Help! Where to go for advice and support?
Last Updated: 7th August 2023
At whatever stage you are as a parent of a child / young person with additional needs we welcome you to our Local Offer.
Our Local Offer aims to enable you to find:
- Support groups
- SEND Service providers
- Schools
- Activities
- Events
- Information
West Sussex: Key Support Services
Navigating the often complex public services put in place to help your child can be confusing and stressful but there are a number of organisations that can help you with direct information, advice and support.
Benefit Advice
There are a range of organisations and charities that provide advice and support when applying for benefits. To find out more about what is available within West Sussex and Nationally visit the Local Offer Benefits Advice and Support page.
Information, Advice and Support (SENDIAS) Service
Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IAS) The West Sussex SEND Information, Advice and Support Service provides impartial information, advice and support to parents and carers of children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Go to their website to find out more.
Early Help (EH)
Early Help (EH) is a range of coordinated services for children and families from 0-25 years old. Within the EH service there is a ‘whole family’ approach to support, with the aim that we give all children the best start in life and make it easier for families to get the help they need. Find out more
Portage
Portage is a home visiting educational service for very young children with significant support needs. Portage provides support for families by working alongside parents offering practical help and ideas to encourage a child’s emerging skills. Find out more
Reaching Families
Reaching Families is a parent-carer led charity established to "empower, inform and care for parents and families of children with special needs and disabilities in West Sussex." We achieve this by the delivery of information, training and support groups to parent-carers. Find out more
Special Education Needs Assessment Team (SENAT)
Special Education Needs Assessment Team (SENAT) SENAT is responsible for considering requests for education, health and care needs assessments, for conducting these assessments and for monitoring and reviewing children and young people who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Short Breaks
Short breaks provide fun, leisure and social activities for children and young people with addition needs and disabilities outside the school day. This enables them to try new experiences, learn new skills, develop confidence and have fun! Find out more
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) are an independent charity run mostly by parent/carer volunteers; they represent parent/carer views to various organisations and professional bodies to improve county/health/social care services for disabled children, young people and their families. Find out more
National:
CONTACT :
Really helpful resources and guides free for parent carers from CONTACT are available on their website
