GUIDE TO SERVICES For children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, parents and carers

1 Advice, Information and Advocacy Foreword I welcome this guide. The council and I are committed to assist parents and carers to get the support and help they need to care for children with disabilities and additional needs. Whether you are a parent, carer or professional we hope you find this guide useful and informative, and that it leads to you the support you seek.

Cllr Christine Percival

Strategic Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Children’s Services Introduction In this guide you will find lots of information about support available for you, your children and your family. We know that when your child is first diagnosed with a disability, additional need or impairment you may be provided with too many pieces of information to sort through or perhaps you receive no information at all. Even for families who are coping well, there can be changes in school, in services, and during transition periods where it is sensible to seek specialist advice and support.

Contacting the organisations and charities within the guide can help you with additional support and information. The guide can also be downloaded from the Richmond AID website www.richmondaid.org.uk where you will find updated chapters. The chapter called Setting the Scene: Important changes to services sets out upcoming changes.

We would like to thank all the professionals, volunteers and parents who helped us put this guide together, in particular, members of the access Network. The access Network is a group of organisations and parent carers within the borough of Richmond that meet to share information about support and services for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities. The network is facilitated by Richmond AID and members include Me Too and Co, Richmond Parent Carers Action Group, Richmond National Autistic Society, Specialist Health Visitors, Three Wings Trust, Clarendon School / Clarendon Youth Opportunities, Strathmore School, Family Information Service, Richmond Carers Centre, Crofters (Disabled Children’s Team), Richmond Mencap, Richmond Upon Thames Inclusive Sport and Exercise, Windham Nursery and professionals from the local authority and parent carers. We could not have done this without lots of work from dedicated specialists and parent carers. Contents PAGE

Checklist 6

Setting the Scene: Important changes to services This chapter highlights some upcoming changes to services. 8

Map of the Borough by Post Code The map will give you an idea where a service is located in the borough. 11

Advice, Information & Advocacy There are a number of local and national organisations available to support parents, carers and families through advice, guidance and information. Advocacy services are available to ensure your views are heard and support you at meetings. 13

Benefits, Grants & Payments Local and national welfare benefits give financial support to vulnerable families. Local and national grants can provide additional financial help for specific items or services. 19

Getting Around There are a number of transport schemes available to support a child or young person to get around their local area and further afield. This chapter also covers practical help and discounts/exemptions. 33

Education Special educational needs (SEN) support is available from pre-school through to adult learning. Assistance and guidance is available to families from parent partnership workers, local and national organisations and the SEN Code of Practice. 39

Health Care Information and advice is available to guide families to the relevant service as well as how to make complaints. 55

4 Contents Contents PAGE

Leisure This chapter contains information on local activities for children with disabilities, inclusive events and mainstream activities. 67

Moving into Adulthood Support is available for a young person to move into the adult world. This can include higher education, work, benefits, housing and independent living. 79

Social Care Social Care assists vulnerable children and their families with everyday living. The Disabled Children’s Services have a social work team for disabled children and other support services. They also hold the Children’s Disability Register. 95

Safeguarding Every child needs to be kept safe. This chapter provides information on what you can do if you have concerns about a child’s safety. 101

Support for Carers Organisations can provide carers with a support service, help in the home, respite, short breaks and social events. 105

Organisations There are local and national organisations offering information, advice, guidance, literature, a parent forum and a place to talk. 113

Contents 5 Has your child been recently diagnosed with a disability, illness, condition or additional need? Or have you recently changed boroughs? Below are some of the things you might want to consider.

Things to consider Done

If your child is receiving support from social services, let them know which borough you are moving to and when. When your child is diagnosed it’s a good idea to contact social services even if you are not eligible for social services support. (see Social Care chapter)

If you are new to an area or want to know about specialist local support ask your local authority for an information pack on local services, grants and children’s activities. (see Social Care and Organisations chapters)

Whether newly diagnosed or moving to a different area you can apply for the Children’s Disability Register. Each borough has a register and set eligibility criteria. (see Social Care chapter)

Enrol your child in school prior to moving and inform them if your son or daughter has special educational needs. If your child has had a recent diagnosis and requires extra support in school, inform your child’s school about it. Information and guidance on local educational support can be found by contacting a Parent Partnership worker. Each local authority in England has one. (see Education chapter)

If your child receives regular hospital treatment or other specialist health treatment, advise them that you will be moving as soon as you are able so that alternative arrangements can be made at a hospital closer by. (see Health Care chapter)

Register with your local dentist if you have just moved. If your child requires a specialist dentist due to the nature of their disability or condition ask for a referral from your GP. (see Health Care chapter)

6 Checklist Things to consider Done

If moving house register with a GP at a local health clinic in your new borough. Often GPs will know about local services. (see Health Care chapter)

Local support organisations can advise you whether your family qualifies for additional benefits. If you are moving and receive benefit, eg Disability Living Allowance, contact the Department of Works and Pensions about your change of address. (see Advice, Information & Advocacy chapter)

Should your child have mobility issues, establish if your child is eligible to apply for transport support schemes. If your child has mobility issues he or she may be eligible to apply for transport support schemes. (see Getting Around chapter)

If you would like to chat with other families in your area who have a child with a disability similar to your own you could get in touch with local support groups and organisations that provide specialist children’s activities. (see Support for Carers, Leisure and Organisations chapters)

Libraries, charities, schools and children’s centres are good places to find out about community information. (see Advice, information and Advocacy, Education and Organisations chapters)

To find out more about your child’s recent diagnosis a national charity can tell you more about your child’s named disability, suggested reading and general areas of support. Often they could signpost to local support too. (see Organisations chapter)

Checklist 7 Setting the Scene Important changes to services There are lots of changes happening throughout 2013 and beyond that will impact on families that have children with additional needs and disabilities. This guide aims to inform families so they can prepare for the changes ahead and feel more confident about what to do and where to go for advice and information. There are very significant changes happening in the welfare benefits system. Many of these changes will have an impact on disabled people and households. More information and sources of support is given in the Benefits, Grants and Payment chapter.

From 2014, the Children and Families Bill proposes changes to the law on how children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are identified and get services. This follows the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) green paper consultation.

Key recommendations from the paper include a single assessment and the right to personal budgets, plus the introduction of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans. These will supersede SEN statements, and for young people, Section 139A learning difficulty assessments. These will be available to children and young people up to age 25.

These and other key recommendations are currently being tested in certain parts of England and will therefore only affect a small number of families. In the meantime current legal rights to statements and assessments remain in place for all families.

The London Borough of Richmond is working closely with parents and professionals in the education, health and social care sectors to ensure that the new system delivers a comprehensive support package which will enable children to flourish and develop. Richmond council has recently set up a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Children’s Bill Action group which will work with families, education, health and social care services.

8 Setting the Scene The SEND action group has a project plan with work streams which include: • developing a single assessment process • developing an Education Health and Care ( EHC) plan for children and young people from birth to the age of 25 • developing a clear Local Offer which sets out the services and support available in Richmond to children, young people and their parents/ carers • using personal budgets to provide children and young people and their families with greater choice and transparency Richmond local authority recognise that the active involvement of parents/ families and carers is essential to success and there are many opportunities for parents to get involved and have their voice heard.

What is the Local Offer? Local authorities will be required to publish information about the services, provision and support in education, health and care that they expect to be available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities aged 0 to 25. This will be known as the Local Offer.

The Local Offer must include information about what a local authority expects to be available, both inside and outside the local authority area, for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities for whom it is responsible, regardless of whether or not they have an Education, Health and Care plan.

The Local Offer is intended to improve choice, transparency and access to information to enable families to see more clearly what services are available. A key guiding principle of the Local Offer in Richmond borough is that it will be co-produced by parents, carers and their young people/ children with special educational needs as well as practitioners.

For further information about the Local Offer contact Lindiwe Mokoena, Education and Children’s Services, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on 0208 487 5495 or email [email protected]

Setting the Scene 9 Map of the Borough by Postal Code The map will give you an idea where a service is located in the borough.

· Barnes (SW13)

· Mortlake and Barnes Common (SW13, SW14, SW15)

· East Sheen (SW14)

· Hampton North (TW12)

· Hampton Wick (KT1, KT8, TW11)

· North Richmond (TW9, TW10,SW14)

· South Richmond (TW9, TW10)

· Heathfield (TW2,TW4)

· Fulwell and Hampton Hill (TW11, TW12)

· Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside (TW10)

· Kew (TW9)

· South Twickenham (TW1)

· St Margaret and North Twickenham (TW1, TW2)

· Teddington (TW11)

· Hampton (TW12, KT8)

· Twickenham Riverside (TW1)

· West Twickenham (TW2, TW13)

· Whitton (TW2, TW3)

10 Map of the Area LONDON BOROUGH OF HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM Barnes SW13 Kew TW9

Mortlake & Barnes LONDON BOROUGH North Richmond Common SW13, SW14, SW15 OF HOUNSLOW TW9, TW10,SW14

South Richmond LONDON BOROUGH TW9, TW10 St. Margarets OF WANDSWORTH Whitton TW1, TW2 TW2, TW3 Twickenham Riverside TW1 East Sheen SW14 Heathfield TW2, TW4

West South Ham, Petersham Twickenham Twickenham & Richmond Riverside TW10 TW2, TW13 TW1

Fullwell & Hampton Hill Hampton TW11, TW12 Map of the Area North TW12

Hampton Wick Hampton KT1, KT8, TW11 TW12, KT8 Teddington TW11 THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES

ELMBRIDGE BOROUGH

11 COUNCIL

Advice, Information and Advocacy

Knowledge is power… Having information that can help your “child is invaluable.

I found the guide extremely” useful when I moved into this “borough because it helped me to find out about things. ” 13 Advice, Information and AdvocacyAdvice, Information and Advocacy 13 You are not alone and there is help and support out there

• There is a number of advice, information and advocacy services available to parents, carers and families. These can help with many issues that can come up at times of change.

• Advocacy services can help represent or speak up for you when you find yourself in disagreement with organisations such as schools, the NHS and the local authority.

• Family, friends and other families with children with disabilities can often provide help and advice too.

• Often like-minded parents are a great source of support and there are local networks where parents with children with additional needs can get in touch with each other and meet up.

14 Advice, Information and Advocacy Local support, information and guidance Please note that to avoid repetition there is further information in the chapters called Support for Carers and Education. access, Richmond AID This service provides information and advice to families affected by disability. Richmond AID’s access service works with a network of disability charities to maintain the most up-to-date information on a wide range of subjects related to the support of children and young people with additional needs, their siblings and family members. The service includes specialist benefits advice, regular parent’s e-bulletins and free newsletter and a website with up-to-date events and information. access, Richmond AID, Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT

Tel: 020 8831 6076 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: http://www.accessinfoservice.com

Citizen’s Advice Bureau The CAB has a number of offices around the borough where you can access advice and information on lots of different subjects, including housing, benefits, debt, legal advice and more. If you have not accessed this service before or if you have used the service previously but now have a new and different enquiry you will need a short assessment interview in order to access their services. See the Benefits, grants and payments chapter for their contact details and outreach hours or take a look at their website.

Website: http://www.rcabs.org

Family Information Service This is a local authority service which provides information for families and carers of children and young people between the ages of 0 to 19.

Education and Children’s Services Directorate, First floor, Civic Centre 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8831 6298 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/fis

Advice, Information and Advocacy 15 Me too & Co Me too & Co provide information through talks and workshops for parents and carers on health, early intervention programmes, benefits, Makaton and more. They run the 6 week ‘Families helping Families’ courses to help parents/carers deal with the behavioural issues of their children.

Me too & Co, The CrossWay Centre, 306 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, TW1 2PD

Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.metooandco.org.uk

Teddington Clinic Makaton Courses for Parents and Carers Makaton is a sign language for children with communication and language difficulties. Teddington Clinic provides affordable courses for parents and carers to teach the signs and symbols of the Makaton Core Vocabulary.

Teddington Clinic, Queens Road, Teddington, TW11 0LR

For more information and to make a booking please contact Sheila Hill on:

Tel: 020 8973 3512 Email: [email protected]

Three Wings Trust Three Wings Trust is a charity that supports families and children with additional needs from birth to 19 years. They can support families with extended casework on a range of complex issues.

Three Wings Trust, Croft Centre, 20 Windham Road, Richmond, TW9 2HP

Tel: 020 8831 6175 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.threewingstrust.org

16 Advice, Information and Advocacy Advocacy What is advocacy? Advocacy is helping people to get their voice heard and to find out what their rights and choices are. An advocate is someone who is trained and is there to represent you. They can accompany you to meetings and discuss with you any decisions made.

Richmond Advocacy Service The Richmond Advocacy Service provides trained advocates who work with disabled people, families and carers who need help to represent their views, or who need help accessing services, in a situation where they are at risk of abuse, or are generally struggling with an issue and in need of support.

Outreach sites vary around Richmond upon Thames

Tel: 0300 200 0022 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ruils.co.uk http://www.pohwer.net

National support, information and guidance

Contact a Family Contact a Family is a national charity that exists to support the families of disabled children whatever their condition or disability.

They can provide information and advice on a wide range of issues. Contact a Family also has a resource library that you can use. If you go online you can read stories from some of the families who have been helped and get tips and suggestions that may support you.

Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN

Helpline: 0808 808 3555 Website: http://www.cafamily.org.uk

Advice, Information and Advocacy 17 Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) DLF is a national charity that provides impartial advice, information and training on daily living aids. As well as a helpline they have factsheets on choosing children’s daily living equipment, mobility equipment, play equipment and some suppliers for a range of children’s equipment.

Disabled Living Foundation, Ground Floor, Landmark House, Hammersmith Bridge Road, London W6 9EJ.

Helpline: 0845 130 9177 (10am-4pm, Monday to Friday) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.dlf.org.uk

Gingerbread – factsheets & helplines for single parents Gingerbread provides advice and practical support for single parents. They have a helpline, factsheets and training available. Their advice service can support single parents on issues including child maintenance, contact, employment, education, welfare benefits and tax credits, housing and debt.

Helpline: 0808 802 0925 Website: http://www.gingerbread.org.uk

Working Families The charity help working parents and carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work.

Their free legal helpline gives parents and carers advice on employment rights such as maternity and paternity leave, rights to time off in an emergency, and parental leave, as well as helping parents to negotiate the flexible hours they want.

