Local and national support organisations
Local support
ECHO offer community based leisure and social activities, volunteering, work experience and training for adults with learning disabilities.
Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire offer a forum for parents and carers of disabled children, with the aim to ensure that local services meet the needs of local families.
Herefordshire SEND Co-production Charter
Local Authorities are actively encouraged to work in partnership with Parent Carer Forums to ensure the services they plan, commission, deliver and monitor meet the needs of children and families (SEN Code of Practice, paragraph 1.13).
In Herefordshire, partners including PCV Herefordshire, Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire CCG, Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS Trust, Wye Valley NHS Trust and SENDIASS have developed a Co-production Charter that sets out our working agreement and commitment to co-production of SEND services.
Download the Herefordshire SEND Co-production charter to read in full.
National support
Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) provide advice, support and guidance regarding the educational wellbeing of children and young people belonging to armed forces and eligible MOD civilian families.
Council for Disabled Children is the umbrella body for the disabled children's sector, bringing together professionals, practitioners and policy makers. They provide useful information and resources for both families and professionals.
Disability Grants can help you find local and national funding, which can be used to purchase disability equipment, home adaptations or holidays.
Down's Syndrome Association provide information and advice for people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers, to help support a full and rewarding life.
Family Fund provide grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people, to help ease additional pressures and improve quality of life. The funding can be used to purchase a wide range of items, such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, furniture, outdoor play equipment or computers.
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) offer free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs.
Living Made Easy provide impartial advice and guidance on a range of aids and solutions, which can support independent living.
National Autistic Society is the leading UK charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families, offering a wide range of support, guidance and advice.
National Deaf Children's Society offer a range of services, information and support for deaf children, young people and their families.
Scope is a disability equality charity, which provide practical information and emotional support, when it's most needed, alongside campaigning for a fairer society.
Sense offer personalised information, advice and support, including holidays and short breaks, for anyone living with complex disabilities or deafblindness.
SOS!SEN offer a free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents looking for information and advice on special educational needs and disability.
Special Needs Jungle provide parent-led information, resources and informed opinion about children and young people with special educational needs.
If you would like to suggest any other useful organisations, please e-mail localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk.