useful links
The following organisations offer lots of information and often advice and support to families with children and young people with SEN and disabilities.
- Ace Independent advice for parent carers of 5-16s in state schools in England, including SEND advice
- Autismlinks Online directory of resources for families of children and young people with autism
- Autism Sussex Information and resources for families living in Sussex who have a family member on the autistic spectrum. Online parent carer forum
- Brighton & Hove Local Offer Local authority’s online information resource on services for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Brighton and Hove
- Brighton and Hove Carers Centre Emotional support and information for carers
- C-360 East Sussex County Council website for young people
- Care for the Carers Information, advice and support for carers in East Sussex
- Carers Direct NHS website offering information, advice and support for carers
- Cassiobury Court Free guide to mental health helplines in the UK
- Contact National charity offering support and information to parents of disabled children
- Challenging Behaviour Foundation Advice on behaviour for people with severe learning disabilities
- Child Law Advice Specialist advice and information on child, family and education law for parents and carers
- Counselling directory Online searchable database for accredited therapists and counsellors in your area
- Disability Matters E-learning resource for UK professionals focused on promoting inclusion
- East Sussex Local Offer Local authority’s online information resource on services for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Brighton and Hove
- East Sussex Parent and Carers Council (ESPACC) Resources and advice on SEND issues for East Sussex families
- Easy Health Easy read online resources about health for people with learning difficulties and disabilities
- ESCIS East Sussex Community Information Service directory
- Dosh Financial advice and advocacy for people with learning disabilities
- Family Information Service Brighton Directory of services for families in Brighton and Hove inc. childminders, nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools, out of school clubs and playschemes
- Find Get Give Gateway to mental health support and information for Brighton and Hove
- GOV UK Information on all government departments (replaces old Directgov)
- Insurance with Commercial insurance website with lots of useful information and links for travellers who have a disability or medical condition
- IPSEA, the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice Excellent source of advice on laws regarding SEN and disability including EHCP assessments and appeals, exclusions and discrimination
- Law Stuff Online legal advice resource for children and young people
- MindEd Materials for parents and carers of children and teens struggling with mental health issues.
- Money Advice Service Government website with lots of information on finances and dedicated section for people living with disabilities
- MyLife Brighton and Hove Online directory of local and national organisations that provide health and social care information or services
- National Autistic Society Specialist advice, support and care for children and young people with autism and their families
- National Deaf Children’s Society Helpline, online resources, groups and events for families of children with hearing impairments
- NCB (National Children’s Bureau) Includes Council for Disabled Children, Every Disabled Child Matters and National Parent Partnership Network. Forum for issues concerning disabled children. Publications for parents and professionals
- NHS Choices Comprehensive health advice centre online.
- ParentInfo Online and digital safety information, as well as more general information for parent carers on young people’s wellbeing and resilience.
- Parent Line Plus National Advice Helpline.
- Possability People Disability advice centre for adults with disabilities and their carers. Accessible City Guides and PA noticeboard that helps disabled people find personal assistants.
- Preparing for Adulthood Department for Education website that has resources and information about preparing young people with SEND for adulthood
- Scope online community (inc. Netbuddy) Interactive online community for families with disabled children and hundreds of practical tips and suggestions for supporting people with learning disabilities.
- SIBS Online resource for brothers and sisters of disabled children, aimed at parent carers or adult siblings
- Sense Advice and support for children and young people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs
- Special Needs Jungle Parent-led information, resources and opinion about SEND 0-25
- SOS!SEN Independent and confidential advice on SEND matters, including helpline and events
- Talking Point Website resource for parents of children with communication difficulties
- Therapy Directory Find a local accredited complimentary or alternative therapist or read information about therapies.
- YoungSibs Online service for siblings of disabled children.