Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council Services
Family Information Directory provides information on local organisations, services, childcare, activities and events relevant to families.
Learning Disability Partnership Board (LDPB) is set up to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities by:
- promoting their independence, choice, rights and inclusion
- ensuring they are treated as equal citizens with access to mainstream services such as health, housing, employment and education
- ensuring outside bodies consult with the LDPB as their main source of information when planning and making decisions that affect the lives of people with learning disabilities
SENDiass4BCP is a dedicated advice and support service for children and young people up to 25 years old with Special Education Needs and Disabilities and their families. Young people can also access the service independently from their parents. The service is impartial, confidential, and free.
SENDiass4BCP brochure
SEND Local Offer provides information on services and activities for children and young people up to 25 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Autism Education Trust (AET)
www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk
Provides tailored advice and resources for professionals, parents, carers and children and young people with autism.
Autism Links
www.autismlinks.co.uk
Provides links to services and resources to help support parents, carers and professionals.
Covers who to talk to, where to go and contains lots of helpful advice all in one place.
National Autistic Society (NAS)
www.autism.org.uk
Provides information about autism and Asperger syndrome, the NAS and its services and activities.
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
www.cerebralpalsysymptoms.com
Provides information, news and resources about Cerebral Palsy and other common birth injuries.
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/
Information and support for people with severe learning difficulties who show challenging behaviour.
ChatHealth
https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/school-nursing/chathealth
Our School Nurse texting service is open normal working hours Mon-to-Fri. They are a young person’s (ages 11 to 19) support & advice service and able to provide emotional reassurance and help with general teenage concerns, such as mental health, bullying, self harm, healthy eating, drugs, sex, contraception, smoking, alcohol. The texting service is secure and confidential. Text: 07480 635511
The Chatterboxes (Disability Action Group)
https://www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/youth/the-chatterboxes-disability-action-group/
A youth action project that is part of YMCA Bournemouth and run by young people with disabilities aged 11-25 years old from Bournemouth, Poole and other parts of Dorset.
Contact
www.contact.org.uk
A national advice, information and support service for families with disabled children. They offer family events, workshops and parent support groups. They also help families to campaign, volunteer and fundraise to improve life for themselves and others.
The Curly Hair Project
https://thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk/
A social enterprise that supports people on the autistic spectrum and the people around them. They offer autism training events for a small charge which may be of interest to parents & teenage students.
Disability Rights UK
www.disabilityrightsuk.org.uk
A charity set up with the aim of representing the needs and expectations of disabled people in the UK. They can help with issues surrounding independent living and career opportunities as well as influencing public attitudes and behaviours with regards to disability. They also lead a programme called Get Yourself Active which is funded by Sport England. You can sign up to their e-newletters to keep updated with their work.
Dorset Children’s Foundation
www.thedcf.org
An independent local charity dedicated to improving the lives of sick and disabled children living within our community. They provide specialist mobility equipment, therapies and medical expenses not provided by the NHS. They also offer a wide range of support including accessible family activities and events, life enriching experiences, parent friendship groups and mental health counselling.
DSActive
www.dsactive.org.uk
A programme run by the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) to provide opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome to be active and healthy. DSActive Partner Clubs offer impairment specific sports sessions in partnership with DSActive; these clubs will have received their coach education workshop. Clubs in the Dorset area include: Southbourne Tennis Club, AFC Bournemouth and Longfleet Youth FC but you can check other areas on this link: www.dsactive.org.uk/near-you/
Heart Radio
www.heart.co.uk
Local radio station. Should the weather be severe overnight or during a weekend the decision regarding a school closure will be broadcast via Heart Radio 102.3 fm between the hours of 7.00am and 8.30am.
Internet Matters
www.internetmatters.org
Provides resources and advice on helping parents keep their children safe online.
Mencap
www.mencap.org.uk
A charity which supports people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Parent Carer Foundation
http://parentcarerforum.co.uk
Formerly known as Bournemouth Parent Carer Forum.
A group of parents and carers who have children and young people with various disabilities. They have joined together so that they can provide a united voice that local services are encouraged to listen to when making decisions regarding their children’s education, learning and future needs. They encourage any parent to engage with the Foundation regarding their child or young person regardless of their disabilities, these may range from complex medical needs to challenging behaviour, learning or physical difficulties.
ParentLine 5-19
ParentLine 5-19 is a confidential text messaging service for parents and carers of children and young people aged between 5-19. A member of the school nursing team will reply via text message for topics such as development, healthy eating, weight management, behaviour management, emotional health and wellbeing, toileting, sleep and more. Text: 07312263131
Parent Zone
https://parentzone.org.uk/
Offers expert information to help children and young people stay safe online.
Primary Times – Dorset
www.primarytimes.co.uk/dorset/
The definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age in the Dorset area. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Raring2go! Bournemouth
https://raring2go.co.uk/bournemouth
Raring2go provides lots of useful information for parents and carers such as local news, competitions, clubs and activities. You can sign up for their weekly newsletter which is packed full of what’s on, vouchers, competitions and loads more fun for the family.
Signalong
www.signalong.org.uk
Based on British Sign Language and designed to help children & adults with communication difficulties, mostly associated with learning disabilities. All pupils and staff at Linwood are encouraged to use Signalong to support communication.
Variety
www.variety.org.uk
Offers help with grants for wheelchairs and specialist equipment for children and young people up to the age of 18 years old. Individual families are welcome to apply. Application forms and guidelines can be found on their website.
Young Sibs
www.youngsibs.org.uk
A website for siblings of kids with SEN. Their online service offers information and advice for brothers and sisters.