Aimee Nicholson is our family support worker.

 

 South Glos Parents and Carers exists because we want to see improved services, outcomes and support for children & families with special educational needs and disabilities living in South Gloucestershire. 

Click here to find out more

 

If you need support that you can't find in the useful information tab, or if you're aware of a support service that you think other families would benefit from that's not listed, please contact Shaun (Lead for Family Support at Warmley Park School and College).

And remember to check the Warmley Park School and College newsletter for new opportunities.

Parent Link/Family Support Useful Information

Please see below a comprehensive list of support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

The information listed is predominantly for South Glos but there are also links to Bristol services. Some agencies work across local authorities.

 

  • Supportive Parents: Local SEN and disability information service (SENDIAS) - Information and support around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, for children, young people and families.

Tel: 0117 9897725 Mon-Fri 9.30 - 4.30 (answerphone at other times),  Email: mail@supportiveparents.org.uk   

Website: www.supportiveparents.org.uk
 

  • Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA): Legally based, free, independent information, advice and support to help get appropriate education for children and young people with SEN and disabilities. Website: www.ipsea.org.uk
  • The Carers Support Centre provides support, information and advice to carers (including parent carers) living in Bristol and South Glos. Tel: 0117 965 2200  Website: www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk
  • Young Minds national charity offers confidential online and telephone information and support for anyone worried about the emotional, behaviour, or mental health of a child/young person up to 25 years of age, including ADHD, Autism and Aspergers. Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544    Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
  • The Hive (Avon): Free learning disability information service for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers (telephone and drop in service) for those in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Based in Kingswood. Tel: 0117 9614372. Based in Kingswood. Website: www.avonnorthmencap.org.uk
  • Cerebra provides information for families with children affected by a neurological condition aged under 16 years (for example; neuro-genetic conditions, Celebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Developmental Delay, Autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties). Families can hire sensory equipment and books from their library and access advice from their sleep service.

Helpline Tel no: 0800 328 1159 or enquiries@cerebra.org.uk  Website: www.cerebra.org.uk

  • Brandon Trust: exists to enable children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism to live life in the way they choose. Website: http://www.brandontrust.org/  
     
  • ERIC - The Children’s Bowel and Bladder charity. https://www.eric.org.uk/  - Free Helpline: 0808 169 9949. Provides: Info on bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation potty training etc. Local branch based at Kingswood Foundation Bristol BS15 8DB.

 

Groups and activities

 

  • Bournestream: A unique outdoor adventure play and picnic site for disabled  children and their families, friends, carers, support groups and special schools  in Wotton-Under-Edge (£10 membership required).

 

  • Special Friends Club: A charity operating throughout Bristol and South Gloucestershire and run by parent volunteers. Provide support for families of children with special needs by organising a wide range of activities that can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family. The children have a diagnosed disability which inhibits them accessing mainstream activities and venues. Tel: 07707 632470  email admin@specialfriendsclub.org.uk 

Website: www.specialfriendsclub.org.uk

 

  • Incredible Kids: Provide play and support services to families with a child with a disability or additional need to reduce inequality and social isolation. Christian-run charity – service is provided for everyone, regardless of faith. Current venue is Bourne Christian Centre, Kingswood.

Website: www.incrediblekids.org.uk

 

 

  • Little Treasures Stay and Play:   South Glos Little Treasures is a parent-led play and support group for babies to preschool children with additional needs, their siblings, parents or carers to come together.   Suggested donation £4 per family.   Email: team@sglospc.org.uk  Website: https://www.sglospc.org.uk/hanham-stay-play-group 
     
  • Safe Space: Stay and Play sessions in Little Stoke for families with children with additional needs. Email: safespacefamily@gmail.com 

Website: http://www.safespacefamily.co.uk/  

 

  • SWAN UK: Syndromes Without A Name offers information and support to families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions, also run fun, inclusive family activities. Website: www.undiagnosed.org.uk

