Family resources

Local charities and organisations

• The Leicester Autistic Society provides activities and events for children and young people and a support group for parents and carers.
• Spectrum is a support group for parents and carers of children, young people and adults on the Autism Spectrum or on the Autism diagnosis pathway. Meetings take place in Market Harborough but are open to people from across Leicestershire and the surrounding areas.
• SENDIASS Leicester and Leicestershire SENDIASS can provide provide free, impartial and confidential advice and support for SEND children or young people aged 0 to 25 years.
• Menphys is a local charity that provides a range of specialist services to support children and young adults with additional needs and disabilities and their families.
• Leicestershire Parent Carer Forum engage as parents and carers to work with partners like the local authority, social services, special education services, disabled children’s services and health services to co-produce, develop, improve and scrutinise the City’s SEND services. They have a Facebook group here.

National charities and organisations

• The National Autistic Society has several specialist helplines which might be able to offer support.
• Mencap is a UK charity for people with a learning disability and they support their families and carers, too. They have a learning disability helpline and resources across their website.
• Mind is a charity that can advise on mental health difficulties and ways in which you can seek extra emotional support. They have advice and guidance on their website specific to autistic people.
• Scope is a disability charity that can provide advice and support.
• Contact are there for all families with disabled children – supporting families, bringing families together and helping families take action for others.
• The Council for Disabled Children is is part of the National Children’s Bureau family. They are the umbrella body for the disabled children’s sector with a membership of over 300 voluntary and community organisations and an active network of practitioners that spans education, health and social care.
• Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants and services for families on low incomes raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person, up to the age of 24. Grants are available for essential items to help meet a child or young person’s support needs, including kitchen appliances, furniture, computers and tablets, play and sensory equipment, clothing, bedding and family breaks.