Working Families, 1-3 Berry Street, London, EC1V 0AA

Helpline: 0300 012 0312 Website: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk

18 Advice, Information and Advocacy Benefits, Grants and Payments

I don’t think I would have found the time or strength to “complete the forms by myself and would have missed the deadline or not managed at all.

Really appreciate” the “calm and tea! ” There are various difficulties and challenges for families with a disabled child, such as finding enough time to work due to the commitment involved in looking after your child.

• There is plenty of help and support out there available to you.

• There are benefits, grants or payments that you could receive to help you with the costs of caring for a child with a disability.

• Only about 50% of families with disabled children claim the allowances and benefits that they are entitled to yet it is estimated to be three times more expensive to bring up a disabled child.

• Keep a detailed diary of all the help you give your child. The diary should include headings relevant to the DLA form.

20 Benefits, Grants and Payments Current Welfare Benefits The welfare benefits system is very complicated, with different benefits applying to different situations and various ways to claim them. We have selected some key benefits below. There are more benefits available than listed here. It is recommended that you seek independent advice regarding your particular situation and to check you are receiving all your entitlements. See the end of this chapter for local and national contacts.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) This is a benefit to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with additional needs and/or disabilities, for people under 65. DLA is not means-tested and is paid on top of all other income.

DLA have been replaced by Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for new claims since June 2013 and for any DLA awards which end in October 2013 or later for people aged 16 to 64 years. The new benefit Personal Independence Payment (see page 25) will replace DLA. Children under 16 years will continue to get DLA until further notice.

To make a new claim, contact: 0800 88 22 00 Text phone: 08457 224 433 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit Apply online at: https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children

For queries on existing claims, contact: Disability Living Allowance Unit Helpline: 08456 123 456

Carer’s Allowance (CA) This is a benefit for unpaid and low income carers aged 16 and over whose child receives DLA on the middle or higher rate of DLA care component and are spending at least 35 hours each week caring for them (from 2013 Personal Independence Payment).

For more information and to claim contact: Benefit Enquiry Line: 0800 88 22 00

Benefits, Grants and Payments 21 Child Benefit (CB) You can claim this once your child has been born or an adoption process has gone through successfully. New mums are provided with a CB form after giving birth with their ‘Bounty Pack’. Claim forms can be also be printed from the internet.

Tel: 0845 302 1444 For customers who are deaf or hearing or speech impaired: Text phone: 0845 302 1474 Website: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/index.htm

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) This is a benefit for people whose illness or disability affects their ability to work.

Claiming the benefit involves having a Work Capability Assessment as well as completing a claim form.

New Claims number: 0800 055 66 88 Textphone: 0800 023 4888

You can download a claim form ES1 online at: https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

‘Permitted work’ while claiming Employment Support Allowance You can do some limited work while claiming Employment Support Allowance. There are rules about what work you can do and how many hours you can work. You may have to pay Income Tax on your earnings. You are recommended to seek independent advice before taking up work while on benefits.

Note: Both Permitted Work and Supported Permitted Work will end once the new Universal Credit (UC) is in place. (see page 26)

22 Benefits, Grants and Payments Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) If you are a parent seeking work you can claim Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).

Call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 66 88 to make a new claim if you have any queries about whether you should apply for JSA or ESA.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit If you are on a low wage, or receive Income Support or any other benefit, you may be able to get help with your rent and Council Tax payments. You may also be eligible for a discount on or exemption from your Council Tax without claiming benefit. You may also get Second Adult Rebate if you share your home with another adult who is unable to pay towards the Council Tax.

The amount depends on the amount of rent or Council Tax you are charged, your income and savings, and the other people who live with you. Contact: Revenues and Benefits, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ.

Tel: 08456 122 660 Fax: 020 8891 7934 Email: [email protected]

Benefits, Grants and Payments 23 Retirement Benefits (including Attendance Allowance) If you are an older parent, carer or guardian you may have entitlement to the following; State Pension, Pension Credit and/or Attendance Allowance (if disabled and over 65 years).

Tax Credits Tax credits are ‘top up’ payments that can be paid if you are working and/ or have a child. These are called Working Tax Credit (WTC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). You can make a claim if you are on a low income.

For Child Tax Credit you can make a claim after the birth of a child up to their 19th birthday (or 20th if the child is in certain types of education).

For Working Tax Credit, if you have children you need to be aged at least 16, and work the following hours to get Working Tax Credit:

• If you’re single, you need to do paid work of at least 16 hours a week

• If you’re in a couple, your joint paid working hours need to be at least 24 a week, with one of you working at least 16 hours a week

• If you’re a couple and only one of you is working, that person will need to work at least 24 hours a week

Other benefits may be included and further details are on the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/TAXCREDITS

Helpline: 0345 300 3900 For customers who are deaf or hearing or speech impaired: Text phone: 0345 300 3909

24 Benefits, Grants and Payments Changes in Welfare Benefits from 2013 There are major changes happening to benefits from April 2013, including the replacement of Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit. These changes will affect the household income of many people. We recommend you seek advice once you have been notified (by letter or phone) about any changes affecting you. Contact an advice agency if you are unsure or concerned about any of these matters.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) This will begin to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from June 2013 for new claims and for any DLA renewals after October 2013. PIP can be claimed if your child is aged 16years or over and has additional daily living and / or mobility needs.

Important: When a child approaches their 16th birthday the parent or person who is appointed to look after the child’s welfare, will be notified of the change from DLA to PIP. This applies even to indefinite awards.

Becoming an Appointee If the child for whom you’re caring won’t be capable of managing their own affairs once they turn 16 because they’re mentally incapable or severely disabled, you can apply for the right to deal with their benefits. This is called being an appointee. You can find out more about how to do this by looking at the following webpage.

Webpage: www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

Benefits, Grants and Payments 25 Universal Credit This is a new working age benefit called Universal Credit (UC) which will begin to replace the following benefits from October 2013:

• Housing Benefit

• Income Support

• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

This benefit will be paid monthly (replacing benefits which are paid more often). Seek independent advice to find out how this change affects you and your family.

Housing benefit will no longer be paid directly to the landlord – so claimants will have to make arrangements such as setting up a direct debit yourself.

Grants Local Grants There are a number of local charitable trusts and funds (for example Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Hampton Fuel Allotments, Barnes Workhouse Fund and others) who issue grants to people in need. Grants can cover help with bills, essential white goods, one off crisis grants and more. Amounts vary between £10 and £400. The majority require you to be referred by a recognised local agency such as Social Services, Richmond AID, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your GP or a local organisation like Homestart, Spear, Victim Support etc.

Contact an advice agency for help and advice on grants.

Richmond AID have a list of local grant-giving organisations online or available on request. Contact Richmond AID or visit: http://www.richmon- daid.org.uk/publications/disability-information-handbook

26 Benefits, Grants and Payments Grants for Short Breaks

Aiming High Grant This grant can be used for family holidays, weekend breaks or a child’s residential holiday. It can also be used for days out and to pay for a befriender to assist you to support your child when going for a nice day out.

To be eligible, you need to be resident in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Your child must be under 18 and have additional needs.

The grant is funded by the Disability Children’s Team, Richmond Council and administered by the access service at Richmond AID. Contact access (see Local Benefits Advice Section) for more information.

Applications forms can be downloaded from: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/shortbreaks_grants.htm

And there is more information on the access website: http://www.accessinfoservice.com/about/faq/

NHS Carers Break Grant The NHS Carers Break fund is for carers who have a long-term health problem, or whose health or wellbeing is affected by their caring situation, e.g. back injury, stress, etc. A carer can be a parent, grandparent, sibling, other family member, friend or neighbour who provide un-paid caring support on a regular basis.

To be eligible you must either be a Richmond resident or caring for someone who is a Richmond resident. Applications have to be supported by a professional. If your child has a social worker, you can ask them if they will help you access an NHS Carers Grant. Support can also be located from the access service at Richmond AID, Richmond Carers Centre and other voluntary services. You can also ask your GP or other health professionals.

Benefits, Grants and Payments 27 Grants for home improvements, adaptations and repairs

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Available to home owners and tenants, these are grants for those on low income to make essential home adaptations. They are means-tested. An occupational therapist must refer you for a grant.

Windham Croft Centre for children, 16 Windham Road, Kew, TW9 2HP

Tel: 020 8831 6470 Text: 020 8831 6049 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/disabled_facilities_grants

National Grants

The Family Fund Trust This charity provides grants to low-income families who are caring for a severely disabled child. Grants can be for a variety of essential items including washing machines, fridges and clothing. They also consider grants for sensory toys, computers and short breaks/holidays. All grants are discretionary and subject to available funding.

Tel: 08451 304542 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.familyfund.org.uk

28 Benefits, Grants and Payments Local benefits advice

Richmond AID Children and Families access service This access information service is for children and families and offers support to families who have children with additional needs. We have a full- time Children and Families Information Coordinator who provides advice and support to families.

Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT

Tel: 020 8831 6076 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.accessinfoservice.com

The access Children and Families Officer (Benefits) works part time, two days per week. The service provides one-to-one support and form filling for parents and carers. If you think you may be entitled to any of the benefits, grants or payments described earlier in this chapter you can contact Yvonne Baxtrem on:

Tel: 020 8831 6080 (Mon and Fri) or: Email: [email protected]

Benefits, Grants and Payments 29 Richmond Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Benefits advice and support can be obtained at the following locations:

Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Twickenham 10am- 10am- 10am- 10am- 5th Floor, Regal 12pm 12pm 12pm 12pm House, 70 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3QS Sheen 10am- 10am- 10am- Sheen Lane 12.30pm 12.30pm 12.30pm Centre, Sheen Lane, SW14 8LP

Hampton 10am- 10am- White House 12pm 12pm Community Centre, 45 the Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN Ham 10am- 10am- The Health 12pm 12pm Centre, Ashburnham Road, Ham, TW10 7NF Barnes 10am- 10am- Castelnau 12pm 12pm Community Centre, Stillingfleet Road, SW13 9AQ

Tel: 0844 826 9700 Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm to make an appointment. The automated advice line is available any time.

Richmond website: http://www.rcabs.org National website: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk

30 Benefits, Grants and Payments National benefits advice charities

Gingerbread Gingerbread provides advice and support for single parents. They have a helpline, factsheets and training available. Their advice service can support single parents on issues including child maintenance, contact, employment, education, welfare benefits and tax credits, housing and debt.

520 Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London, NW5 1TL

Helpline: 0808 802 0925 Website: http://www.gingerbread.org.uk

Mencap Mencap offers free information seminars in and around London on how to take care of someone with a learning disability for the future by making a suitable will or setting up a trust.

Head Office, Mencap, 123 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0RT

Tel: 020 7696 6925 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mencap.org.uk/what-we-do/wills-and-trusts

Turn2us This is a charity which helps people access the money available to them through welfare benefits, grants and other help. It has an accessible website with lots of information to help you find sources of financial support based on your needs and circumstances.

Tel: 0808 802 2000 (8am-8pm Monday-Friday) Email: [email protected] Fax: 01443 827616 Website: http://www.turn2us.org.uk

Gov.uk The central government website gives information on all aspects of the welfare benefits system and includes contact information, guidelines on eligibility and how to claim.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

Benefits, Grants and Payments 31

Getting Around

Blue Badge for parking is invaluable when taking out “our grandson.

It’s great to find” out what’s available, there’s actually “quite a few things we have in place now. ” If you have a child or young person with special needs or a disability there are transport services available to help you and your child or young person get out and about. Richmond Accessible Transport Unit (ATU) Richmond ATU provide transport information, advice and services for people with a disability. You can apply for Freedom Passes, Taxicards and Blue Badges through ATU. Children who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance automatically qualify for these services.

Freedom Pass: Disabled Person Freedom Passes are available to anyone of fare paying age in the borough who meets the eligibility criteria.

This entitles the holder to: • Free travel on London’s underground, buses, Docklands Light Railway, trams and some London Overground networks at all times.

• Free travel on some National Rail services is available from 9.30am Mondays to Fridays and all day weekends and public holidays.

• Free travel on local bus services in England, outside London between 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Fridays and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

Taxi Cards: The London Taxi Card scheme provides a door-to-door service in black taxis and private hire vehicles for people in the borough with an eligible disability. Having a Taxi Card will mean that certain trips are subsidised by the Council.

Blue Badges: A Blue Badge will enable you to park closer to the shops and services you need to access. Children over the age of 2, with an eligible disability are able to get a Blue Badge. Children under the age of 3 may also qualify for a Blue Badge, if due to their disability they need to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment or need quick access to a vehicle for treatment. For more information, to check eligibility and to apply for Freedom Passes, Taxicards and Blue Badges contact the Accessible Transport Unit or apply via the council website. Accessible Transport Unit, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Disability Action and Advice Centre (DAAC), 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT.

Tel: 020 8831 6096 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/transport.htm

34 Getting Around Dial-a-Ride Dial-a-Ride is a free door-to-door service run by Transport for London for people with mobility problems who are unable to use mainstream public transport. The service uses distinctive red minibuses that can accommodate wheelchairs and is for short trips that must be booked in advance. You need to be a member.

Tel: 0845 999 1999 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/3222.aspx

Disabled Persons Railcard The Disabled Person’s Railcard entitles the holder up to a third discount on a range of tickets, for both the holder and a companion. Children aged 5 to 16 may be eligible to hold a Disabled Person’s Railcard, which would entitle them to child price travel and the accompanying adult a third discounted rate. The leaflet for this can be found at the ticket office of any mainline station or can be downloaded from their website: http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

For further information call 0845 605 0525 (7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday) or email: [email protected]

London Congestion Charge Exemptions: If you hold a Blue Badge, you are entitled to a 100% discount in the London Congestion zone. This can be for up to two vehicles. Call the Congestion Charge helpline on: 0845 900 1234 for further information or visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/congestioncharging

Motability The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use their government- funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. Parents and guardians are eligible to join the Motability Scheme if they, or their child aged three years or more, receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Only the Higher Rate Mobility Component is used. Other parts of the DLA are not affected.

Tel: 0845 456 4566 Textphone: 0845 675 0009 Website http://www.motability.co.uk/

Getting Around 35 Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) Exempt for those getting higher rate DLA mobility rate.

Contact: Disability Living Allowance Unit, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool FY20YE

Telephone: 0845 712 3456 Textphone: 0845 722 4433 Webiste: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-car-tax

School Transport: If your child has a statement of special educational needs they may be eligible for support with transport to and/or from school. Speak to your Special Educational Needs (SEN) worker for more information. The SEN team can be contacted on 020 8891 7541.

