Useful Information

Concerns about a child’s safety or welfare can be reported to the Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS) on 0344 800 8020

SEND Social Care

What support is available for those families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

See Norfolk County Council website for further information: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/health-and-social-care

Services for families experiencing serious and complex difficulties: 

A child with a disability is automatically considered to be a ‘child in need’. Therefore they may need extra help from social care services.

Tier 3 – Specialist services for children and families with multiple needs.

This includes:

Early help and family support

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Short breaks

Tier 4 – Specialist services for children and families with severe and complex needs.

This includes:

Child protection services

Inpatient child and adolescent mental health services

 

For more information about Early Help please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-help-and-family-support

For more information about the Children with Disabilities social care team Please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/health-and-social-care/social-care/send-children-social-care/children-and-families-assessment/children-with-disabilities-teams

For more information about Parent carer needs assessments please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/health-and-social-care/social-care/send-children-social-care/parent-carers-needs-assessment

For more information about Preparing for adult life please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life

For more information about Social care services for young adults with SEND please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/health-and-social-care/social-care/social-care-services-send-adults

For more information about Adult social care please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health

For more information about Young Carers please use the following link: Young carers and families – Norfolk County Council

 

Community Directory

The Norfolk community directory is a useful website to find activities, groups and facilities in your area or across Norfolk.

Please use the following link: https://communitydirectory.norfolk.gov.uk/ 

 

Short Breaks

Short breaks give children and young people who meet the eligibility criteria the chance to take part in activities, explore new opportunities, form friendships, become more independent and enjoy themselves.

Short breaks activities take place outside of school hours during daytime, evenings, weekends and school holidays.

Short breaks could, depending on the child’s allocated budget, be used for:

• Group activities like a youth club or Saturday group for children and young people with disabilities
• Holiday play schemes
• Sports, arts or music activities
• One-to-one support to access any other activities, such as youth clubs, cinema trips or meeting friends for lunch

For more information about Short breaks please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/health-and-social-care/social-care/send-children-social-care/short-breaks

Groups

 

National Autistic Society (NAS) West Norfolk

Here at NAS West Norfolk we are all volunteers, and the branch is entirely self-funded.

The committee are all parents or carers of someone with autism, or are on the autistic spectrum themselves.

We fundraise for a range of autism specific activities. We have also been involved in lobbying the government for services.

Becoming a member of NAS West Norfolk is easy and FREE!

Justemailin to the branch requesting to join.

Membership is open to anyone caring for someone with a diagnosis of autism, or on the waiting list for assessment for autism. If you are an adult on the autistic spectrum yourself you are also very welcome.

Members can benefit from our autism friendly activities, as well as access our branch library and join in at our allotment.

The coffee mornings are open to members and non-members alike, so do come and join us!

For more information about NAS West Norfolk please use the following link: http://naswestnorfolk.org.uk/about/

 

Junior Gateway Club (West Norfolk Mencap)

Youth Group for any child with additional needs. Run by volunteers for the last 35 years. We do music, sports, arts & crafts and have a lot of fun.

Venue: Gaywood Church Rooms

Day & Time: Mondays during term time at 6.30-8.30

Cost: £1 per session

Contact info: Tina – [email protected] 07706792790

 

The Club

Independent social evening for ages 16+ with additional needs. Run by volunteers for the last 28 years. We do music, sports and meeting friends. Parents & carers are welcome to stay if needed.

Venue: Churchill Park Academy

Day & Time: Every other Thursday at 7.00-9.00

Cost: £2 per session with tuck shop available

Contact info: Tina – [email protected] 07706792790

 

NHS

The NHS website has a useful section about learning disabilities and Autism.

For more information please use the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities/

 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn

Churchill Park is located close to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

For more information please use the following link: http://www.qehkl.nhs.uk/default.asp?s=main&p=main

For more information about Children’s Services – Paediatric care please use the following link: http://www.qehkl.nhs.uk/ChildrensServices.asp?s=information&ss=departmental.information&p=children%27s.services

 

Patient Advice and Liaison Service

We’re here to help you

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is confidential and can help when you need advice, don’t know where to turn to or have concerns about your healthcare at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

As a patient, relative or carer sometimes you may need to turn to someone for on-the-spot help, advice and support. This is what the Patient Advice and Liaison Service is for.

For more information about Patient Advice and Liaison Service please use the following link: http://www.qehkl.nhs.uk/about-pals.asp?s=advice&ss=patient.advice.and.liaison.service.(pals),.compliments.and.complaints&p=about.the.patient.advice.and.liaison.service.(pals)

 

Norfolk SEND Local Offer

Norfolk County Council SEND Local Offer website has comprehensive information regarding health e.g. Healthy Child Programme, Behaviour and sleep, Annual health check and the Key Worker service.

