefits-debt-and-legalmatters/welfare-benefits/universal-credit/universal-credit.aspx

Young people aged 16 to 18 who receive the benefits or tax credits in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals. Even if you meet any or all of the criteria, families will not be eligible if they are claiming Working Tax Credit. You can sign up for free school meals at any time of year. You or your partner can claim for your children, as long as you live at the same address. You do not have to fill in a separate form for each child, even if they go to different schools. For further information contact the free school meals team on 01629 536400 or 01629 536481.

Mental Health support