Travel Awards Travel awards for 16 to 19 year olds are designed to enable and/or support attendance at state-maintained school sixth forms or further education colleges for London Borough of Richmond upon Thames residents. See the Council website or contact pupil and student finance section for further information on eligibility.

Pupil and Student Finance Section, Education, Children’s and Cultural Services Directorate, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8891 7587 Minicom: 020 8891 7539 Email: [email protected] Website www.richmond.gov.uk/travel_awards_for_16_to_19_year_olds.htm

Travel Buddy Richmond AID has started a Travel Buddy scheme for young people aged 14 to 25 with special needs or a disability. The project will support young people to learn to use public transport independently to access education and leisure opportunities.

Richmond AID, Disability Action & Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, TW11 8HT.

Tel: 020 8831 6080 Website: http://www.richmondaid.org.uk/

36 Getting Around Travel Mentoring Service The Transport for London Travel Mentoring Service gives disabled Londoners advice on planning a journey. It can also help them gain the confidence to make more use of public transport by providing someone to accompany them the first few times they use a low floor bus, accessible tube route or overground train service.

For more information call 020 3054 4361 or look at the TFL website http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/26330.aspx.

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme You may be able to claim a refund under the ‘Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme’ (HTCS) of the cost of travelling to hospital or other NHS premises for NHS-funded treatment or diagnostic test arranged by a doctor or dentist.

Tel: 0845 850 1166 Website: http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Travelcosts.aspx

Guides and Booklets The Transport for London website has many useful guides and provides information for all aspects of travel for people with a disability: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

A useful guide is the ‘Getting around London’ guide which provides information on assistance you can receive when travelling around London. It provides information about lifts and step free access to platforms, and using buses and trams around the capital. It can be downloaded at: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/getting-around-london-large-print.pdf

Alternatively, phone 0843 222 1234 to order guides. The Transport for London Customer Services team can be reached on: 0845 601 4867 or email: [email protected]

Getting Around 37 Other Useful Contacts

London Transport Travel Information Service:

Tel: 020 7222 1234 Minicom: 020 7918 3015

Passenger Assistance will organise access on/off South West Trains

Tel: 0845 605 0440 Textphone: 0845 605 0441

Computer Cab Plc provides wheelchair accessible black taxis throughout London. They require a Taxi Card or a Credit Card payment for immediate and advance bookings up to three months ahead.

Tel: 020 7432 1432

The Family Fund Trust recognises the importance of transport to families who are caring for a severely disabled child. They can consider a transport grant to help with getting a severely disabled child out and about, or driving lessons to help the carer learn to drive. All grants are discretionary and subject to available funding.

Family Fund, Unit 4 Alpha Court, Monks Drive, Huntington, York, Y032 9WN.

Tel: 0845 130 4542 Email: [email protected] Website: www.familyfund.org.uk

38 Advice,Getting InformationAround and Advocacy Education

Portage were a great help and “gave us great information.

Getting the right education” can help your child fulfil their “potential ”

39 Advice, Information and Advocacy It’s important your child has an education just like any other • They may need extra help or support that is different from the needs of other children.

• Schools are well placed to identify and provide appropriate support for their pupils. Schools have a duty to meet all children’s additional needs, which can include support from external professionals.

• In a small number of cases, if your child’s needs are severe and long term, the authority will need to complete a Statutory Assessment of Special Educational Needs and then determine whether to issue a statement.

Your child’s right to school education It is against the law for a school or other education provider to treat disabled students unfavourably. All publicly funded pre-schools, nurseries, state schools, and local authorities must try to identify and help assess children with special educational needs. All universities and higher education colleges should have a person in charge of disability issues that the young person can talk to about the support they offer.

Reasonable Adjustments and Auxiliary Aids and Services The Equality Act 2010 means that as well as the requirement to make reasonable adjustments schools now must make provision for auxiliary aids and services. An auxiliary aid could be a piece of equipment which helps a disabled person, e.g. special computer equipment or wheelchair. An example of a service could be a personal assistant or a therapy. This new ruling came into force in September 2012 and applies to both local authority and independent schools. For more information and examples of reasonable adjustments go to http://www.equalityhumanrights.com

40 Education Preschool (0-5 years) If a parent has concerns about their child’s development then they should talk about their concerns with the child’s doctor, health visitor, community paediatrician or Social Worker. Other professionals may become involved to provide further support.

Should a parent believe that their child has learning difficulties; they can apply for an assessment from the Local Authority from the age of 2 years (see special educational needs statement further in this chapter for details).

Portage Portage is a home-based learning and developmental support service for pre-school children with learning difficulties, including autism spectrum conditions. Portage staff use a broad range of materials to aid a child’s development and engage with parents and carers to discuss their children’s individual strengths and needs in the context of the family’s day-to-day life. Richmond Portage is registered with the National Portage Association www.portage.org.uk

Referrals can be made through the Children’s Development Team or Disability Children’s Team. See our ‘Social Care’ section for contact details.

Early years and childcare team The Early Years and Childcare team at the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames offer support and guidance to private and voluntary providers of pre-school education to ensure that all children are safe and happy, able to participate and achieve.

The Family Information Service and Children Centres are part of the Early Years and Childcare Team.

Early Years and Childcare Team, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, 1st Floor, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8831 6267 Email: [email protected] Website: www.richmond.gov.uk

Education 41 Family Information Service The Family Information Service has a telephone and internet service for parents living in the Richmond borough. They can give you free information on playgroups, nurseries, childcare and grants related to pre-school support as well as inclusive activities.

Tel: 020 8831 6298 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/fis

Details on the following services can be found through the Family Information Service.

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Children’s Centres A children’s Centre offers a wide range of free services and activities for young children from birth to 8 years of age, parents, mothers to be and families of young children.

http://www.richmond.gov.uk/childrens_centres

Parent and toddler drop-in groups Play sessions can help your child develop socially through play. There are local specialised play groups available from Me Too and Co and Sparkle Time. For contact details of these organisations please see our Leisure section.

http://www.richmond.gov.uk/parent_and_toddler

42 Education Nurseries Nurseries cater for children from around 2 years of age. There are both private and state nurseries available. Nurseries are open to children of all abilities.

Applications are made in writing to Special Educational Needs Section, Richmond Education Department, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

The link for Richmond local authority nursery schools is http://www.richmond.gov.uk/nursery_schools

There is a Nursery Education Grant available for 3 and 4 year olds for a limited number of hours per year. Payment is made directly to the nursery. Criteria are dependent upon the nursery your child attends.

Jigsaw Nursery Provision (Windham Nursery School) Jigsaw at Windham Croft Centre for children is a provision for pre-school children with social communication disorders including autism spectrum conditions. The provision takes up to eight children from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, who are referred by the local authority’s special educational needs panel.

Jigsaw Provision at Windham Nursery School, Windham Road, Richmond, TW9 2HP

Telephone: 020 8831 6309 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/jigsaw_nursery_provision

Education 43 Free School Meals Children can receive free school meals if they attend a state-maintained school and the family receives: Income Support; or Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income-based); Employment and Support Allowance (income related); or Child Tax Credit, or Pension Tax Credit; or the ‘Guaranteed’ element of State Pension Credit ; or financial support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Contact the Pupil and Student Finance Section in the local authority

Tel: 020 8891 7587 Minicom: 020 8891 7539 Email: [email protected]

Special Educational Needs (SEN) in school If you think your child is finding it difficult to keep up with lessons in school or has known learning difficulties, speak to their teacher and the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to see if additional support is needed. In September 2014 the current system of support will be replaced by the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC) which aims to simplify the system, offer a more holistic approach and give parents more control over their child’s support plan.

Special Education Needs (SEN) Code of Practice The SEN Code of Practice is designed to guide Local Authorities, schools and early education settings to make effective decisions regarding children with SEN. The code of practice came into effect from January 2002.

Areas covered include definitions of special educational needs, parental responsibility and working partnership with parents. The code also looks at involving pupils in the assessment and decision-making, provision in the early years, statutory assessment of children under compulsory school age and the role of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs).

You can download the document from http://www.education.gov.uk/ aboutdfe/statutory/g00213170/special-needs-code-of-practice or call 0845 6022 260 to obtain your free copy from the Department of Education.

44 Education The SEN code of practice outlines a gradual response to meeting the needs of pupils with SEN. There is wide scope to adapt the curriculum and ways to deliver it. It is only when interventions are required which are additional or different to the curriculum that School Action or School Action Plus is needed. Currently there are three levels of support to assist children struggling with learning and understanding.

School Action This can include the involvement of extra teachers and may also require the use of different learning materials, special equipment, adaptations to the curriculum or a different teaching strategy.

School Action Plus School Action Plus is used where School Action has not been able to help the child make adequate progress. With School Action Plus the school will seek external advice from the relevant professionals within the Local Authority (LA).

Statutory Assessment of Special Educational Needs The vast majority of pupil’s special educational needs will be met through School Action and School Action Plus. If the child’s educational needs are severe or they do not make adequate progress with School Action and School Action Plus, then a school or parent can request a Statutory Assessment which may lead to that child receiving a statement of Special Educational Needs, commonly referred to as a ‘statement’ or ‘statementing’.

Currently, an assessment can be requested from as early as two years of age and up until they leave education. The Assessment is a multi- disciplinary investigation to identify any difficulties and suggest strategies and programmes of work that might help. The local authority (LA) will usually make a statement if they decide that all the help your child needs cannot be provided from within the school’s resources. A statement is a legal document and will describe all your child’s special educational needs (SEN) and the support your child should receive. These resources could include money, staff time and special equipment.

If a child has a statement of special educational needs they should have a ‘transition plan’ drawn up in year 9 (at 14 years of age). This plans the support the young person will have after leaving school as they prepare for adulthood.

Education 45 The Statutory Assessment process A Statutory Assessment can either be applied for by your child’s school or a parent can apply directly in writing to the Head of Special Educational Needs. The Local Authority will tell you about the steps they will take if they decide to make an assessment, how it will work, the timeframe and where you can get more information about the assessment process. In making a decision to carry out the Statutory Assessment the local authority needs to be assured that the school has implemented and evaluated any professional advice the school has sought and will require evidence of purposeful and meaningful intervention.

Special Educational Needs Section, Richmond Education Department, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8891 7541 Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/sen

What can you do if you disagree with decisions made by the Local Authority? If you are refused a Statutory Assessment, a statement or you disagree with the description of your child’s assessment, their proposed provision or named school there are a number of ways to try and resolve the issue.

First of all, you should contact the SEN case officer responsible for your child’s case (their contact details should be on the decision letter).

The Parent Partnership worker may also be able to assist. She can give help and advice, explain the support available for your child, arrange meetings and come along with you to assist negotiations.

If after contacting your SEN case officer and the Parent Partnership worker you still haven’t resolved the issue, you can contact the Disagreement Resolution Service. This is an independent mediation service that is free to parents.

If the disagreement still hasn’t been resolved, you have the right to appeal to a tribunal. There are various independent organisations that can give you information and support you to prepare your case. See ‘useful contacts and educational support services’ section for contact details. (see pages 52-53)

46 Education Parent Partnership Service The Parent Partnership Service is an independent service. Although it is funded by the local Council it is managed independently outside of the local authority. A Parent Partnership Worker can provide advice, support and mediation for parents regarding educational issues including the assessment process and appeals. The Parent Partnership Worker can explain the support available for your child, arrange meetings and come along with you to assist negotiations.

Tel: 020 8831 6179 (Answerphone)

Website http://www.richmond.gov.uk/education_sen_pps.htm

If after contacting your SEN case officer and the Parent Partnership Worker you still haven’t resolved the issue, you can contact the Disagreement Resolution Service. Their service aims to settle disagreements that arise between parents and local authorities / schools about the special educational needs (SEN) of children and young people, and how best to meet these needs.

The Disagreement Resolution Service aims to resolve disputes about special educational needs through mediation meetings.

Disagreement Resolution Service This is an independent mediation service operated by KIDS London which is free to parents.

Disagreement Resolution Service, KIDS London, SEN Mediation Service, 49 Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1N 2NY

Tel: 020 7837 2900 Email: [email protected] Website Link: http://www.kids.org.uk/information/100885/100924/ mediation/

If the disagreement has still not been resolved, you have the right to appeal and to a tribunal. There are various independent organisations that can give you information and support you to prepare your case. See Useful Contacts and Educational Support Services section for contact details.

Education 47 Independent report If the existing evidence to support your child receiving a statement is weak and you feel that the reports do not give a full picture of your son or daughter’s educational needs you may wish to consider obtaining an independent report. Assessments to support the report will be needed from professionals, particularly from health specialists. An expert report may be required by a solicitor. This may be costly. If you can prove that you are unable to pay for a solicitor and that the case is serious, you may be able to apply for legal aid.

The LA must consider your representations and any evidence you want to give including the independent report. A copy of your independent report will be given to other professionals whose advice the LA may seek.

Community legal aid You could get help with costs of legal advice or get someone to speak or negotiate for you. In some cases, you could get a solicitor or barrister to represent you in court.

You need to show that you can’t afford to pay for legal costs and your problem is serious. You’ll have to give details of your income, benefits and property. If you’re under 18, you may need to give information about your parents’ or guardians’ income. The Government website has a legal aid calculator to see if you can get help.

Tel: 0845 345 4345 Minicom: 0845 609 6677 Text: ‘legalaid’ to 80010 Website: https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid/overview

Speech and language Speech and Language therapists provide information, assessments, advice and treatment for children and young people with speech and language issues and work closely with parents to support the child’s speech development. As well as in health clinics, Children’s Centre and hospitals they also work within schools. Your child can be referred through a variety of professionals.

Speech and Language Department, Teddington & Social Care Centre, 18 Queens Road, Teddington, TW11 0LR

Tel: 020 8614 5300 Speech and Language Advice Line: 020 8973 3512

48 Education Educational Psychologists Educational Psychologists work primarily within an educational setting. They can assess a child and support teachers to plan intervention programmes, provide specialist training to teachers and monitor a child’s progress throughout their education. Referrals are usually made by the school or through the Child Development Team for pre-school children.

Educational Psychologists, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8487 5464

Sensory Education Service The sensory education service is a team of teachers who have additional qualifications in teaching hearing or visually impaired children. When they are notified of a child with a sensory loss contact is made with the parents, school or nursery to inform them of their service. They provide information and guidance and training in all educational settings to ensure the nursery or school has an understanding of the impact of the sensory loss on early years development and access to the school curriculum.