Local contact: bristol@undiagnosed.org.uk

  • JIGSAW Thornbury Support families who have children who are 0-25 years and have any additional needs or disability. This can be anything from learning needs such as dyslexia to complex disabilities or medical problems. Many children who come have no diagnosis. Weekly support group for parents, carers and children + training courses on a range of topics. Telephone: 01454 416381 Website: https://www.jigsawthornbury.org.uk/  
     
  • Jigsaw Time to Play Course - is a special group aimed at parents with children who may have some additional needs or may need some extra support to meet their developmental milestones.    Time to Play hopes to:   Support positive attachments, Help communication and language development, Develop fine motor skills and physical development, Support parents and reduce isolation, Develop peer relationships, Stimulate the senses, Encourage exploration, curiosity and inquisitiveness, Provide opportunities for sensory or messy play, Highlight the importance and benefits of play, particularly play that awakens the senses And most of all, have FUN!     Each week we will work with and support you and your child to explore play using the five main senses.      The trial of Time to Play will take place at the Jigsaw Thornbury Base, The Bakery Annex, 4-7 Chapel Street, Thornbury BS35 2AW on Wednesdays, 10am until 11.30am. The course will start on Wednesday 6th November 2019  Email: ceri.roper@jigsawthornbury.org.uk
  • Keynsham and District Mencap Society   Offer a variety of social and leisure opportunities.    Includes Keynsham Juniors, Super Saturday Club and Boccia Club.   Website:  https://www.keynshammencap.org.uk/our-clubs/

 

  • MusicSpace Charity providing music therapy for people of all ages.    Use music to help people communicate and express themselves.   Website: http://musicspace.org/

 

  • Seals Starfish Club    Weekly term time swimming lessons on Saturday mornings at Starfish hydrotherapy pool.     Welcome to families and children and young people with disabilities. Based in Claremont School, Henleaze Bristol.

Website:  http://www.cerebralpalsyplus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/SSCadvertweb.pdf

  • Avon Riding Centre Riding centre for people with disabilities aged 4+. Works with people living with 30+ forms of disabilities. Structured by weekly classes. Proven therapeutic benefits of horse riding for children and adults with a wide range of complex special needs. Based in Henbury Bristol.   Website:  http://www.avonridingcentre.org.uk/contact-us/
     
  • Gympanzees ‘pop-up’ Leisure Centre - dedicated centre for children and young people with disabilities and their families.  They currently run an easter and summer pop up session. Website: https://www.gympanzees.org/

 

  • Dimensions Autism-friendly Cinema On Sunday mornings throughout the month, films suitable for all audiences are screened in a sensory friendly and inclusive environment.     The adjustments at the cinema reduce over-stimulation and create a welcoming place for autistic people to enjoy films with their families, friends or carers. Welcome to all ages at lots of different cinemas.  Website: National Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings | Dimensions (dimensions-uk.org)
  • Resound - Community Church, Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield. Bristol, BS16 9BP info@resoundbristol.co.uk   : 0117 3050969.  Provides: Parenting Courses, Time out for Parents (Children with Special Needs). Youth Groups, Toddler Group, Arts and Crafts and Camera Club.

 

  • Face Youth club – Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS.  info@facefilton.org.uk  : 0117 9691938.  Provides regular activities/small group work for Children and Young People i.e. Messy Play Sensory session (under 5), Step Up Independence Skills 15-18 year olds with learning / social disabilities.

 

  • Armadillo - Youth Venue and Café: Station Road, Yate Bristol, BS37 4FW cwhitinghays@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk. : 01454 869441. Provides: a contemporary, safe environment for all young people aged between 11 and 17.  They also run an evening for young people with learning disabilities on Monday evening.

