Education
Advisory Centre for Education (ACE), 1c Aberdeen Studios, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2DQ Helpline: 0808 800 5793 (Mon - Fri, 2pm-5pm) Web: http://www.ace-ed.org.uk Offers guidance and advice on all aspects of state education.
Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE), New Redland, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QU Tel: 0117 328 4007 Web: http://www.inclusion.org.uk Provides information and advice on educating children with special needs in mainstream schools.
Enquire, Children in Scotland, 5 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RG Tel: 0845 123 2303 Helpline Text: (0131) 222 2439 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.enquire.org.uk Provides a national advice service for Special Educational Needs in Scotland.
Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA), 6 Carlow Mews, Woodbridge IP12 1EA Tel: 0800 018 4016 Advice line Web: http://www.ipsea.org.uk Gives independent advice for parents who are uncertain about, or disagree with, the LEA'S interpretation of their child's special educational needs.
Nisai Virtual Academy (NVA), Milton Road, Harrow HA1 1XB Tel: (020) 8427 9003 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.nisaivirtualacademy.com NVA is a virtual school that provides education to children (8-18) unable to attend mainstream schools.
National Association of Toy & Leisure Libraries (Playmatters), 68 Churchway, London NW1 1LT Tel: (020) 7255 4600 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.natll.org.uk The national body for toy and leisure libraries in the UK. It can advise you on the nearest toy library.
National Portage Association, PO Box 3075, Yeovil BA21 3FB Tel/Fax: 01935 471641 (Mon & Thur, 9am-1pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.portage.org.uk Provides a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs.
Network 81, 1-7 Woodfield Terrace, Stansted CM24 8AJ Tel: 0870 770 3306 Helpline (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://network81.org Gives information, guidance, help and advice on all matters relating to special educational needs and the law.
Parents for Inclusion, Unit 2, 70 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL Tel: 0800 652 3145 Helpline (Mon, Tue & Thur, 10am-12noon & 1pm-3pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.parentsforinclusion.org Promotes the rights of disabled children to attend their local mainstream school.
Pre-School Learning Alliance, 69 Kings Cross Road, London WC1X 9LL Tel: 020 7833 0991 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.pre-school.org.uk Represents and supports community pre-schools in England. Has regional offices and local branches.
Rathbone Special Education Advice Line (SEAL), Churchgate House, 56 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EU Tel: 0800 917 6790 Helpline Tel: 0800 085 4528 Asian Language Service e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.rathbonetraining.co.uk Provides support and advice around all aspects of SEN to parents and professionals.
Snap Cymru (Special Needs and Parent Support), 10 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, Cardiff CF10 5NB Tel: 029 2038 8776 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.snapcymru.org Offers information and support to families of children and young people who have special educational needs in Wales.
Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC), Graham House, Knockbracken Health Care Park, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 8BH Tel: (028) 90705654 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Gives independent advice for parents who are uncertain about, or disagree with, the Library and Education Board's interpretation of their child's special educational needs.
Play, leisure and recreation
County Toy Library, The County Toy Library is available for anyone to use, families, childminders, pre-schools, nurseries, reception classes, creches, anyone involved with children aged 0-13 years. The County Toy Library is based at: Unit 317, K2 House, Heathfield Way, Northampton, NN5 7QP Tel: 07843 642320 Web: http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/councilservices/cyp/Early/Pages/CountyToyLibrary.aspx
4Children, City Reach, 5 Greenwich View Place, London E14 9NN Tel: (020) 7512 2100 Information Line e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.4children.org.uk Formerly known as Kids' Clubs Network. Provides information, advice, training and development help for parents, schools and employers.
Kids, 6 Aztec Row, Berners Road, London N1 0PW Tel: (020) 7359 3635 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.kids-online.org.uk Services include information on education for under 5's, play, leisure and family support.
Listening Books, 12 Lant Street, London SE1 1QH Tel: 020 7407 9417 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.listening-books.org.uk Provides an audio book library for anyone who has difficulty reading in the usual way due to disability or illness.
Write Away, 1 Thorpe Close, London W10 5XL Tel: 020 8964 422 5 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.write-away.org Manages a penfriend club for young people and adults, in particular those with special needs and their siblings.
Specific and rare conditions
Contact a Family has a database of organisations, support groups and networks relating to specific conditions. If you would like to make contact with the relevant group please contact us.
Health
The Patients Association, PO Box 935, Harrow HA1 3YJ Tel: 0845 6084455 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) Web: http://www.patients-association.com Gives advice on problems relating to health and healthcare.
Counselling and bereavement
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP House, 35-37 Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2SG Tel: 0870 443 5252 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.bacp.co.uk Provides a list of local member counsellors.
The Compassionate Friends, 53 North Street, Bristol BS3 1EN Tel: 08451 232304 Helpline (10am - 4pm, 6.30-10.30pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.tcf.org.uk Supports bereaved families.
Cruse Bereavement Care, Cruse House, 126 Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1UR Tel: 0870 167 1677 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk Provides a free counselling service for bereaved people.