Contact the Sensory Education Service in the local authority:

Tel: 020 8831 6377 Email: [email protected]

School Transport Assistance You child’s statement may include an entitlement to transport assistance if they meet with the criteria set out in accordance with the Education Act, amended by the Education and Inspectors Act 2006. For further information on the criteria you can contact the Special Educational Needs Team.

Education 49 Disabled Students Allowance Extra financial help for higher education courses if you have a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia.

Contact Student Finance England:

Tel: 0845 300 5090 Text phone: 0845 604 4434 Website: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/overview Website: www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk

Applying for a secondary school place If your child has a statement of special education needs you do not apply for secondary school through the normal admissions procedure. You need inform the Special Educational Needs Section, Richmond Education Department, to advise them which secondary school you would prefer your child to go to. If your choice lies outside the Richmond borough you will need to demonstrate why the schools within the London Borough of Richmond do not meet your child’s needs.

Special Educational Needs Section, Richmond Education Department, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8891 7541

50 Education How to choose your child’s schools To make an informed decision about the best school that will support your child’s individual needs you can visit them and ask lots of questions from the person taking you around. Call the school to make an appointment. Most schools have open days and open evenings early in the autumn term or throughout the year. If you visit in term time you can get a better idea of the educational environment.

For schools available in the Richmond borough you can visit the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames website www.richmond.gov.uk/ schools_and_colleges. This includes special units within a mainstream setting, specialist nurseries and special needs schools. In Richmond borough there are two special schools; Strathmore School and Clarendon School.

Strathmore School Strathmore School is a day special school for learners with complex learning difficulties aged 7 to 19 years. Many pupils have an additional diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions or have additional physical and sensory disabilities.

Strathmore School, Meadlands Drive, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7ED

Tel: 020 8948 0047 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.strathmore.richmond.sch.uk/

Education 51 Clarendon School Clarendon is a day community special school for pupils aged 7-16 with moderate learning difficulties and additional complex needs (including autism).

Clarendon School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3DH

Phone: 020 8979 1165 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.clarendon.richmond.sch.uk

If you are looking for mainstream or special need schools in Richmond and beyond you can visit The Good Schools Guide at www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk and use their advanced search option service. Once you have found a school that interests you, ask them to send you a prospectus.

You can find out more by visiting the Ofsted website to locate the latest inspection report.

Website: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report

Useful contacts and educational support services A list of all the Special Educational Needs provisions can be found on the borough website www.richmond.gov.uk/sen

SOS!SEN SOS!SEN provide an independent confidential helpline for parents of children with special educational needs and can help prepare statements and official letters as well as provide useful information. They also run regular workshops.

They have free walk-in surgeries on the third Wednesday of each month, 10.15am-12.15pm from The Gate House.

SOS!SEN, The Gate House, 51, High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NH

Helpline: 020 8538 3731 (9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5pm during term-time) Website: http://www.sossen.org.uk

52 Education IPSEA (Independent Panel of Special Educational Needs) IPSEA is a national charity providing free impartial advice for families of children with special educational needs. Support is given by trained volunteers. They also have useful fact sheets and template letters.

Advice Line: 0800 018 4016 Tribunal Helpline: 0845 602 9579 Website: http://www.ipsea.org.uk

Network 81 Network 81 is a national charity who provide advice and support for parents of children with special educational needs. They also have a Network 81 Parent’s Guide handbook and useful leaflets.

Network 81, 10, Boleyn Way, West Clacton, Essex, CO15 2NJ

Advice Line: 0845 077 4055 (10am-1pm, weekdays) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.network81.org

Me too & Co Local charity Me too & Co provides free weekly Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advocacy Service which provides support through the assessment process for statements and other SEN issues. Appointments can be booked via email to [email protected] or by leaving a message on 07702 189889.

Website: http://www.metooandco.org.uk

Coram Children’s Legal Centre Coram Children’s Legal Centre can provide you with free legal advice on English law and policy for a range of issues including education. Part of the Coram group of charities, the Centre is staffed by lawyers and professionals with expertise in child, family, education and human rights law. As well as a helpline there is a live web chat to be found online. Coram has access in interpreters in 150 languages.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre

Helpline: 08088 020008 (Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm) Website: http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com

Education 53 The National Autistic Society (NAS) The NAS provide an information service on education for parents of children on the Autistic Spectrum. As well as a dedicated helpline on educational rights they have a support service for students in higher education and transition into employment. The NAS has its own specialised schools. Details can be found on their website.

General Helpline: 08088 004104 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm) Educational Rights Helpline: 08088 004102 Website: http://www.autism.org.uk

In-school support for siblings

Richmond Carers Centre (RCC) Richmond Carers Centre has a young carer’s service. As part of this service they support siblings of children with additional needs and disabilities in school. With the permission of families and the young carer, they liaise with schools to inform them that they are registered with Richmond Carers Centre and that there is a care need in the family. Support can be given through to school transition into secondary school and beyond. Richmond Carers Centre also work with schools to help teachers and staff understand the impact of being a sibling carer of an individual young person.

Richmond Carers Centre, 5 Briar Road, Twickenham, TW2 6RB

Tel: 020 8867 2380 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.carers.org/local-service/richmond

Richmond Carers Centre and other local organisations can offer further support for carers. See Support for Carers chapter for details.

54 Education Health Care

Finding out about a special needs dentist through a service “guide was a great weight off my mind as it was something I was very worried about

I found information ”about help with night time toilet “training very effective ”

55 Advice, Information and Advocacy Good physical and mental health is really important for your child, yourself and the whole family. This can be even more significant if your child has a disability: it can help them enjoy a better quality of life and enable them to achieve greater independence in the future.

• There are a wide range of Health Services that may be helpful. The first port of call will often be your GP or health visitor, but a number of services can take a referral directly from you.

• Having a child with a disability means your child may have completely different health requirements. For example, they may need certain foods included in their diet or even have to avoid certain foods.

• They may also require specialist health care, and as a parent it can be difficult to know how and where to access this kind of information.

56 Health Care Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, South West London and St George’s NHS and other health care organisations can support children and young people through diagnosis, treatment and continuing care. Please note that to access any National Health Services (NHS) mentioned in this guide your child will need to be registered with a doctor in the London Borough of Richmond.

General practitioners (GPs) Often your GP is the first port of call when you wish to discuss any concerns regarding your child’s health care. The GP may refer to a specialist paediatrician or health professional.

Specialist health visitors Health visitors are specialist nurses who have undertaken a further year’s training to obtain a diploma or degree in health support within the home as well as public health. Specialist health visitors are trained and have experience supporting children with disabilities and their families.

Guidance and support is offered to parents and carers through the process of diagnosis, planning care and treatment. They can address any concerns that may arise from the additional needs of child care, e.g. toilet training, behavioural issues, general development, etc. This service is available for children through the various transitional stages from birth to 19 years old. A specialist health visitor can meet with parents for one to one sessions in a clinic or at home. Specialist health visitors liaise between families and specialist providers to ensure they meet the child’s health needs.

There are specialist health visitors covering the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Lynne Watson covers the areas of Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton and Whitton Tel: 020 8614 5300 Email: [email protected]

Paula Roper-Hall covers the areas of Richmond, Barnes, Sheen and Ham Tel: 020 8891 8130 Email: [email protected]

Health Care 57 Continence service Both home and clinic services are available to promote continence for children with disabilities and additional needs up to the age of 18 years old.

Children who are unable to control their bowel or bladder during daytime are assessed to determine their continence needs. Support can include help and advice with toilet training, supply of NHS continence products, advice on clothing and other specialist products and referrals to a range of professionals such as an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapists, for equipment such as toilet chairs.

For children who have achieved daytime continence, but experience night time bed wetting, there is a separate enuresis clinic. This clinic can help with fluids advice, bladder training interventions, bed wetting alarms, bedding protection and referrals to a GP for medication and providing on- going support.

Referrals can be made through a GP or a professional working with your child.

Specialist continence service Lynne Watson, Specialist Health Visitor, Children’s Continence and Special Needs

Teddington Health and Social Care Centre

Tel: 020 8614 5300 Email: [email protected]

Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) clinic Teddington Health and Social Care Centre, 18 Queen’s Road, Teddington, TW11 0LR

Tel: 020 8614 5300

School nurses School nurses carry out health reviews on all children in school at specific ages. They liaise with the school special educational needs coordinator and health visitor.

Additional support given by the school nurse can include enuresis support, asthma management, immunisation programmes, etc.

58 Health Care Physiotherapy Physiotherapists have knowledge of general child development, especially gross and fine motor skills. They provide services for children and young people who are referred with conditions that limit physical ability.

Physiotherapy advice clinic: St. John’s Health Centre, Oak Lane, Twickenham, TW1 3PA

Tel: 020 8891 8130

Occupational therapy (OT) Occupational therapy provides services for children and young people who are experiencing functional difficulties at school, at home and/or during play. They have a special understanding of skills that can improve children’s ability to function within their everyday lives, eg feeding, hand function, drawing and writing. They can also advise on special seating and equipment needs. Self-referrals can be made.

St. John’s Health Centre, Oak Lane, Twickenham, TW1 3PA

Tel: 020 8891 8130

Speech, Language and Communication Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are professionals who work with children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and their parents, carers and other adults who help look after them.

Therapists provide information, assessment, advice, training and support in a variety of settings including Children’s Centres, clinics, nurseries and schools. They work closely with other professionals in health, education and social care services as well as with voluntary and charitable organisations.

Health Care 59 If you have concerns or questions about a child’s listening, attention, understanding, talking or any other communication issue, you can call the telephone advice line.

You don’t need a referral, just leave a message with your contact details and a qualified speech and language therapist will return your call within a week.

If you already know your local or school therapist, it is better to call them directly.

Speech and Language Department, Teddington & Social Care Centre, 18 Queen’s Road, Teddington, TW11 0LR

Tel: 020 8614 5300 Speech and Language Advice Line: 020 8973 3512

If you are looking for a private independent speech and language therapist in your area you may like to visit the website for the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice www.helpwithtalking.com

Audiology and vision The Paediatric Audiology team offer a comprehensive hearing service to children from birth to eighteen years of age. They are able to provide age appropriate hearing assessment and prompt referral for future intervention. They provide hearing screening, parental guidance, advice, support and information material. They also offer hearing aid fittings, follow ups and impressions for ear protection eg swim plugs, noise reduction ear plugs and musician ear plugs.

Referrals can be made by health professionals e.g. school nurse, speech and language therapist, GP, health visitors or teachers.

Sheen Lane Centre House, Sheen Lane, London, SW14 8LP

1st Floor Outpatients, Teddington Memorial Hospital, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0JL

Tel: 020 8714 4108

Vision testing can be carried out at high street opticians.

60 Health Care Child and Family Consultation Centre (CFCC) The Child and Family Consultation Centre help children and young people up to the age of 18, experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties or mental illness. Parents, young people and children are able to discuss their worries with specially trained staff. They can help and assess children and young people with depression, abuse, ADHD, ASD, difficult behaviour, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, extreme mood changes and suicidal thoughts.

The team includes: a child and adolescent psychiatrist; family therapist; nurse; clinical psychologist; teacher; drama-therapist; psychotherapist; dietician and a team administrator. People have often seen somebody first about their problem and are then referred to the centre. They accept referrals from GPs, teachers, social workers and voluntary agencies.

They also operate a duty clinician service whereby any referrer, young person or family member can ring to speak to a ‘duty worker’ and receive advice and support about child and adolescent mental health problems. (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).

Child and Family Consultation Centre, First Floor, Richmond Royal Hospital, Kew Foot Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2TE

Tel: 020 8772 5661

Behavioural clinics There are two behavioural clinics in the Richmond borough to support children with behavioural difficulties. Support staff includes health visitors and school nurses. Access to this service is through professional referrals only, eg health visitors, school nurses, teachers, GPs, etc.

Teddington Health and Social Care Centre, 18 Queen’s Road, Teddington, TW11 0LR

Tel: 020 8614 5300

Sheen Lane Health Centre, Centre House, 68 Sheen Lane, London, SW14 8LP

Tel: 020 8487 1600

Health Care 61 Dental care There are two specialist dental clinics in the Richmond borough supporting disabled children. Working in the community, they are able to give more time to individual children.

Referrals can be made through your child’s GP, health visitor or community nurse.

Teddington Health and Social Care Centre Specialist dental clinic open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

St John’s Health Centre Specialist dental clinic opens Mondays and Fridays

Podiatry Podiatry foot health services can be provided for children with special needs who have a foot health concern. The service can assess and treat a variety of conditions affecting the foot and lower limb. Preventative, palliative and corrective care can be provided in order to improve foot health and mobility.

The team consist of: highly specialised podiatrists in biomechanics and diabetes; a team of specialist community podiatrists and a podiatry assistant.

Referrals can be made from GPs or Health Care Practitioners, self-referrals are not accepted.

Dietician A paediatric community dietician can advise you on food and nutritional issues. When working with children who have complex eating and nutritional problems, a state registered dietician may work with a team of people, such as doctors, psychiatrists and occupational therapists.

Your child’s GP can refer you to a state registered dietician. Alternatively, if you wish to contact a freelance dietician, you could visit http://www.freelancedietitians.org for a list of local dieticians registered with the British Dietetic Association.

62 Health Care Counselling and psychotherapy Counselling can address emotional issues and explore self-expression and development through talking, creative work and play.

The Catholic Children’s Society Provides counselling for children and young people with additional needs up to 18. This is a confidential service. Counsellors work closely with parents to help resolve issues faced by the child or young person.

Referrals can be made through schools, your child’s GP or other professionals. Self-referrals are also accepted. Children do need to be attending a school in the Richmond borough. There is a cost attached to each visit which will vary according to a family’s ability to pay.

Liz Lockwood Email: [email protected] Phone: 020 89695305 or 07516 413 238 Website: http://www.cathchild.org.uk

Off The Record Provides counselling for young people aged 11 to 15. This service can support siblings and young people with physical disabilities and mild learning difficulties. This is a free service for young people up until they reach 18 years of age. Young adults in work, between 18 and 25 will be asked for £10 per session. Off the Record counselling service is open after school from Tuesdays to Fridays and for 4 hours on Saturdays. Self- referrals can be made.

Off The Record, Church Street, Twickenham, TW1 3NJ

Tel: 020 8744 1644 Email: [email protected]

Phoenix Counselling & Psychotherapy Services Focuses on the individual needs of the child, parent or family group. Children from as young as 3 years can be offered support. Their philosophy is to offer therapy that enables children and their parents to develop an understanding of the issues through engagement with individual/family work. You can call to make an appointment. There is a nominal charge, dependent upon your ability to pay.

