The groups are held for parents and carers of children/young people with additional needs. Parents/carers are welcome to just drop in for a coffee and chat with other parent/carers, or speak to a professional from any of the agencies regarding any concerns or worries they may have about their child.

These support groups are held around Leicestershire and are run by three agencies.

Parent Partnership Service

The Parent Partnership Service is a confidential and impartial service that supports families who have children with Special Educational Needs. They support families of children and young people aged 0 to 19 years with any educational issues. They do not need to have a statement of special educational need or a medical diagnosis of disability.

They may help in a number of ways, including:-

• Advice and information over the telephone
• Home visits
• Support at meeting with school/local authority
• Help writing reports

They also offer an outreach service in various locations around the county.

Contact:- Parent Partnership Service    0116 2752097

Menphys SOS

The Menphys Special Outreach Service helps disabled* children and young people aged 0 – 19 and their families by: -

• Ensuring families know about and are referred to the appropriate and relevant services available to them.

• Helping family’s access flexible childcare with registered childminders.

   

• Facilitating the inclusion of children and young people into sport, play and leisure.

   

• Providing support in claiming disability related benefits and grants.

   

• Providing Early Support (Key Working and Coordination Service) ensuring that where needed families and professionals have a single point of contact, that services are coordinated and that families have all the information they need to support them.

* Children and young people, who are disabled, have complex health needs and special educational needs.

Contact:- Menphys SOS  01455 899111, 01664 483315 or 0116 2885353

Parent & Carers Council

The Parent & Carer Council is a network of parent volunteers who support parents/carers of children & young people with SEN and/or disabilities up to the age of 19. We work across Leicestershire, Leicester city & Rutland. We have a board of trustees and two paid family support workers. Our aim is to help, support, signpost and to inform parents/carers over any issues they may have relating to services provided by all children & young peoples services, including services provided by health. We can put parents in touch with each other for mutual support, we can also provide resources for parents and also travel costs for parents where transport is an issue to their nearest county drop-in support group.

Contact:- Parent & Carer’s Council – Sue on 07968 857598, Jane on 07870 688973

Other professionals attend some of the groups. These include educational psychologists and specialist health visitors. For further details please contact the Parent Partnership Service.