For more information please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/health-and-social-care/health

 

Just One Norfolk

The ‘go to’ health website for families! Use the search bar to find what you are looking for. 

For more information please use the following link: https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/

There is also a section dedicated to additional needs: https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/childhood-development-additional-needs/additional-needs

Alternatively phone the Just One Number 0300 300 0123

NSPCC

The NSPCC website offers advice and guidance around many subjects including mental health.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/

 

Childline

Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.

You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.

Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us:

• by calling 0800 1111
• by email
• through 1-2-1 counsellor chat

Whatever feels best for you.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.childline.org.uk/

 

Just One Norfolk

Resources available to support mental health included in the ‘Emotional Health’ section of the website.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/emotional-health 

Or call Just One Number 03003000123

 

Chathealth

A secure NHS-approved text messaging service for 11-19 year olds. All Norfolk young people aged 11-19 can text 07480635060 to start a conversation with a trained health professional.

This available 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Parents and Carers can also text Parentline on 07520631590.

 

Kooth

If you are 11-25 you can get advice and help on mental health issues, 7 days a week until 10pm.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.kooth.com/

 

Mancroft Advice Project (MAP)

FREE confidential support, information and advice on issues such as housing, money and mental health for people aged 11-25.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.map.uk.net/

 

Mind

Offers information and support on mental health problems.

Call 03001233393

For further information please use the following link: https://www.mind.org.uk/

 

Young Minds Parents Helpline

Offers three different services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health, up to age 25.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline-and-webchat/ 

 

The Mix

Offers up to eight sessions of free, over the phone or online counselling to any young person living in the UK who is aged 25 and under.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.themix.org.uk/

 

Nelson’s Journey

Supports children and young people in Norfolk who’ve experienced the death of a significant person. They provide a range of information and services, and families or a professional can contact them directly.

For further information please use the following link: https://nelsonsjourney.org.uk/

 

Better Together

Works across Norfolk to support people over the age of 18 who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.bettertogethernorfolk.org.uk/

 

Point 1

Point 1 offer support to children and young people that are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
Call: 0800 977 4077
Email: [email protected]

For further information please use the following link: https://www.ormiston.org/what-we-do/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – Norfolk

Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide care pathways for children and young people in Norfolk with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. This is for children 14 years of age and under. CAMHS provide a range of therapeutic interventions.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/children-and-young-people/service/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs-norfolk-121/

 

Starfish Learning Disability Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Starfish LD CAMHS)

Starfish offer interventions to CYP who have a diagnosed learning disability who present with challenging behaviour and or emerging mental health difficulties
Call: 01603 272319
Email: [email protected]

For further information please use the following link: https://childrens.nchc.nhs.uk/starfish/

For all information about Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans from Norfolk County Council please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/education-and-learning/support-for-learning/education-health-and-care-ehc-plans

 

Norfolk SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (Norfolk SENDIASS)

We offer: information, advice and support to children, young people and parents/carers about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes health and social care where it is linked to education.

We are a free, dedicated, confidential and impartial service based in Norwich. Staff are independently trained in SEND.

We have a Steering Group which includes parents and representatives from local voluntary groups, Children’s Services, the Parent Carer Forum, schools, Education and Social Care, as well as Health. Together we plan the services we offer across Norfolk.

We Can Give You Information on:

• The law on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability, Health and Social Care where they link to education
• Local policy and practice
• Personal budgets and working together (personalisation)
• The Local Offer
• Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
• Moving through stages of education, this is called transition
• Mediation and dispute resolution, Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal Service and complaints procedures

Advice about:

• Gathering, understanding and interpreting information and applying it to your own situation
• Signposting to other services for information, advice and support
• What to do when things go wrong
• How to get the best from a meeting

Support with:

• Preparing for and attending meetings
• Writing letters
• Understanding reports
• The EHC Plan process and annual reviews
• Admissions and Exclusions
• Post 16 provision
• Working in partnership with schools and the local authority to develop positive relationships

For more information please use the following link: https://www.norfolksendiass.org.uk/

Or by calling on 01603 704070, emailing [email protected]  and using our online chat service or by texting 07860033614.

Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk

 The council website offers information about applying for the housing register, viewing Homechoice properties, bidding for Homechoice properties, problems with rented properties, help with rent and homelessness.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20001/housing

 

SEND Local Offer

The SEND local offer section of the Norfolk County Council website offers guidance about different tpyes of housing options for those with SEND preparing for adult life. There is also a list of organisations that support with preparing for adult life and housing. 