Phoenix Centre, 1-3 Hanworth Road, Feltham, TW13 5AF

Tel: 020 8844 8543 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.odcps.co.uk

Health Care 63 Relate Relate offer family mediation and counselling which concentrates on relationships. Families are asked for a contribution; however, payment assistance is available for those who cannot make the full suggested donation.

Confidential family counselling is offered free of charge at the 5 Children’s Centres within the Richmond borough. This service is for families who are members of the children’s centre and have a child aged 11 or under. Priority will be given to for families who have a child aged 5 or under. Self-referrals can be made.

Relate also offer counselling to young people and also offer weekly counselling at Waldegrave School for Girls and Twickenham Academy.

Relate, Gainsborough House, 2 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1AE

Tel: 020 8940 8578 Website: http://www.relaterkh.org

Helplines & information

Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) PALS provide free, informal, confidential help and advice to patients, carers and their families. They can help if you have a concern or question about a community health service, help sort out problems and steer people to appropriate services, if appropriate.

Tel: 0800 953 0363 Email: [email protected]

NHS 111 This is a 3 digit telephone number service to improve access to urgent care services. This number can be used when medical help is required, but is not urgent enough to call 999. This service is available 24 hours a day and both landline and mobile phones are free of charge when dialling this number.

Tel: 111 Website: http://www.nhs.uk/111

64 Advice,Health Care Information and Advocacy How do I make a complaint or comment? If your comment or feedback relates to services provided by Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, the first thing to do is to talk to a member of staff in the clinic, ward or department where the problem arose.

You can talk to the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) who can deal with any concerns. They are not part of a complaints procedure but can tell you more about the process and independent complaints advocacy. Formal complaints about Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust services can be made in writing, by letter, email or verbally to

The Complaints Manager, Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Sovereign Court, 15-21 Staines Road, Hounslow TW3 3HR

Tel: 020 8630 2923 Email: [email protected]

The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) can offer support and guidance when making a complaint about NHS treatment and care.

This service can offer support in drafting letters of complaint or by attending meetings with you. POhWER provides ICAS in the London area.

Tel: 0300 456 2370 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.pohwer.net

If you are not happy with the response to your complaint, you can ask the Parliamentary and Health Service ombudsman to undertake an independent review of your case.

Ombudsman at Millbank Tower, Milbank, London, SW1P 4QP

Ombudsman Helpline: 0345 015 4033 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ombudsman.org.uk

Health Care 65

Leisure

Finding out about a summer scheme available last year at “my son’s school made a big difference, helping take the pressure away from us finding things suitable to do every day for 6 weeks and my son had a great time.

The charity ”has provided me a weekly lifeline, it’s great “to meet other families in similar situations to ourselves, somewhere that our son is accepted for who he is. ” There are local organisations that run activities for children and young people with additional needs. They can help parents to get in touch with each other and meet up.

• Ask the people working with your family and child about groups like this in your area

• Other families can tell you a great deal about what they enjoy doing as a family, and pass on their experience of what’s available, accessible and safe

• There are a number of specialist and inclusive activities available for your child or young person in the local area

68 Leisure Activities for children with additional needs

Clarendon On-going Youth Opportunities For Clarendon students and other young people with a learning disability living in or connected to the Richmond borough. Activities and outings take place during weekends and school holiday. Priority is given to young people between 8 and 17 years of age who live in Richmond or attend Clarendon School. 18 to 20 year olds are welcome if places are available.

Bookings must be made in advance.

Meeting Point: Clarendon School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3DH

Tel: 020 8979 1165 / 07910 757 032 Email: [email protected]

Crofters Club Crofters Club and Crofters Mini Club are activities run for children with severe disabilities by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This is an activity-based club with a high staff ratio according to need. Children who have been assessed and meet the threshold for the Disabled Children’s Team are able to access Crofters Club. Contact your child’s social worker or call the Duty Desk at the Disabled Children’s Team for details.

Disabled Children’s Team, Social Services, Croft Centre, 16 Windham Road, Richmond, TW9 2HP

Tel: 020 8831 6470 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/disabled_childrens_service

Leisure 69 Cycling: Supported Cycling in Bushy Park Companion Cycling is a scheme which enables people who are unable to ride ‘solo’ to enjoy the pleasure of cycling with a companion in Bushy Park, adjacent to Hampton Court. Anyone, children and adults of all ages and abilities, can become a cyclist using one of their special cycles and with the aid of a ‘pilot’ who might be a carer, a friend, a family member or one of their volunteers. They meet on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Tel: 07961 344545 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.companioncycling.org.uk

Crossroads Care - Hampton Saturday Club The club offers a social and interactive safe environment for children and young people with additional needs (8-15 years). Their social skills are developed through creative and sportive recreational play. Activities include sports, art, communal outings and panto visits.

Contact Crossroads Care to check on eligibility and availability

Venue: Hampton Youth Project, 32 Tangley Park Road, Hampton, TW12 3YH

Tel: 020 8943 9421 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.carers.org/local-service/richmond-and-kingston

Feltham Bees Disabled Sports Club Feltham Bees is a football club for anyone with a disability. It is the Club’s official disability side is a pan-disability football team for players aged 5 to 50. The game is for children and adults who have mild to severe disabilities including cerebral palsy, Down’s syndome, autism and Learning Difficulties and other disabilities. They train every Saturday morning.

Venue: Feltham Community College Sports Hall, Browells Lane, Feltham TW13 7EF

Tel: 020 8831 3032 (Ray Coleman) Email: [email protected]

70 Leisure Me too & Co – Play and development Me too & Co is a local charity which provides opportunities for play and development for children with additional needs and their siblings. Term time play sessions on Friday mornings (age 0-5) and Tuesday afternoons (age 0-12+) offer singing with signing, sensory art and music, osteopathy clinic, support for children with multi-sensory impairments, sibling workshops, and activities such as karate and drama. Advice and clinics on health, education, benefits and behavioural issues are available for parents. Full details of weekly activities can be found on their website.

Venue: The CrossWay Centre, 306 Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2PD

Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.metooandco.org.uk

Octagon Art Club This club is run as a partnership project with Orleans Art Gallery, Three Wings Trust and Crofters Club. These are weekly art clubs where professional artists work with young people with disabilities aged 11-19 on a range of projects using different media. Sessions run on Tuesdays during term time from 4-6pm. Spaces are limited, to check availability contact Dawn Smithers.

Venue: Orleans House Gallery Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ

Tel: 020 8487 5258 Dawn Smithers, Education Coordinator Tel: 020 8831 6000 Orleans House Gallery Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/art_clubs_and_holiday_activities

Leisure 71 The Otakar Kraus Music Trust The Otakar Kraus Music Trust has a music studio for children and young adults with additional needs and learning difficulties. They run small music therapy groups for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years who have specific needs of communication.

Bookings must be made in advance.

Venue: Otakar Kraus Music Trust, 3 Twining Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5LL Tel: 020 8894 2007

Email: [email protected] Website: http://okmtrust.co.uk

Richmond Mencap Activities Programme Sports and creative art activities for young people with learning disabilities divided into two age groups, 8 to 12 years and 13 to 17 years. These run on Saturday afternoons, once or twice a month. Bookings must be made in advance.

Venue: Strathmore School, Meadlands Drive, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7ED

Tel: 020 8744 1923 Email [email protected] Website: http://www.richmondmencap.org.uk

Sparkle Time These interactive stay-and-play sessions for pre-school children with additional needs have a child friendly structure with some focused time together. They use signing and movement with sensory equipment to learn and play in small groups.

Drop-in sessions

Venue: Heathfield Children’s Centre and Tangley Park Family Centre

Tel: 07944 878003 (Sissy Lykou) Email: [email protected]

Venue: Ham Children’s Centre and Windham Croft Centre

Tel: 07738 764076 (Helen Montgomery-Smith) Email: [email protected]

72 Leisure Three Wings Trust – Pizza and play This is a play-and-stay activity which runs every Thursday after school during term-time for primary school aged children with additional needs and their siblings. Children get the chance to make their own pizza, play with sensory toys, do arts and crafts, etc. within a safe environment. This is also a place where parents can chat and have a coffee. It is a free activity.

This is a drop-in service

Venue: St. James’s Church, St. James’s Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1DQ

Tel: 020 8831 6178 (Sue Robson at Three Wings Trust) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.threewingstrust.org

21 & Co 21 & Co run a regular drama group on Monday afternoons for children and young people with Down syndrome from about the age of 7 or 8. Their aim is to build on the skills they’ve developed in their social communication and interactive groups. At the end of each term the children have the opportunity to showcase the techniques they have learnt.

They have a youth club which is open to children aged 11 and over and is held on Saturday mornings. Please call 21 & Co for venue details.

Venue: Langdon Down Centre, Teddington for Drama group.

Tel: 07817 537213 (Sue Robson) Tel: 07785 761342 (Tatty Bowman) Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: http://www.21andco.org.uk

Leisure 73 Inclusive activities

FAB Club Inclusive club for children and young people aged 8 to 21 years. Their programme includes fun activities and trips out. FAB Club meet on Saturdays. Booking not required.

Venue: Devon Way Centre, Devon Way, Hook, Chessington KT9 2RJ

Name: Sally Glossop Tel: 07815 933 624 Email: [email protected]

InterAct InterAct runs inclusive performing arts activities for children aged 9 to 19. It is run by Stagecoach Charitable Trust and it aims to include as many children as it can in performing arts activities, enabling them to gain confidence, build self-esteem and communication skills. Inclusive drama, music and movement workshops run from once a week after school, during term time. Pre-booking not required.

Venues:

United Reform Church, 35 High Street, Hampton Hill TW12 1NB (Fridays)

St. John’s Centre, St. John’s Road, Isleworth TW7 6RN (Thursdays)

Tel: 01932 256209 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.interactnetwork.org.uk

74 Leisure Marble Hill Playcentres The Marble Hill Playcentres consist of the One O’Clock Club and the Adventure Playground.

The One O’Clock Club (0-5 years) This is a drop-in activity which offers a happy, busy play environment for babies and children up to 5, and a friendly social environment for parents and carers. There is also a toy library available.

The Adventure Playground (5-15 years) This is the only open-access adventure playground within Richmond borough. They offer a staffed adventure playground that aims to provide challenging and stimulating play opportunities of all types, from the rope swings to exploring nature, art & craft activities, sports and fire play.

The Marble Hill Playcentres provide an inclusive environment for children of all abilities. The Adventure Playground also runs set dates and times specifically for children with additional needs. Dates can be found on their website.

There are free passes available for families with a child who has a disability or additional need and/or are on a low income.

The Marble Hill Playcentres are open between April and September, check website for days and times.

Venue: Marble Hill Park, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL

One O’Clock Club

Tel: 020 8891 0641 (Senior Playworker) Email: [email protected]

The Adventure Playground

Tel: 0208 891 4930 or 07826 926 565 (Senior Playworker) Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.marblehillplaycentres.com

Leisure 75

RISE (Richmond upon Thames Inclusive Sport and Exercise) Inclusive multi-sports club for 8 to 25 year olds

The fortnightly Saturday Multi-Sports Club is a rolling programme of inclusive sports and activities. Activities are divided into two age groups, 8-15 years (all young people must have appropriate support staff with them during the sessions) and 16 to 25 years. Support may be available for young people in the older group, if required (notice is needed). Carers are welcome to attend. Sports include tennis, badminton, football, boccia, kurling, dance and non-contact boxing.

Venue: Shene Sports and Fitness Centre, Park Avenue, East Sheen, SW14 8RG

Tel: 020 8878 7578 (Shene Sports and Fitness Centre)

RISE Wheelchair Basketball Richmond Knights is an inclusive basketball club for young people aged 10-18 years. They meet up early Thursday evenings during term-time. All equipment is provided. Children do not need to be wheelchair users to attend.

Venue: Teddington Sports Centre, Teddington School, Teddington, TW11 9PJ

Tel: 07900 602 380 (Richmond Knights Coach) Tel: 020 8977 0598 (Teddington Sports Centre)

RISE Trampolining There are weekly trampolining sessions on Saturday mornings for people with additional needs and disabilities. Sessions are for people of all ages.

Venue: Orleans Park Sports Centre, Orleans Park School, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BB

Tel: 020 8090 9695 (Orleans Park Sports Centre)

76 Leisure RISE Pools on the Park Pools on the Park have given an area of the teaching pool over to children new to swimming, who find other open sessions stressful or lack confidence in the water. This enables children to access a pool in a more relaxed setting. Special discounted rates apply for the child, their carer and siblings. Please note, these sessions are lifeguarded but not supervised.

Venue: Pools on the Park, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF

Tel: 020 8940 0561 (Pools on the Park)

Contact details for general enquiries about RISE activities

Tel: 020 8831 6134 (Sports Development Team) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/rise

Days out British Disabled Water-ski and Wakeboard Association (BDWSA) BDWSA aims to introduce to the sport of water skiing people who, due to their disability would not have previously considered the sport accessible, including those with physical and/or and learning disabilities.

Venue: BDWSA, The Tony Edge National Centre, Heron Lake, Hythe End Road, Wraysbury, TW19 6HW

Tel: 01784 483664 Email: [email protected] Website: http://bdwsa.org

Hounslow Urban Farm Children get the chance to experience animal encounters, where they can learn and get hands on with some of the animals that live on the farm. Animal handling and other activities are run every day. Activities include owl flying displays and reindeer encounters. The farm also offers a cafe serving a range of food and beverages. During weekends and holidays there are interactive animal shows. No need to pre-book, however, if you let them know you are coming they will ensure that your child can gets the opportunity of hands-on experience.

Venue: Hounslow Urban Farm, Faggs Road, Feltham, TW14 OLZ

Tel: 020 8831 9658 Website: http://hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk

Leisure 77 Thames Valley Adventure Playground Thames Valley Adventure Playground provides a chance for children and adults with all types of special need to play and share experiences in a safe and stimulating environment. All children must be accompanied by an adult. They are open throughout the year. Booking is essential

Venue: Bath Road, Taplow, Nr. Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 OPR

Tel: 01628 628599 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.tvap.co.uk

Mainstream activities For Sanity’s Sake is a website run by local parents that lists activities for children, parents and carers. Check out their website for a calendar of events. Website: http://www.forsanityssake.com/

Mumsnetlocal have a website for the Richmond upon Thames area full of information on a range of children’s activities. Website: http://local.mumsnet.com/richmond-upon-thames

National Childbirth Trust website provides details on baby and toddler activities within your postcode area. Website: http://www.nct.org.uk

School summer activities Organisations that have offered specialist events in previous summer holidays include Clarendon School, Richmond Mencap, Three Wings Trust, The Bridge, Richmond NAS, Crofters Club and RISE.

