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Local and national support organisations

There are numerous local and national organisations, which provide information, advice and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.

Local support

Aspire support people with learning disabilities to live the life they choose. 

Crossroads Together provide practical support for unpaid carers who look after someone with a disability, illness, mental health problem or an addiction.

ECHO offer community based leisure and social activities, volunteering, work experience and training for adults with learning disabilities.
Herefordshire Disability United is run by and for people with disabilities and provide a voice for those with a disability on local and national issues.
Look is a small local charity which connects and supports visually impaired children, young people and their families.
Marches Family Network offer support, respite and social opportunities for disabled children and advice, assistance and friendship for their families.
National Autistic Society Herefordshire offer a range of support and activities for autistic people of all ages and their families.

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.
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service) provide impartial and confidential support for parents and carers of children and young people aged up to 25, with special educational needs and disabilities.

National support

Caudwell Children offer practical and emotional support, services, equipment, therapies and treatments for children with disabilities. 
Cerebra provide advice and support for families of children aged 0 to 16 years old with brain conditions.
Changing Places provide a nationwide map to help you find toilets which have more space and the right equipment, such as a height adjustable changing bench or hoist, if you can't use a standard accessible toilet.

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.
Contact offer information, advice and support for families with disabled children, including a free helpline and online community.


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.