Support for Parents/Carers
Here are some useful links to organisations that may be able to help you.
Financial
Household Support Fund In Hertfordshire
To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire has been provided with funding from the Government’s ‘Household Support Fund’. This is used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food.
Disability Living Allowance
You can find more information about applying for Disability Living Allowance here. If you would like help in completing an application, please speak to the FLO, Helen.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/money/disability-living-allowance.aspx#
Carer’s Allowance
You might be able to claim if:
- you are aged 16 years or over and you care for someone at least 35 hours a week
- your child or young person receives the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component at the middle or highest rate
- or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- you are not in full-time education
- you earn no more than £128 per week after deductions.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/money/carers-allowance.aspx#
Family Fund Grant
Giving grants to families on a low income for items they may not otherwise be able to afford. For example family breaks, digital equipment, white goods, clothing, bedding, furniture and play equipment.
Short Breaks
Short breaks offer disabled children and young people the chance to spend time out with others socialising and doing fun activities, giving their families a break and providing them with the confidence their child is well supported by a trained worker.
They include holiday and Saturday clubs, and activities range from canoeing and computer skills to Lego.
Support Groups
MHST
Hertfordshire MHST work within partner educational settings to provide early help and preventative support for the mental health and well-being needs of children and young people aged 5-19 years.
If you wish to access support, please speak to your school or college’s Designated Mental Health Lead (DMHL) or another trusted staff member. The DMHL can then make a referral to our service or signpost you to appropriate support.
If a child or young person is in crisis, you should:
Call Freephone 0800 6444 101 (Single Point of Access (SPA) 24/7 Mental Health Helpline)
NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health service
If they are seriously ill or injured, dial 999 for the emergency services or attend A&E
SPACE
SPACE host a range of support groups, training courses, social events and activities for families with neurodiverse children. They are also a Short Break Local Offer provider, so lots of activities can be accessed at a low cost.
https://spaceherts.org.uk/space-for-families/
Add-Vance
Add-vance offer a range of services throughout Hertfordshire aimed at helping parents and carers to understand and support children with neurodiverse conditions.
