SDIG
Children




  


AUTISM SUFFOLK
To ensure that all families and carers of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder receive the services, support and representation they need. Tel: 01473 632700
Email: autism.suffolk@nas.org.uk . Website: www.autismsuffolk.org.uk

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS & EDUCATION
Provides services for children with special needs and developmental disorders.
Lowestoft Hospital, Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1PT. Tel: 01502 587311.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
For Bereaved Parents. Helpline Tel: 0845 123 2304 Website: www.tcf.org.uk

CONTACT A FAMILY
National Registered Charity providing support for families with children who have special needs.
209-211 City Road, London, EC1V 1JN. Helpline Tel: 0808 808 3555 Website: www.cafamily.org.uk

CONTACT (GREAT YARMOUTH & WAVENEY)
Support for children with special needs and also their parents and carers.
Alpha Centre, Alpha Road, Gorleston, NR31 0LG. Tel: 01493 661000

FAMILY CENTRES
Provide a wide range of support services for families with children who have disabilities. Many have access to toy libraries offering a wide range of toys, including musical instruments, for individuals to borrow at a very low cost. Contact Customer First Tel: 08456 023 023.

FAMILY FUND
Financial help for families caring for a severely disabled child of 15 years of age or younger.
Unit, 4 Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, York, YO32 9WN. Tel: 0845 130 45 42.
Email: info@familyfund.org.uk. Website: www.familyfundtrust.org.uk

FORGET-ME-NOTS
Support group for parents/carers of children with special needs. (Associated with "Musical keys" organisation) with drop in coffee morning.
Contact Mandy Piper. Tel: 01502 476814

GATEOPENER
Disability information and advice service. c/o The Stable, 65 High St. Newmarket, CB8 8NA.
Tel: 01638 667614 Email: gateopener2@btconnect.com

HOME-START BABERGH
Offers support friendship and practical help to families with one or more children under five who are going through a difficult time for any reason.
The Chestnuts, 3 Kings Hill, Great Cornard, C010 0EH. Tel: 01787 371108 Fax: 01787 371108,
Email: admin@hsbabergh.freeserve.co.uk

HOME START SUFFOLK COASTAL
Support, friendship and practical help is provided to families (with at least one child under five years old) who might be under stress in their own homes helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.
Cedar House, Pytches Road, Woodbridge, IP12 1EP. Tel: 01394 389402 Website: www.homestartcoastal.org.uk/access.htm

HOME TEACHING
Portage Services provide a home teaching service for pre-school children with special needs.  

  • South Suffolk Portage Service (Ipswich) Tel: 01473 211858
  • North Suffolk Portage Service (incl.Lowestoft & Waveney) Tel: 01502 405000
  • West Suffolk Portage Service Tel: 01284 775087

JOBCENTREPLUS
Collects information from customers on gaps in childcare in Suffolk, aiming to help fill the gaps in childcare provision for children with disabilities in Suffolk.
Contact Linda Frost (Childcare Partnership Manager). Tel: 01473 267814

LINK SCHEME
If you care for a disabled child it may be possible to link you with a family who would be able to offer respite care. For details Tel: 0800 328 2148. Website: www.suffolkadoption.com/Fostering

OUT & ABOUT
WANNA HAVE SOME FUN? - Why not volunteer with Out & About and enable disabled children and young people to take part in leisure activities? Call us now to find out more or check out on our website. 37-43 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JL. Tel: 0870 770 5767 Fax: 0870 770 5769 Website: www.out-and-about.org.uk

OUT OF SCHOOL CLUBS AND HOLIDAY PLAY SCHEMES
Charitable trusts run a number of regular clubs, one-off play events and holiday schemes. Their inflatable play equipment is always popular amongst children with disabilities, along with the wide range of toys and games and other activities. Please do not hesitate to ask for help and advice about Playgroups or Child Minders from the Early Years Advisor at Social Care Services Tel: 08456 023 023.

ORWELL PLAYSCHEME
Operates form Belstead School. Tel: 07799 841974

PASTEL Community Interest Company
actively supports the personal and social development of children and young people, aged 11-25 who are disadvantaged by circumstances or environment - especially those with learning disabilities. PASTEL is a social enterprise supplying fun workshops delivering transition training.
Website: www.pastel.org.uk E-mail: don.tricker@pastel.org.uk. Tel: 01728-604944

PLAYGROUPS
Playgroups are registered to provide day care for children aged 3 to 5 years of age. The easiest way to find out about the groups in your area is to contact the Early Years Advisor at Social Care Services.

The majority of Playgroups welcome children with disabilities and the benefits are two way: your child will be able to make friends, play and learn social skills, other children will become aware perhaps for the first time, that some of their friends find life challenging in different ways and may need help and consideration.

Children who would benefit by having some extra adult help in a Playgroup on a one to one basis may be able to have this paid for by Social Care Services, Tel: 08456 023 023.

PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING ALLIANCE
Support and advice for those with pre-school age children. Tel: 020 7697 2500.
Website: www.pre-school.org.uk

PYRAMIDS PLAYBUS
A purpose built Double Decker bus visiting Rural Villages in Mid Suffolk. It provides Play and Education facilities for pre-school children and also serves as a meeting place for carers. Tel: 01379 650746 Email: sue@pyramidsplaybus.org.uk

ROBERT MILNE HOUSE FAMILY CENTRE (ORMISTON TRUST)
Support for families with children under five. 333 Felixstowe Rd, Ipswich, IP3 9BU.
Tel: 01473 724549

SUFFOLK CHILDCARE INFORMATION SERVICE
The Suffolk Childcare Information Service offers free impartial advice to parents and carers looking for childcare services Including: Childminders, Day Nurseries, Pre-school playgroups, Out of school care, Holiday schemes, Parent and toddler groups.

The Childcare Information Service can also offer advice and guidance on early education and working in childcare. Office Hours 9.00am-5.00pm.. Anita Bendon and Janine Pettit, Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP21 2BX. Tel: 0845 608 0033 Fax: 01473 216853
Email: childcare.planning@educ.suffolk.gov.uk.
Website: www.childcarelink.gov.uk

SUFFOLK PARENTING PARTNERSHIP SERVICE
Provides support and information to parents and carers with children. They provide programmes for children with special educational needs and for parents and carers of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.. Helpline: 01473 265210 .
Email: parent.partnership@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk.

WAVENEY CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROJECT
Support for families and single parents in Waveney and rural areas, providing a parent education group with free creche facilities. Tel: 01502 563778. Fax: 01502 585242

 

 

Last Updated 13th February 2009 - SDIG