 

  • Nothing Special is a group who are set up to support Young people with disabilities from the ages of 14-24 they run various activities. Website http://www.nothinspecial.org.uk
  • Charlotte’s Tandems  They lend, at no cost tandems and tag-alongs to (and only to) people with disabilities or additional needs, who are unable to ride a bike safely on their own, so that they can enjoy the wonders of cycling.

http://charlottestandems.weebly.com/

 

Disabilities

 

  • National Deaf Children’s Society:  A national charity that provide expert support on childhood deafness, Free helpline  http://www.ndcs.org.uk/ The family centre for deaf children provide support and information to all families with deaf children in the area, run workshops and training, provide social support and improve access to recreational facilities.  
     
  • Family Fund: Grants for families where a child has a disability.

Website: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/FAQs/our-disability-criteria

 

  • Ups and Downs Southwest: Support for families where a child has Downs Syndrome. Support for professionals working with families where a child has Downs Syndrome. Website: https://www.upsanddowns.net/

 

  • The Challenging Behaviour Foundation: Charity providing information and support for people with severe learning disabilities.

Website:  https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/

 

  • Whizz-Kids: For disabled young people 10-18. Youth club, wheelchair skills, work placements, leadership programmes and camps.

Tel: 020 7233 6600  Website: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk  Email: info@whizz-kidz.org.uk

 

  • Young Sibs: Support for Siblings of disabled children and tips for parents on supporting young siblings.  Website: www.youngsibs.org.uk

 

ADHD

 

  • ADHD Foundation: Information for parents and professionals about raising awareness and understanding of ADHD, including training courses and events for parents and professionals

Website: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/ 
 

  • ADHD Parenting Course: Course run by community health and family support workers. Parents or professionals can refer, application forms available. Child must have been diagnosed with ADHD and be under Community Paediatrics or CAMHS. Please call for up to date information and course details/dates. Tel: 01454 862431 

    ADHD books

Autism

 

  • National Autistic Society: The NAS South Gloucestershire Branch offers support to parents and carers of children who have autism or Asperger syndrome. The branch runs an evening and daytime support group once a month in Bradley stoke. Please visit their website for up to date info. In addition to this they organise activities for children and young people on the autism spectrum including science club, and youth club. NAS Mailing list – can be added if awaiting a diagnosis.

Websites: www.autism.org.uk/  NAS South Gloucestershire Branch: www.nasbranch.org.uk/southgloucestershire

Tel: 07767 166 324     Email: oosc@nas.org.uk

website https://www.autism.org.uk/services/community/group/under-16s/south-west.aspx

  • Bristol Autism Support – providing information, support and training for parents/carers of children in Bristol and South Glos. Includes info relevant to those with or without a diagnosis. https://www.bristolautismsupport.com/

 

  • Butterflies Haven: Support and social events for parents/carers, children and youths who are affected by autism.

Website: www.butterflies-haven.co.uk

  • Early Bird and Cygnet course: A range of courses for parents/carers whose children have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Early Bird 2 - 4 yrs, Cygnet 5 -18 yrs. The courses run regularly and can be accessed via a referral or self-referral from parents. Website: Cygnet – South Gloucestershire Play Scheme (sgplayscheme.co.uk)

           Autism books

  • My Social Stories by Carol Gray and Abbie Leigh White
  • My Autism Book: A child’s guide to their ASD diagnosis by Gloria Dura-Vila & Tamar Levi
  • All my stripes – A story for children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph
  • Noah chases the wind by Michelle Worthington
  • Different like me – A book of Autism heroes by Jennifer Elder
  • What’s happening to Tom? Puberty book around Autism for boys by Kate E. Reynolds
  • The reason I jump The Inner Voice of a 13 year old boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida & David Mitchell
  • The Aspergers Teen Toolkit by Francis Musgrave
  • Aspergers rules: How to make sense of school and friends by Blythe Grossberg
  • Parenting a teen or young adult with Aspergers Syndrome by Brenda Boyd
  • Asperkids (Secret) Book of Social Rules by Jennifer Cook O’Toole
  • Freaks, Geeks and Aspergers Syndrome: A user guide to adolescence by Luke Jackson