Winston's Wish, The Clara Burgess Centre, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AW Tel: 0845 2030 405 Family Line e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.winstonswish.org.uk Works with both children and families on the issues of death and bereavement.
Holidays and Treats
The Thomas Centre, The Autism Friendly Holiday Specialist in the UK. Five Star facilities set in 25 acres of Lincolnshie Countryside for families, groups and carers. We specialise in providing a relaxed holiday environment for those suffering with complex conditions including Autism, ADHD and Tourettes. www.thethomascentre.co.uk
Family Holiday Association, 16 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JL Tel: 020 7436 3304 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.fhaonline.org.uk Allocates grants to families for one week's holiday of their choice. Applications received only from a health visitor, social worker or caring agency.
Make a Wish Foundation UK, 329-331 London Road, Camberley GU15 3HQ Tel: 01276 24127 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk Offers children aged between 3 and 18 who have a life threatening illness, a special wish.
Starlight Children's Foundation, Room PRW1, Macmillan House, Paddington Station, London W2 1HD Tel: 020 7262 2881 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.starlight.org.uk Offers children aged between 4 and 18 who have a life threatening illness, a special wish.
Tourism for All UK, The Hawkins Suite, Enham Place, Enham Alamein, Andover SP11 6JS Tel: 0845 124 9971 Info Line (Mon & Tue, 9am-5pm; Wed-Fri, 9am-1pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.tourismforall.org.uk Provides information to people with disabilities and older people in relation to accessible accommodation.
Equipment and adaptations
Abilitynet, PO Box 94, Warwick CV34 5WS Tel: 0800 269545 Helpline e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.abilitynet.org.uk Offers advice and information, training and suppliers of computers and software for disabled children and adults.
Disabled Living Centres Council, Redbank House, 4 St. Chad's Street, Cheetham, Manchester M8 8QA Tel: 0161 834 1044 Text: (0161) 839 0885 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.dlcc.org.uk Gives details of centres across the country where aids and equipment can be seen and tried out.
Disabled Living Foundation, 380-384 Harrow Road, London W9 2HU Tel: 0845 130 9177 Helpline (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) Text: (020) 7432 8009 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.dlf.org.uk Provides information about aids and equipment.
Whizz Kidz, Elliot House, 10-12 Allington Street, London SW1E 5EH Tel: 020 7233 6600 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk Provides mobility aids usually lightweight or powered wheelchairs to children with locomotion disabilities.
Caring
Carers UK, 20/25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JT Tel: 0808 808 7777 CarersLine (Wed & Thurs, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.carersuk.org Provides an information and advice service for anyone with a caring role.
Crossroads - Caring for Carers, 10 Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PN Helpline: 0845 450 0350 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.crossroads.org.uk Supports a network of local care attendant schemes
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, 142 Minories, London EC3N 1LB Tel: (020) 7480 7788 Web: http://www.carers.org Has a network of carers centres throughout the UK
Financial
Disability Alliance, Universal House, 88-94 Wentworth Street, London El 7SA Tel: 020 7247 8763 Rights Advice Line (Mon & Wed, 2-4pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.disabilityalliance.org Provides information through publications like the Disability Rights Handbook, free briefings, the Rights Advice Line and training.
Family Fund, Unit 4, Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York YO32 9WN Tel: 0845 13045 42 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.familyfund.org.uk Provides grants and information for families looking after severely disabled or seriously ill children under 16.
General
Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence (ERIC), 34 Old School House, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB Tel: 0117 960 3060 Helpline (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.eric.org.uk Provides advice and information on bedwetting, constipation, soiling and incontinence.
Family Welfare Association, 501-505 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London E8 4AU Tel: 020 7254 6251 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.fwa.org.uk Assists families and individuals to overcome the effects of poverty. Referrals from professionals only.
Gingerbread, First Floor, 7 Sovereign Close, London E1W 2HW Tel: 0800 018 4318 Helpline (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.gingerbread.org.uk Puts you in touch with local support groups for lone parents.
Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal Illness (REACT), St. Lukes House, 270 Sandycombe Road, Richmond TW9 3NP Tel: (020) 8940 2575 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.reactcharity.org Assists children with life-threatening illness and their families faced with unexpected financial needs.
Working Families, 1-3 Berry Street, London EC1V 0AA Tel: (020) 7253 7243 Legal Helpline: 0800 013 0313 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk Offers information and advice to working parents and has an established network for parents of disabled children.
Legal advice
Children's Law Centre, 3rd Floor, Philip House, 123-137 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AB Tel: 0808 808 5678 Advice line for children and young people Tel: (028) 9024 5704 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.childrenslawcentre.org Using the law to promote, protect and realise children's rights.
Disability Law Service, Ground Floor, 39-45 Cavell Street, London E1 2BP Tel: 020 7791 9800 (Mon-Fri, 10am -1pm & 2-5pm) e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: http://www.dls.org.uk Provides a free law and advisory centre for people with disabilities, their families and carers.