To find out what is going on near you, you can visit the access website calendar of events at http://www.accessinfoservice.com or call access on 020 8831 6076. They also provide detailed information in their summer newsletter.

For mainstream summer activities the London Borough of Richmond produces the ‘Live it Up’ magazine around June each year. You can pick this up in libraries and from leisure centres. There is no charge for the magazine. Alternatively, you can call the Family Information Service on 020 8831 6298.

78 Leisure Moving into Adulthood

Our son loves his work experience and looks forward “to it very much. He feels grown up and part of the real world and when he talks about his work it gives him a feeling of independence and confidence. He doesn’t otherwise get to socialise much and it gives us a break as well! ”

79 Advice, Information and Advocacy Transition refers to the time when young people move into adulthood. During this time many changes occur for the young person and their family, including in education, work, housing benefits and support services.

• For a young person with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) it is a requirement that a transitional plan should be created and that process starts when the young person reaches 14 years of age.

• Many young people will not need specialist care or support in adulthood.

• Many young people with special needs go on to college to study in either the supported learning departments or in mainstream courses with support.

80 Moving into Adulthood What is transition? When you reach 18 and are receiving social care support because of a physical or learning disability, sight or hearing problems or autism, the responsibility for that support moves from Children’s Services to Adult Social Care.

You may no longer be eligible for the same services or you may need more services, and the Council’s Transition Team is there to make sure that the changeover runs smoothly.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services together with the Adult Community Mental Health Team are responsible for your transition if you have mental health problems.

Who are the Transition Team? This team reports to a multi-agency panel made up of:

• The Learning Disability Service

• The Disabled Children’s Team

• The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team

• Your Healthcare

• The Targeted Youth & Family Support Team

• Richmond Users Independent Living Service (Ruils)

• Hestia

When does transition planning start? Transition planning starts when you are 14 and plans are reviewed each year. If you are likely to need support from Adult Social Care, the Transition Team and schools work with you on your plan. Otherwise, schools, with input from you and Specialist Personal Advisors, will manage your plan if you have a statement of SEN. Plans for your transition into adulthood should reflect your needs and include your education, training, leisure, employment goals, housing, health and social care. The young person’s wishes and the family situation are at the heart of transition planning.

Moving into Adulthood 81 The plan describes the support you will receive and when. An assessment to see whether you qualify for Adult Social Care happens about a year before you turn 18.

If you have additional needs, the SEN Team has specialist support workers who can give you advice and guidance about education and careers. (Connexions used to do this).

Special Education Needs (SEN) Support Workers SEN Support Workers assist young people who have statements living in the Richmond borough and their families through the transition process. Support is provided to pupils in mainstream and special schools both in and outside the borough. They attend annual school reviews once a young person reaches year 9. SEN support Workers can also provide advice to young people post 16 years. You can be referred by the SENCOs in the school your child attends. If you wish to contact your child’s SEN Support Worker contact the school your child attends or a Parent Partnership Worker (see Education chapter).

Young people with learning difficulties who have statements are entitled to a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA) also known as the S139A. The S139A captures the educational needs and aspirations and identifies suitable next steps including college placements. For young people who go on to college the S139A should ensure that adequate support is provided in that setting.

82 Moving into Adulthood Most young people go to local colleges unless their needs cannot be met there. A small number of young people go to independent specialist colleges outside the borough, these may be residential. SEN support workers can be contacted via the Richmond SEN Team at Richmond Council.

Sarah Cox, SEN Administrator, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Education and Children’s Services

Tel: 020 8891 7541 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk

What social care support can I get? SEN Support Workers will need to talk to you and your parents or carers about what support you might need and they may also talk to professionals who work with you and know your situation well. They call this an assessment so they can work out whether you qualify for Adult Social Care and Self Directed Support (see below) for ongoing needs.

SEN Support Workers use the Fair Access to Care Services process and to be eligible for support, your needs must be assessed as ‘substantial’ or ‘critical’. To find out more, visit www.richmond.gov.uk/eligibility_for_help

How much will it cost? SEN Support Workers will estimate the cost of your support and, if you are eligible for social care, they will let you know whether a financial contribution can be made, income and expenses. They will help you to fill out a financial assessment form to see if you qualify for help.

If SEN Support Workers can make a contribution, they call this a Personal Budget. You can look after the money yourself and use it to arrange your own support, or you can ask the Council to hold the money and help you to find the support you need.

Further support? If the young person is not eligible for adult services they and their family will be offered information and advice about other support available in Richmond upon Thames. Further in this chapter there is a list of voluntary sector organisations that support disabled adults. Also see the Education chapter for more information and for changes in benefits see the Benefits, Grants and Payments chapter.

Moving into Adulthood 83 Transitions event There is an annual Transitions Event co-ordinated by the Transitions Development Officer. Over 50 service providers attend and it can be a great way for parents, carers and young people to find out more about housing, education, health, leisure, employment and volunteering options.

Your healthcare Should you be aged 18 or over, have a learning disability, be eligible for the adult learning disability team and registered with a GP in the Richmond borough, then you can be supported by the local specialist healthcare team.

The team is made up of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, a dietician, speech and language therapists, clinical psychologists and community nurses.

They can help with: • Moving on from paediatric, or children’s services, to other health services

• Being responsible for your own health and wellbeing

• Health passports and health action plans

• Friendship and healthy intimate relationships

• Mental health services

Ask your social care worker, care manager, school nurse, health visitor or GP about this.

Barbara Ogden, Your Healthcare, specialist health service team manager

Tel: 020 8487 5344 Email: [email protected]

84 Moving into Adulthood Learning disability service The Adult Social Care Learning Disability Service can help people with a learning disability, finding somewhere to live, getting a job and education, respite services and finding things to do.

Tel: 020 8487 5315 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/learning_disability_service

Mental health and substance abuse Young people with mental health problems and substance misuse issues who are likely to need adult social care support will be highlighted to the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and the Adult Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

Continuing care People who receive ‘continuing care’ funding and support from NHS Richmond and the Children’s Continuing Care Team will be highlighted to the adult health team as part of transition planning.

Children who live away from home Your child may go to a residential school out of the borough. The transition planning process will be same. The transition planning is led by the school and through the statement Annual Review process. At the Annual Review the statement objectives are reviewed and updated and from Year 9 the transition review will be part of that annual process.

Moving into Adulthood 85 Housing, accommodation and supported living schemes Housing is a key consideration in transition planning. It’s important for young people to think about whether they may want to move out of the family home in adulthood and equally important for families to think about their long term caring responsibilities. Housing aspirations should be highlighted to the Transitions Team, Adult Social Care or the Learning Disability Service and the housing team in the local authority by joining the register. Young people can join the housing register at 16 and this helps the local authority to plan ahead and to try to meet the needs.

There are a number of supported living homes around the borough in which adults with learning and physical disabilities live with support. The support is paid for using a ‘personal budgets’ so you need to be eligible for adult social care.

For more information contact: Karl Burgess, Transitions Development Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, 2nd Floor, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Tel: 020 8891 7285 or 07958 701260 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk

Self–directed support Self-directed support (SDS) is the new system of delivering social care for adults. Self-directed support allows the person who needs support to have choice and control over their support, and how it is delivered and paid for.

• Social services will determine whether someone is eligible for self- directed support by conducting an assessment to explore the person’s support and care needs.

• People who are assessed as eligible for self-directed support are given an individual budget which they use to arrange their own support.

• If someone is eligible for self-directed support, they will need to create a support plan which identifies how they will spend their personal budget to meet their needs.

86 Moving into Adulthood • People are encouraged to be as creative as possible when writing their support plan, and to try and move away from only wishing traditional methods of support to access community networks and support services.

• Once the support plan is agreed by the local authority, the person can start making their support plan a reality by putting in place the services and goods they have identified.

• Self-directed support is therefore a way of achieving independent living and ultimately a better quality of life.

Richmond Personalisation Support service at Hestia Hestia has the contract with the London Borough of Richmond for the Personalisation Support Service which is available to Richmond residents who receive direct payments and need support with:

• Support planning and brokerage - identifying and setting up the care and support services you need;

• Direct payment management support - helping you to manage your direct payment money by yourself;

• Personal Assistant and Employment service - helping you to find and employ a Personal Assistant(s) of your choice;

• Payroll service - if you employ a Personal Assistant(s), they can inform you of the wage payment you need to pay to your Personal Assistant(s) and if required, any payments you need to make to HM Revenue & Customs.

You can contact the Richmond Personalisation Support Service at Hestia at:

Citibase, Mortlake Business Centre, 20 Mortlake High Street, London, SW14 8JN

Tel: 020 3642 4630 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.hestia.org

Moving into Adulthood 87 What if I do not qualify for financial support? If you do not qualify for financial help, you could self fund employment of a Personal Assistant, to support you. Hestia can help you to find someone. For more information, visit www.hestia.org/index.php/how-we-help/self- directed-support/richmond-personalisation-support-service or call 020 3642 4630.

Ruils run support services for self-funders which includes Personal (care) Assistant recruitment & employment www.find-a-pa.co.uk and www. employ-a-pa.co.uk and training for both employers and Personal Assistants.

The Money Advice Service, set up by the government, also provides useful information on employing your own personal assistant. Visit www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/using-a-personal-assistant-to- provide-your-care to find out more.

You could also contact a private home support/care agency. We keep a list of these agencies in the borough, which we update quarterly. For a link to the list, visit www.richmond.gov.uk/funding_your_own_care or call the Adult Social Care Access Team on 020 8891 7971.

Colleges Local colleges have a learning support advisor or team who can help students in class, and can give one-to-one or small group support. Most higher education settings can provide specialist equipment. When completing a college application form and/or interview, there is the opportunity to mention the young person’s needs, so that arrangements can be put in place. It is important to tell the college if special examination arrangements were given at school such as a laptop or extra time.

88 Moving into Adulthood Richmond upon Thames College Richmond upon Thames College offers a wide range of occupational courses with a practical and work-orientated focus including NVQs and Apprenticeship programmes, which are available to all students over 16.

Richmond upon Thames College, Egerton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7SJ

Switchboard: 020 8607 8000 Website: http://www.rutc.ac.uk

Tel 020 8607 8173 (Disability Officer: Paul Smyth) Email: [email protected]

Tel: 020 8607 8424 (Inclusive Learning Manager: Mark Isherwood) Email: [email protected]

Tel: 020 8607 8233 & 020 8607 8209 (Dyslexia Support: Rosemary Helm, Lisa Hyams, Katy Parnell & Carola Robinson-Tait) Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]

Richmond Adult Community College Richmond Adult Community College runs a range of courses to suit specific disability groups; the college also provides support for students on general college courses.

Richmond Adult Community College, Parkshot, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2RE

Tel: 020 8891 5907 (general enquiries) Email: [email protected] (General enquiries)

Tel: 020 8891 5907 ext. 5032 (Learning support) Email: [email protected] (Learning support)

Website: http://www.racc.ac.uk

Moving into Adulthood 89 West Thames College The West Thames College ‘Disability Matters 2012-13’ booklet outlines the support available for students who have disabilities and/or learning difficulties. The booklet can be downloaded from the college website, or alternative contact the Disability Support Manager.

West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth, Middlesex. TW7 4HS

Tel: 020 8326 2000 (General enquiries) Tel: 20 8326 2103 (Disability Support Manager) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.west-thames.ac.uk

Kingston College Kingston College offers full and part time courses at all levels, appropriate for everyone from school leavers to Higher Education students across a range of vocational and professional studies.

Kingston Hall Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2AQ

Tel: 020 8546 2151 Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8268 2779 (Learning Support Team) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.kingston-college.ac.uk

Capel Manor Capel Manor offer full and part-time courses leading to national qualifications which support progression to employment or further study. Courses include horticulture, animal care and management, groundsmanship, garden design, floristry, balloon artistry, saddlery, agriculture, countryside management or the environment.

Learning support is provided by their team of learning support assistants and tutors, who are all experienced in meeting the needs of those with a wide range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities

Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, EN1 4RQ

Tel: 08456 122 122 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.capel.ac.uk

90 Moving into Adulthood Way to Work Way to Work provides a recruitment service which helps employers recruit suitable young people who are willing to learn. They also provide high quality apprenticeships which develop work skills and prepare young people for career success.

Way to Work, 2nd Floor, 42 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BW

Tel: 020 8487 5383 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.waytowork.org.uk

Community support / support for adults

Stepping on Out Stepping on Out is a charity which produces hand-made greetings cards created by adults with learning disabilities. Their aim is to enable people with disabilities to gain independence away from a college or day care environment.

Stepping on Out, 7 The Causeway , Teddington, TW11 0HA

Tel: 020 8977 8042 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.steppingonout.org.uk

Richmond AID Richmond AID support disabled people, families and carers by providing services such as the Advice Service, the Benefits Service and support with employment and training.

Richmond AID, Disability, Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT

Tel: 020 8831 6080 Email: [email protected] Website: www.richmondaid.org.uk

Moving into Adulthood 91 Richmond Mencap Richmond Mencap runs weekend and school holiday activities for young people with learning disabilities. They have a forum which is an important self-advocacy group which takes place monthly. The Forum discusses important topics like politics, being a good citizen, transport and health. There is a monthly women’s group too where they discuss issues important to them.

Richmond Mencap, 342 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, TW1 2DU

Tel: 020 8744 1923 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmondmencap.org.uk

Richmond Mind Richmond Borough Mind provides a range of mental health and well-being support in the local community. Referrals can be made via the young person’s GP or through self-referral. An initial assessment will take place to find out which part of the service the young person will most likely benefit from. The young person and the therapist will plan a programme of support and activities that have been shown to be effective and helpful.

Richmond Borough Mind, Richmond Healthcare Hamlet, Kew Foot Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2TE

Tel: 020 3513 3404 Tel: 020 8548 5550 (for self-referral) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rbmind.org

Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust (RHLT) RHLT provide residential care, supported living schemes and a number of additional leisure activities which are open to the wider population of adults with learning disabilities in Richmond.

Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust, 5-7 Cedars Road, Hampton Wick, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 4BG

Tel: 020 8977 5447 Email: [email protected] Website: http://rhlt.org.uk

92 Moving into Adulthood Ruils Ruils is a user-led organisation that works with individuals to support them to live independently in their community. They provide a peer, citizen and self advocacy service for individuals accessing health & social care. They facilitate ‘YourSay’ (a Community Involvement Group), New Horizons (activities such as art events bringing people together) and a Buddy Peer Support Scheme. They also work with children developing their Person Centred Plans and support clients to pool their Direct Payments and resources to access services. In addition to this they provide a peer support programme that supports disabled people who are in or are returning to work and the employers who employ them.

Ruils, Disability Action & Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8HT

Tel: 020 8831 6083 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.ruils.co.uk

Work and Volunteering

Supported Employment A new supported employment service is currently being commissioned by the Council. The service will be pan-disability and will provide specialist support for those that need it. The service is open to anyone over 18 with eligible social care needs, anyone over 18 on the autism spectrum and to other adults with additional needs from certain referral sources. Check with the Transitions Officer for more details.

Stepping Stones Richmond AID run a work experience/volunteering project called Stepping Stones for young people with additional needs who are between 14 and 17 years old. Through short, tailored work experience programmes with local employers, young disabled people get a valuable opportunity to try out different areas of work and develop employment related skills and confidence.

Tel: 020 8831 6072 (Jamie Cutler) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmondaid.org.uk/stepping-stones

Moving into Adulthood 93 Volunteering Richmond Volunteering Richmond, run by Groundwork London in partnership with Richmond Council, finds candidates keen to volunteer for local organisations and help them to find the information they need.

Volunteering Richmond, Groundwork London, 18-21 Morley Street, London, SE1 7QZ

Tel: 0300 365 9940 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.volunteeringrichmond.org.uk

Project Search The Project Search model helps disabled people secure and keep paid permanent jobs. It is particularly suited to people with moderate and severe learning disabilities or autism, and others who can benefit from partnership working to help them into work. Project Search GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) is being run in partnership with Richmond College and a large business in the borough. Contact the Transitions Officer for more details.

94 Moving into Adulthood Social Care

It did so much good - just getting away for a day or so has “helped us get back to being a real family again. ” The Disabled Children’s Social Care Service provides advice, information and support following a social work or care assessment of a child or young person and their family’s needs.

• Specialist Services can provide a wide range of help and support.

• A short break from one another may be just what you both need.

• There is a voluntary register of children with disabilities, your child’s details are safe and it will help the local authority to plan for your child.

• Support is tailored to an individual’s assessed needs. You therefore may not be able to access the same services.

96 Social Care Single Point of Access (SPA) The Single Point of Access (SPA) acts as the first port of call for all incoming enquiries into Children’s Services in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The SPA works closely with social care, prevention and early help teams. If you require support for your child you can contact the SPA. They will discuss any issues and concerns with you and refer you to the appropriate team. They can signpost into education and health care teams and give advice and guidance on child and family care issues.

All parents have the right to request an assessment of their child from Children’s Social Care. The SPA can advise you on this. To access the SPA you can make a self-referral via the Council’s website or you can give them a call. (See below)

Common Assessment Framework (CAF) The CAF can be used if you or someone who works with your child would like your child to receive extra support. It will help to identify your child’s additional needs, and other workers required to support your family. The CAF will ensure that everyone involved with your child, such as teachers and health visitors, work together to support your child. This is done through sharing information to form a multi-agency action plan, and will involve regular monitoring and reviews. You and your child should be fully involved in the CAF.

For more info on the CAF or SPA contact

Tel: 020 8891 7969 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/caf

Social Care 97 Disabled Children’s Social Care Service In Richmond local authority the Disabled Children’s Social Care Service is made up of two teams: the Social Work Team for Disabled Children and the Short Break Care Team which includes the Befriending Service, Family Link Service and Crofters Activity Service.

Social Work Team for Disabled Children (DCT) The Social Work Team for Disabled Children (DCT) consists of social workers and family support workers. Also, there are dedicated workers for early years (0 to 5) and transition (for young people age 13-18).

Disabled Children’s Social Care Services provide support and information to parents and carers who meet the following criteria:

• They live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

• They are under 18 years old

• They have permanent and substantial severe or profound disabilities. This includes children and young people with severe learning disabilities, severe physical disabilities, severe and profound autism spectrum conditions, disability arising out of serious or chronic illness and severe sight and/or hearing impairment

The social work or care assessment is an information gathering exercise to establish the support needs of the child and family. It is often completed with the child or young person and their family at home. The social worker may also speak with partners in health, education and other agencies involved with the child or young person to get a fuller understanding of their issues and needs. Once the assessment has taken place the next stage is to ascertain what services, if any, should be provided in order to meet the identified needs.

The social worker will liaise with families to identify appropriate provision to meet the needs identified. These include a range of care and support services in the home, community or Direct Payments, where cash is given in lieu of the services your child has been assessed as needing, so that families can arrange support themselves. Your care plan should be reviewed every six months but if your circumstances change you can request a review.

98 Social Care Short Break Care Team Children who have been assessed and meet the relevant threshold required by the Disabled Children’s Team are able to access the following services:

The Befriending Scheme Befrienders accompany children and young people to social and recreational activities. The Short Break Team ensures that the young person is linked to someone they will enjoy being with. The chosen befriender is made fully aware of the child’s needs. Befrienders are employed by the London Borough of Richmond and are trained, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks completed and references checked.

Richmond Family Link The Family Link service provides support to children and young people through day time outings, visits or overnight stays at the home of the Family Link Carer. As well as offering friendships, fun and new opportunities to the children, it can also provide a break to parents from their caring responsibilities to relax, spend time with their other children or enjoy an evening out.

Crofter’s Activity Service This is an activity based club with a high staff ratio according to need. For further details see our Leisure section.

Disabled Children’s Team, Social Services, Croft Centre, 16 Windham Road, Richmond, TW9 2HP

Tel: 020 8831 6470 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/disabled_childrens_service

Social Care 99 Disabled Children’s Register All local authorities are required by the Children Act 1989 to hold a register of disabled children. Each authority defines their own eligibility and has different benefits from registering, such as access to Aiming High Grants (see Benefits and Grants Section) and you will receive an identity card confirming registration which can be used as evidence for reduced entry to activities. Registration enables local authorities to identify the needs of children requiring additional support. It may help with getting support at different stages of your lives and accessing adult services. The register is subject to strict data protection policies, which means that your family’s information is kept confidential with access granted to only key professionals in health, education and social services.

Registration is voluntary. You will need to send a completed application form and once the details on your form have been confirmed with health services, a panel will consider your request using an eligibility matrix. This can be downloaded from this webpage: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/disabled_ childrens_register

An application form for the Disabled Children’s Register can be downloaded from http://www.richmond.gov.uk/disabled_childrens_register

If you require support and guidance to complete the form, or would like a paper copy, access is happy to help.

access Service, Richmond AID, Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT

access Helpline: 020 8831 6076 Email: [email protected] Website: www.accessinfoservice.com

Social Service duties towards carers – Carer’s Assessment If your child meets the relevant criteria and has had, or is about to have an assessment of their own, you can ask for a Carer’s Assessment. Dependent, upon their findings, you may receive a support service or regular direct payments to aid you in your caring role. For more details about support and services for carers see the chapter on Support for Carers.

Emergency contact If you or your child are facing an urgent situation that requires immediate action out of hours you can contact the duty social worker from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on 020 8744 2442.

100 Social Care Safeguarding

If you think a child or young person is at risk contact the Police or Social Services for advice.

101 Advice, Information and Advocacy We all have a role to play in working together to promote the welfare of children and keeping them safe from harm. Children can be put at risk of harm, hurt and abuse, regardless of age, gender, religion, ability or ethnicity.

• Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility.

• Safeguarding means ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome.

• Safeguarding means protecting children’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.

• In England the law states that people who work with children have to keep them safe. This safeguarding legislation is set out in The Children Act (1989) and (2004). The Government also provides guidance in their document Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013.

• Jobs that involve caring for, supervising or being in sole charge of children or adults require an enhanced DBS check (previously called an enhanced CRB check).

If you think a child or young person is at risk contact the Police or Social Services for advice. When harm happens to children or young people, families also need support. Social Workers and other professionals become involved when parents may be unable to protect their child from harm and need some help. In some cases the Police Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) will investigate with social workers to help protect children and jointly decide whether an offence has been committed. A careful assessment is needed as to what support and protection will best help them.

A social worker will ask questions about the family circumstances, consider the frequency and the seriousness of the incident and the effects. These factors will help decide what should happen next. The aim is to work in partnership with families at all times to ensure the best outcome for the child/children within the family.

102 Safeguarding What to do if you are concerned about a child

If you or a child is in immediate danger you should always phone 999

If you have concerns about a child, contact the specialist team in the local authority by:

• Calling 020 8891 7969 (020 8744 2442 for out of hours/weekends)

• You can also report a concern online by following the link from the local authority website on http://www.richmond.gov.uk/child_protection

Other ways to report your concerns

• Call the local specialist Police Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) on 020 8247 6331.

• For help if you are unsure whether to report your concerns. Call the NSPCC 0808 800 5000 to speak in confidence, or text anonymously to 88858.

Information on keeping your child safe For information on helping your children stay safe on the internet, you can go to the website https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

For the The Good Egg Guide to keeping your child safe in the home you can go to the website http://www.inhomechildsafety.co.uk/

For children who have concerns, Childline has a free 24 hour helpline. The number is 0800 1111 or visit their website at http://www.childline.org.uk

Safeguarding 103

Support for Carers

Trust your instincts, you are your child’s expert but don’t “be afraid to ask for information and help

They have” so many services under one charity’s umbrella “and are a fabulous support to parents, we are very lucky to have them in our borough. ”

105 Advice, Information and Advocacy A carer could be a parent, grandparent, sibling, other family member or a foster parent.

• Talking with other carers of children who have a similar additional need to your child can be comforting as well as informative.

• Organisations that run activities for children with additional needs are a great way to socialise with other people in similar situations and can also be a good place to get tips, ideas and useful contacts.

• See our Leisure chapter for details of children’s events and Organisations section for local and national organisations contact details.

• If your child has a relatively rare condition, it might be worth finding out if there is a national charity like Contact a Family, to use as a source of information. Sometimes, they can put you in touch with other parents or groups in your local area.

Other chapters in this guide will also have relevant information for Carers; see the Benefits, Grants and Payments chapter, the Counselling section in the Health chapter, Carers Assessment section in the Social Care chapter.

106 Support for Carers Support services for carers

Richmond Carers Centre Richmond Carers Centre is a local charity that offers support to people who are caring for a family member or a friend in an unpaid capacity. They offer advice on benefits, services that are available from across the statutory, voluntary and private sectors and how to look after your own well-being. There is also a Young Carers Service that offers support to those under the age of 18 years.

Richmond Carers Centre provide support, advice and information to carers. They manage the ‘Richmond Carers Hub’ which is a partnership of nine local voluntary organisations, including Richmond Carers Centre.

Services Richmond Carers Centre offers:

• Carers support line

• Advice and information

• Emotional support and a ‘listening ear’

• Counselling service

• Complementary therapy service

• Support for young carers

• Activities and social programme to combat social isolation

• Young carers activities and breaks programme

• Workshops/training for carers

• Stress management and relaxation

Richmond Carers Centre, 5 Briar Road, Twickenham, TW2 6RB

Tel: 020 8867 2380 (main line) Email:[email protected] Tel: 020 8867 2383 (young carers support worker) Email:[email protected] Website: http://www.carers.org/local-service/richmond

Support for Carers 107 Me too & Co Me too & Co offer a wide range of free activities, support, advice clinics and treatment clinics for children with additional needs from 0 to 19 years, siblings and their families. Me too & Co bring a wealth of professionals together to support families including

• Sessions on dietary needs, continence, sleep or other health matters delivered by the local authority specialist health visitors

• Free weekly music therapy sessions with multi-sensory equipment run by Otakar Kraus music trust

• ‘Bubbles’ group for children with multi-sensory impairment

• Weekly Portage group on Fridays at Me too & Co

• Benefits advice clinics on Fridays, includes support with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) forms, delivered by Richmond AID

• Free individual and group counselling for parents and carers

• Sibling workshops with qualified counsellors

• Complementary therapies for parents and carers

• Free weekly osteopathy clinic and Tui Na massage clinics

• Training sessions and courses for parents and carers to learn skills to help support their children and themselves such as Makaton courses, the Handle Approach, Tui Na Massage for autism and cerebral palsy, Special Education Needs (SEN) training, Families Helping Families.

• Monthly support and focus group meetings of the affiliated Richmond Parent Carers Action Group (RPCAG) supporting parent participation in the development of services within Richmond borough.

Me Too & Co, The CrossWay Centre, 306 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, TW1 2PD

Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.metooandco.org.uk

108 Support for Carers Richmond NAS Support Group The Richmond Branch of The National Autistic Society is a friendly parent-led group aiming to support families and individuals in the borough living with autism and/or Asperger Syndrome. They hold coffee mornings, liaise with other groups and provide regular email and website updates. Richmond NAS Branch is also working with professionals to improve access to health services, social care and educational provision. Their core objectives are support, information and awareness.

Tel: 07810 505982 (Laura Lennuyeux-Comnene) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmondnas.org

Richmond Parent Carers Action Group (RPCAG) The Richmond Parent Carers Action Group is an independent forum, set up in the borough of Richmond upon Thames by parents of children with additional needs, in order to help influence the development of services provided by the local authority for their children. Their aim is to provide parents and carers with an opportunity to support each other and generate new ideas around improving services for children. RPCAG meet monthly during term time.

Richmond Parent Carers Action Group, The CrossWay Centre, 306 Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2PD

Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rpcag.org.uk

Richmond and Twickenham ADHD Support Group The ADHD support group hold monthly meetings during school term in Teddington for parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. Each meeting has a theme relating to issues associated with ADHD and speakers are invited to discuss, guide and inform parents on their options. There is time for parents to chat and catch up with each other beforehand. There are also social evenings for parents once a month during school term in Twickenham.

Richmond and Twickenham ADHD Support Group

Tel: 07768 600706 Email: [email protected]

Support for Carers 109 Support in the Home

Home-Start A Home-Start volunteer can visit you in your home, usually once a week, for a couple of hours if you have at least one child under 5 years old. You decide what you will do together. They will help you with practical tasks, and emotional issues. To access this service a referral would need to be made by a professional in the health or social care sectors or through local voluntary organisations.

