7 minute read
Support and resources available
from Issue 35
Highfields School Newsletter Support and resources available
Autism Consultation - Inclusive Family Fitness project
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We have been asked to share the link below with families of children with Autism. A potential six week pilot project is being planned to run at Arc Leisure Centre, Matlock for children diagnosed with Autism and their families. Families are asked to complete the form to help start the process of the project: https://forms.gle/pRCygCqJssCJXjyj9
Autism Information & Advice Service – Autism Awareness for parents/carers
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
Ambitious about Autism online platform launch
Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people – please find further details at https://ambitious-youth-network.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/page/ambitious-youth-network This will offer autistic young people aged 16 to 25 a safe and moderated online space to help them understand their autistic identity and reduce isolation and loneliness that many feel. Young people will be able to take part in peer support sessions, share experiences and find volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities. There will also be opportunities for them to work together and campaign for change. Free grocery vouchers for low income families
As part of a national scheme, Derbyshire County Council is providing a free one-off grocery voucher worth £50 per eligible child to families in need to help them pay for food and essential living costs. Full details about the Household Support Fund, including other ways those facing financial hardship can access support from the fund, are available through the link to DCC website below: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/householdsupportfund Distribution of the vouchers by email or text will start in early July and continue throughout the month of July. If parents and carers who are eligible do not receive a voucher by 20 July 2022, they should visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/householdsupportfund where an online form will be available to report missing vouchers.
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.
Voluntary Sector & Community Services for Children, Young People & Families
Produced by Chesterfield Royal Hospital, October 2017 (Updated October 2019)
Derbyshire Autism Services
www.derbyshireautismservices.org A charity based in Ripley, offering information, advice, guidance and support for children, young people, adults and families across Derbyshire who may be affected by Autism.
Telephone: 01773 741 221
Fairplay
www.fair-play.co.uk A charity based in central Chesterfield, providing services across North Derbyshire, including play schemes, youth clubs, activity days, independent living support and home based support to individuals aged between 0 and 25 with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.
Telephone: 01246 203963
Autism East Midlands Family Hub
www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk The Hub is a regular meeting point for families and children affected by ASD. There are activities for children, family support and specialist training and advice. Email: advice@autismeastmidlands.org.uk
Telephone: 01909 506 678
www.derbyshireiass.co.uk/ DIASS is the Parent Partnership Service. They provide independent information, advice and support to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as their parents and carers.
Telephone: 01629 533660
Umbrella Derbyshire
www.umbrella.uk.net A charity which supports children & young people with any special need, aged 5 to 30, living in Derby City and Derbyshire. They support the individual and their families through their support services, activities, information, guidance and their family support groups.
Telephone: 01332 785658
www.facebook.com/NASDerbyBranch/ The official page for the Derby and District Branch of the NAS. The support group is for parents/ carers of children & adults on the autism spectrum. The group hold meetings which are an opportunity to meet and share information with other parents, other professionals and other people with ASD.
Telephone: 07500 089571 Email:derbyanddistrict@nas.org.uk
Derbyshire County Council Early Help & Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Service (SEND)
www.derbyshire.gov.uk Provides information on the support services and signposting for children and families where there may be emerging or low level needs or special education needs.
Telephone: 01629 533190
Autism Links Support Group
www.autismlinks.co.uk/support-groups A website full of useful links to local support groups, charities and specialist services all in one place.
Equal Strands
A social opportunity for people with communication difficulties and autism. A Lego club is held on the first Saturday of every month in Chesterfield. Email: mark@equalstrands.co.uk
Support Forums
Derbyshire Careers Association
www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk Provide support, advice, information and representation for carers in Derbyshire, and hold support groups.
Telephone: 01773 833833
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice
www.derbyshireparentforums.co.uk A charity which is run by parent/carer volunteers with children/young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities. They organise parent forums, providing parents with the opportunity to talk about all the services they receive in Derbyshire.
Telephone: 01629 533666
Informative Websites and Links
Autism West Midlands
www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk Their website provides resources for families and professionals. The service also offers training to parents and professionals, holds events and activities and supports families in the West Midlands.
Telephone: 0121 450 7582
National Autistic Society
www.autism.org.uk A charity which provides information and advice to autistic people, their families and friends. They also run a range of support services for children, young people and adults.
Telephone: 020 7833 2299
Sibs/YoungSibs
www.sibs.org.uk www.youngsibs.org.uk A charity which supports people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled sibling. They provide siblings with information and support, and additional information for parents and professionals. The charity also host sibling support groups.
Scope
www.scope.org.uk A charity that provide support, information and advice to disabled people, their families and professionals.
Telephone: 0808 800 3333
CAMHS North Derbyshire
www.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.uk Our website has some helpful advice and information on our teams and services including information about ASD, our parent/carer workshops and our Urgent Care Team.
Mental Health & Well-being
Kooth
www.kooth.com Free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support.
Shout
www.giveusashout.org Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in a crisis anytime, anywhere.
Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk A charity recognising the importance of mental health and well-being of young people. With practical advice, national projects and information of what to do in a crisis.
Further resources
Autism Eye
www.autismeye.com An online based magazine informing parents and professionals on the latest research and news on Autism. Online subscription is free.
The Children’s Sleep Charity
www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk Provides families and professionals with support and training on supporting children with sleep issues.
Mental Health support