For further information please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life/finding-somewhere-to-live

 

Partner Agencies

Homechoice partner agencies

Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
Broadland Housing Association
Cotman Housing Association
Flagship Housing Group Ltd
Freebridge Community Housing
Hastoe Housing Association
Housing 21
Longhurst & Havelok Homes
Metropolitan Housing Trust Ltd
Orbit Housing Association
Sanctuary Housing Association
13
Victory Housing Trust
Clarion Housing

 

 Shelter

Got a housing problem? We can help:

• Locally
  Our advice and support services offer one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness.

• Online
  On our website, find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless, or speak to an adviser over webchat.

• Over the phone
  Our free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness.

• Legal
  Our solicitors provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.

Norfolk SEND Local Offer

 The Norfolk SEND Local Offer website has advise about money and finances for those with special educational needs, parents and carers.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/advice-and-support/money 

 

Council for Disabled Children

The Council for Disabled Children website offers money and finance advise for disabled children and thier parents.

For further information please use the following link: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/what-we-do-0/networks/transition-information-network/information-and-support/money

 

Family Fund

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Last year, we provided over 150,000 grants or services worth over £48 million to families across the UK.

Our purposeis to improve the lives of low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

Our missionis to provide items and services to all low-income families in the UK raising disabled or seriously ill children, that they could not otherwise afford or access, and that help improve their quality of life, realise their rights, and remove some of the barriers they face.

Our visionis that all families raising disabled or seriously ill children have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as other families.

We provide grants for a wide range of items, such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets, furniture, outdoor play equipment, clothing and computers. It can be a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and these grants help break down many of the barriers families face, improving their quality of life and easing the additional daily pressures.

For further information please use the following link: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/

 

Norfolk Assistance Scheme

Families in hardship and needing wider support

In addition to the offer of FSM vouchers for eligible families, there is support available for families who are facing hardship and need support.

Anyone experiencing hardship may be able to receive support through the Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS), which may be able to provide support for food, fuel, clothes and other essential household items to families experiencing hardship. Wider support from a range of partners can then also be made available with NAS working alongside the Children’s Services Community and Partnerships service.

Families may get in touch with NAS via their dedicated website which includes an online application form, at Norfolk Assistance Scheme – Norfolk County Council or if they cannot access the internet, they can call 0344 800 8020.

Contact

We were founded in the 1970s by families of disabled children, who recognised that even if their child’s conditions were different, they shared a common experience – of being a family with a disabled child. They understood how important it is to support each other. 

A lot has changed since then but some things haven’t changed nearly enough. There is a desperate lack of services and support for the 620,000 parents in the UK who care for a disabled child. As a result, families face a huge range of challenges and many feel isolated and alone.  Coping with extra financial costs and practical challenges can put an enormous strain on daily life, with families more likely to face emotional issues, stress and anxiety. 

We are here for all families with disabled children – supporting families, bringing families together and helping families take action for others. 

Our vision is that families with disabled children feel valued and are strong, confident and able to make the decisions that are right for them.  

For further information please use the following link: Contact – for families with disabled children | Contact

King’s Lynn Food Bank

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

For further information please us ethe follwing link: https://kingslynn.foodbank.org.uk/

Address:-

TS Vancouver Building,
St Margaret’s Lane,
King’s Lynn
PE30 5DS

e: [email protected]   t: 07582 558143

Trainline

Trainline have made a useful guide for families navigating the train network.

Heading for a family day out and travelling by train? You’ve come to the right place.

Our guide to booking family train tickets will provide you with all the information you need to make your family train trip a breeze. From easy ways to save money on train tickets to offers and child fare information, we’ve got you covered. Discover top destinations, travel tips, money-saving ideas and much more in oursummer train travelguide.

If you’re planning a family day out in London or the South of England this summer, kids can travel by train for £2 or less!

https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/family-train-tickets

 

Trainline also have an accessibility guide available

 

Every train operating company in the UK has a dedicated telephone line to make accessibility arrangements ahead of travelling. Trained railway staff will be on hand to:

• Meet you at the station, either at a specific meeting point or a help point
• Help you navigate through the station
• Help you on and off the train, including ramp access where required
• Meet you at your destination or help you on to a connecting service
• Help with your luggage

Read on for information about accessibility on the UK rail network, including contact details for passenger assistance, accessibility information by train company and information on concessions for disabled travellers.

 

Accessible Train Travel Guide | Trainline (thetrainline.com)