Home Start, Parkway House, Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London, SW14 8LS

Tel: 020 8487 8500 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.homestart-richmond.org.uk

Respite

Richmond Befriender Scheme / Family Link (Social Work Team for Disabled Children) Befrienders accompany children and young people to social and recreational activities. The Family Link service provides support to children and young people through day time outings, visits or overnight stays at the home of the Family Link Carer. As well as offering friendships, fun and new opportunities to the children, it can also provide a break to parents from their caring responsibilities to relax, spend time with their other children or enjoy an evening out. See Social Care section for details.

110 Support for Carers Richmond and Kingston Crossroads Care Crossroads Care provides free respite breaks for carers, including children with disabilities. Carer support workers are trained to support children with medical and behavioural needs both and home and in the community. Crossroads provides care support workers to take over the caring tasks, giving the carer a much needed break thus providing care for people in their own homes or take people out into the community. They also run two Saturday Clubs for children with special needs giving parents a break and the children the opportunity to have fun in their own club and environment. In addition they have a Young Carers with special needs project called ‘Time Out’ for children who need to take a break from their caring role.

Richmond and Kingston Crossroads Care, 1 Beverley Court, Teddington, TW11 8ST

Tel: 020 8943 9421 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.carers.org/local-service/richmond-and-kingston

Richmond Child Minding Network Childminders are self-employed and can look after up to six children under the age of 8 in their own home. All childminders are Ofsted registered which involves an inspection of premises from which they operate as well as looking into their ability to being a childminder. Many childminders hold a relevant NVQ level 3 or higher qualification, and are encouraged to keep their practice up-to-date by attending training and network events. Richmond Childminding Association offer high quality childcare and information for parents about registered home-based childcare.

Richmond Childminding Association Tel: 020 8891 6090 Email: [email protected]

The Children’s Mutual and Daycare Trust The trust have worked together to provide a useful booklet ‘The essential guide to childcare for parents’. You can download this booklet from http://www. daycaretrust.org.uk/guide/index.html or call 0845 872 8251 to order a booklet.

Support for Carers 111 Special People Special People is a privately run organisation supplying respite services in the family home for a minimum of two hours and a residential care service available to stay in the child’s home for longer periods to enable parents and guardians to have longer breaks, up to several weeks. They are also able to supply teachers and a range of therapists including speech and occupational therapists and play and music therapists. Further details and costs can be found on their website.

Tel: 020 7686 0253 Website: http://www.specialpeople.org.uk/

SNAP Childcare SNAP is a specialist employment agency that places nannies and childcare workers with disabled children. They can also help parents who have a disability themselves. They can offer workers with BSL, Makaton and PECS as well as therapists in speech, occupation and physiotherapy, art and drama therapy, epilepsy management, nursing, etc.

Tel: 020 7729 2200 Website: http://www.snapchildcare.co.uk/

Three Wings Trust Sitting and Befriending Service Three Wings Trust supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. The charity has an established baby-sitting service for children from birth to 18 years. They also have a befriending scheme. A befriender can take a child or young person on an outing, for example to a children’s activity or the park. This service is available to all children with additional needs living in the Richmond borough and their siblings.

Three Wings Trust, Windham Croft Centre, 20 Windham Road, Richmond, TW9 2HP

Tel: 020 8831 6178 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.threewingstrust.org

112 Support for Carers Organisations

Finding local information about how to help our child was “difficult. The support group has been really helpful.

It’s a one stop shop” and the information has been really “helpful for signposting to where support was needed. ”

113 Advice, Information and Advocacy Conditions, syndromes and medical disorders often have national support charities that can provide information and advice to parents relating to a child’s disability.

• If you have a computer, it may be worth searching for a charity or organisation on the internet.

• If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you can visit a library, or contact a local charity for support.

114 Organisations Local Organisations

Richmond Autistic Society (Richmond NAS) The Richmond Branch of the National Autistic Society is a friendly parent- led group aiming to support families and individuals in the borough living with autism and/or Asperger syndrome. They hold coffee mornings, liaise with other groups and provide regular email and website updates. Richmond NAS Branch is also working with professionals to improve access to health services, social care and educational provision. Their core objectives are support, information and awareness.

Tel: 07810 505982 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmondnas.org/richmondnas

Richmond and Twickenham ADHD support group A support group run for parents and carers of children and young people who have been diagnosed with ADHD. There are monthly meetings during term-time based on a theme with guest speakers, keeping parents informed and providing the opportunity for a question and answer session. There are also monthly social events.

Tel: 0776 8600706 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Dyslexia Association The Richmond Dyslexia Association (RDA) is a voluntary organisation which aims to promote awareness of dyslexia and literacy difficulties in the Richmond borough and to advise parents and teachers on the advice and support available.

Services include talks to raise awareness, run a helpline and mentoring schemes, produce a handbook for parents and teachers and a bi-annual newsletter. They supply ‘wordwise’ books and tapes to local libraries.

Helpline: 020 8940 4626 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmonddyslexia.org.uk

Organisations 115 Richmond Mencap Richmond Mencap exists to improve the lives and opportunities of children and adults with learning disabilities within Richmond upon Thames, their family carers and other family members. Richmond Mencap provide services and support, listening and speaking out, raising awareness and understanding and promoting social inclusion in the community.

Richmond Mencap, 342 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, TW1 2DU

Tel: 020 8744 1923 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.richmondmencap.org.uk

21 & Co 21 & Co is a support group in Surrey and South West London that supports families who have children with Down syndrome. They provide free workshops on a wide range of subjects including; on planning for social inclusion and positive social behaviour, speech language and literacy, activities to develop memory skills, and more. For young children, 21 & Co run social communication and interaction groups, drama groups for primary school age children and a youth club for young people aged 11 and over. There are also social events including family fun days out.

Tel: 07817 537 213 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.21andco.org.uk

National organisations

Action on Hearing Loss (formally known as RIND) Action on Hearing Loss provides support for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. Support includes practical advice to help people protect their hearing, supply communication services and training, campaign to change public policy around hearing loss issues and support research.

Action on Hearing Loss, 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL

Telephone 0808 808 0123 Text phone 0808 808 9000 Main tel: 020 7296 8000 Website: http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

116 Organisations Association For All Speech Impaired Children (Afasic) Afasic support parents who are worried about their child’s speech, language or communication development to find the help, information and support they need.

Afasic offer downloads, publications, local groups, online forum, programme of training and conferences, activities for young people and a national helpline

Afasic, 1st Floor, 20 Bowling Green Lane, London, EC1R 0BD

Helpline: 0845 3 55 55 77 Website: http://www.afasicengland.org.uk

Asthma UK Asthma UK’s aim is to improving the health and well-being of the 5.4 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. They provide expert advice from asthma nurses, fight for change like the smoke-free laws, give teachers and healthcare staff the knowledge to save lives and fund research to find a cure. They also provide publications for the public and professionals.

Asthma UK, Supporter Care Team, Summit House, 70 Wilson Street, London, EC2A 2DB

Tel: 0800 121 62 44 (advice line/asthma nurse) 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday Tel: 0800 121 62 55 (for information materials) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.asthma.org.uk

Cerebra Cerebra is a unique charity set up to help improve the lives of children with brain related conditions through research, education and directly supporting children and their carers.

There is a sleep service, innovation centre, and grants available. Cerebra produce a regular newsletter and useful guidebooks for parents. They also have a postal lending library service.

FREEPOST SWC3360, Carmarthen SA31 1ZY

Helpline: 0800 328 1159 Email: [email protected] Parent Support MSN: [email protected] Website: http://www.cerebra.org.uk

Organisations 117 The Challenging Behaviour Foundation The Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF) is a charity specialising in severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging. They work with families and professionals supporting children and adults across the UK.

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, C/o The Old Courthouse, New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6BE

Tel: 01634 838739 (General Enquiries) Tel: 0845 602 7885 (Family Support Line) Email: [email protected] (General Enquiries) Email: [email protected] (Information and support) Website: http://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk

Cystic Fibrosis Trust The Cystic Fibrosis Trust have a helpline and grant programmes and provide practical support for people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families, while their online forum allows parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust hold an annual Parents conference, bringing parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis together from around the country.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 11 London Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1BY

CF Trust Helpline: 0300 373 1000 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.cftrust.org.uk

118 Organisations Down’s Syndrome Association The Down’s Syndrome Association provide information and support on all aspects of living with Down’s syndrome. There is a helpline and useful publications available.

Down’s Syndrome Association, Langdon Down Centre, 2a Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS

Helpline: 0333 1212 300 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

The Fragile X Society This charity provides support and information to Fragile X families from those who share and understand their concerns and needs. They publish regular newsletters and other publications including an introduction to Fragile X.

The Fragile X Society, Rood End House, 6 Stortford Road, Great Dunmow, Essex. CM6 1DA

Tel: 01371 875100 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.fragilex.org.uk

The Hypermobility Association (HMSA) The Hypermobility Syndrome Association is a charity run by and for people diagnosed with the Hypermobility Syndrome. They provide information on hypermobility including publications. There is also a dedicated section for children and young people.

The Hypermobility Syndrome Association, 49 Orchard Crescent, Oreston, Plymouth, PL9 7NF

Tel: 0845 345 4465 Website: http://www.hypermobility.org

Organisations 119 Look UK Look UK support families with visually impaired children and young people. They run the OutLOOK youth project and provide parent support services.

LOOK UK National Office, c/o Queen Alexandra College, 49 Court Oak Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9TG

Tel: 0121 428 5038 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.look-uk.org

Mencap (national) Mencap works in partnership with people with a learning disability, and all their services support people to live life as they choose. Mencap also offers free information seminars in and around London on how to take care of someone with a learning disability for the future by making a suitable will or setting up a trust.

Head Office, Mencap, 123 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0RT

Tel: 020 7696 6925 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] (learning disability advice)

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is dedicated to beating muscle-wasting conditions by finding treatments and cures and to improving the lives of everyone affected by them.

The charity delivers relevant information to those affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, their families, carers and health professionals involved in their care.

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, 61 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0HL

Tel: 020 7803 4800 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org

120 Organisations National Autistic Society (NAS) The NAS support people on the autism spectrum and their families by providing information, support and services. They campaign for a better world. Services include training programmes for parents, social support for children and young people, supportive living and help with employment.

The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG

Helpline: 0808 800 4104 (10am-4pm, Monday to Friday) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.autism.org.uk

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) NDCS is the national charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.

Information is given on all aspects of deafness. There is a helpline, publications and updated resources including DVDs and technology products. They also run activities for children around the country and family weekends.

NDCS, 15 Dufferin Street, London, EC1Y 8UR

Helpline: 0808 0800 8880 (Monday to Thursday, 9.30am-9.30pm and Friday 9.30am-5pm) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ndcs.org.uk

PWSA (Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK) PWSA is dedicated solely to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), their families, carers and professionals, in managing the impact of PWS. They have a wide range of literature and publications about Prader-Willi Syndrome, some of which are free and downloadable from their website. There are also opportunities to socialise with other PWS families through family days, weekends, and Christmas parties or through their pen pal agency.

PWSA (UK), 125a London Road, Derby, DE1 2QQ

Tel: 01332 365676 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.pwsa.co.uk

Organisations 121 React Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with Potentially Terminal illness is a charity working to improve the quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses living in financially disadvantaged households throughout the UK.

React, St Luke’s House, 270 Sandycombe Road, Kew, Surrey, TW9 3NP

Tel: 020 8940 2575 Website: http://www.reactcharity.org

RNIB The RNIB support blind and partically sighted people though information, support and advice which can be provided through their helpline, website and publications.

RNIB Headquarters, 105 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NE

Helpline: 0303 123 9999 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rnib.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Scope Scope provide free impartial information and advice to families of children with Cerebral Palsy.

Scope, PO Box 833, Milton Keynes, MK12 5NY

Tel: 0808 800 3333 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.scope.org.uk

122 Organisations Shine (Spina bifida • Hydrocephalus • Information • Networking • Equality) Shine is a community of individuals, families, friends and professionals who share achievements, challenges and information on living with hydrocephalus or spina bifida and related issues.

Shine, 42 Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2UQ

Tel: 01733 555988 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.shinecharity.org.uk

Surrey ASBAH/Shine Surrey Surrey ASBAH/Shine Surrey is affiliated to national Shine and serves people living in the county of Surrey and the London Boroughs of Croydon, Hounslow, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton. A local Shine support and development worker is a source of advice for families and can draw on specialist teams from the national Shine offices.

Surrey ASBAH / Shine Surrey, London & South Regional Office, 209 Crescent Road, New Barnet, EN4 8SB.

Tel: 020 8449 0475 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.surreyasbah.org.uk/professionaladvisers.htm

Swan UK SWAN UK (Syndromes Without A Name) is a project run by Genetic Alliance UK offering support and information to families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions. Support is provided through leaflets, a newsletter, family videos and bloggers area.

SWAN UK, Genetic Alliance UK, Unit 4D, Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP

Tel: 020 7704 3141 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.undiagnosed.org.uk

Organisations 123 Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) The Tuberous Sclerosis Association support individuals affected by TSC, together with their families or carers. The charity has regional TSA advisors. An advisor can provide information and advice as and when needed. The TSA are able to offer financial help for the person with Tuberous Sclerosis and their carer.

Tuberous Sclerosis Association, London, South East & South West Region PO Box 8001, Derby, DE1 0YA.

Tel: 01865 865089 (Maureen Tossi, TSC adviser) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.tuberous-sclerosis.org

Young Epilepsy The aim of Young Epilepsy is to provide a better future for young lives with epilepsy.

Information and advice is available for young people and families through their helpline and publications. They also support schools by providing activities, staff training and encourage them to have an epilepsy champion.

Young Epilepsy, St Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6PW

Helpline: 01342 831342 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm) Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ncype.org.uk

124 Organisations Disclaimer Richmond AID has made every effort to ensure the information in this guide is correct at the time of printing. We cannot, however, guarantee accuracy and currency. We recommend that you check with a service to ensure all details are up to date before you access a service.

If you are aware of a service that requires updating we would like to hear about it. You can call Richmond AID on 020 8831 6076 or email [email protected] Electronic copies of the guide will be updated and can be accessed by following the link from the home page at http://www.richmondaid.org.uk or from the access website http://www.accessinfoservice.com

125 Advice, Information and Advocacy 126 Notes Notes 127 128 Notes Notes 129