County Durham

Welcome to the County Durham Neurodevelopmental Needs Led Support website

Hello!  This website is a guide for families in County Durham with children and young people who may have needs associated with neurodiversity.  Parents and carers have told us which information they think would be most useful to share, so please use the toggles to open and close the sections below that you're interested in.

If you would like to make a referral for a child aged between 5 - 18 years old to the County Durham Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Assessment Service - download the referral form.  The form should be completed as fully as possible by the parent(s) or carer(s) of the child, and at least one professional who knows the child. A teacher, nursery teacher, health visitor or social worker are all examples of professionals who may know the child.

For children aged under 5 please speak to your GP or Health Visitor. 

In County Durham, the telephone number for the 0-25 Growing Healthy Service (Health Visiting) is 03000 263 538.

If you’re not registered with a GP practice, you can use the NHS website to find the one nearest to you and information on how to register.

 

What is a need?  We use the word "need" to describe a behaviour or something that children and young people are struggling with or would benefit from some help with. 

Here are some examples of needs that a lot of children and young people may have:

  • Trouble falling asleep at night, or staying asleep throughout the night.
  • Feeling restless or feeling like they must always be doing something.
  • Really doesn't like it when something unexpected happens to change their routine.
  • Feeling unsure how to act when with other people, either their own age or adults.
  • Likes only certain things, but the "like" seems to others as really intense.
  • Feels all their emotions as big emotions and they don't understand why or how to handle them.
  • Has trouble with remembering information or finds it hard to concentrate but can't explain why.
  • Feels overwhelmed in loud, new or busy places – or the opposite.
  • Isn't quite where they should be with their speech or language development.

Firstly, it's important to say that none of these behaviours or needs are a result of the child behaving "badly". Needs like those above can have a big impact on the child or young person, especially if they don't understand why they're feeling that way or know how to ask for help.

Secondly none of these behaviours automatically mean that a diagnostic assessment for a neurodevelopmental condition such as ADHD or Autism is needed.

Supporting the child or young person to have their needs met is the most important thing to do. Support and help are available to families whether the child or young person has a diagnosis or not.

Use the sections below to learn about the available support and how to access it.

Below are the top three actions that families can take to start their journey:

  1. Talking to professionals helps you understand the support that is right for your family (professionals such as your Health Visitor, or the SENDCO* at school).
  2. Attending training for families helps you to understand your child or young person's needs and what you can do to support them.
  3. Talking to other families can help more than you may think, and lets you know you're not alone.

We know some of these challenges are not easily resolved.  Families can learn strategies to support their child or young person, but this takes time, patience, and effort. 

Having the needs of the child or young person met is our priority and this often takes time and a lot of effort from their families, carers, and all the professionals supporting them.

 

* Every school has a SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Coordinator) who is a member of staff that has had extra training in special educational needs and/or disabilities.  Any parent can ask to meet with their school's SENDCO to talk about their child/the child they care for.

The BBC Bitesize website has this short video explaining what a SENDCO does, and how they can support you and your child.

Durham County Council

County Durham Family Hubs Our Family Hubs support families from pregnancy right up until your child turns 19, or 25 if they have special educational needs and disabilities. There are 15 Family Hubs around County Durham, a lot of support for parents and families are available in most of the Hubs and/or online.  All of the activities, groups or support available through the County Durham Family Hubs is free.

Click here to see all County Durham courses and groups for families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) including children and young people with FASD.  

The County Durham Family Hubs Facebook page  is updated every day with useful information, activities and events taking place across all 15 Family Hubs including Needs Led Support updates.

Waves is here to support County Durham and Darlington parents and carers who care for a child or young person (0-25yrs) with emotional or mental health difficulties. 

Led by a friendly parent peer practitioner and supported by a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) staff member, the group will listen, support and offer advice and guidance based on their own lived experiences.

  • 18 March, 10am - 12noon, SENDIASS, Lee House, Lee Terrace Easington Village, Peterlee, SR8 3AB
  • 19 March, 6pm - 8pm, Acley Centre, Carers Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4PE
  • 1 April, 10am - 12noon, Mulberry Centre, Rowan Building, Darlington Memorial Hospital, DL3 6HX
  • 2 April, 10am - 12noon, Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham, DH1 5RD
  • 15 April, 10am - 12noon, SENDIASS, Lee House, Lee Terrace Easington Village, Peterlee, SR8 3AB
  • 16 April, 6pm - 8pm, Acley Centre, Carers Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4PE
So, grab a cuppa, a snack and have a chat, a warm welcome awaits you.  There’s no need to book. If you have any questions, please email the team at tewv.waves@nhs.net.  Keep up to date with new dates on our NHS TEWV Facebook page.


Other opportunities to speak with professionals or families with experience:

  • Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) drop-in sessions.
  • The Educational Psychology team offer drop-in sessions for parents and carers to have one-to-one conversations.
  • The FASD Network offer support groups for families who are raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on a termly basis.  They also admin a closed Facebook group called FASD UK which provides daily peer to peer input for families which in turn breaks isolation and offers timely solutions to daily needs.  If you are raising a child with FASD in the North East and Yorkshire then please click on this link to register with us so we can add you to the mailing list. REGISTRATION
  • Daisy Chain can offer strategies and approaches that are compatible with: Autism, ADHD, FASD, Sensory processing differences, anxiety and social and communication differences.  Come along to a drop-in coffee morning or workshop (available in person or online).  Daisy Chain also offer a Telephone Advice Help Line 0800 031 5445.
  • The County Durham Health Visiting Team offer Growing Healthy Drop-In Sessions for parents/carers of children who are up to six years old, and offer advice around feeding, sleep, toileting and much more.
  • The North East Autism Society run a Family Networking Facebook Group and offer one-to-one sessions for families to discuss any issues in confidence.  To book a place please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or email rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk
  • Durham County Carers Support Groups offer carers a place to go for a chat with tea and biscuits with people who people who really understand the challenges involved in being a carer. 
  • Little SENDsations is a parent-led charity providing a range of support to families of children with all disabilities. The organisation has produced Durham's Guide To SEND Support By Parent Carers For Parent Carers.
  • Little Treasures are a volunteer run charity who support autistic adults and children across the North East.
  • Hart Gables  is a support service for those who identify as LGBTQ+ across Teesside and East Durham. There are a number of in-person and online support groups for parents/carers of LGBTQ+ young people. 
  • Young Minds Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544 for parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health.
  • National Autistic Society Autism Diagnosis Advice Hub - link to website.

Free Parent/Carer Training, Self-Help Support and Workshops for Understanding Neurodiversity and Supporting Your Children in County Durham

 

Resources and information: Boost website

 

Making Changes Together, now known as MCT Durham PCF, are Durham’s official Parent Carer Forum and a group of parent carers volunteers who work with professionals to influence and improve services to children and young people (0-25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities within the Durham local authority area.

Their website is full of useful local information and links to resources to support children, young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.

The website also includes an excellent jargon buster.

Get in touch with MCT:  For quick answers please message via the Facebook page

Email: info@mctdurham.co.uk

MCT Durham PCF CIO - Durham parent carer forum page

Children and Young People's Participation and Engagement

Investing in Children run a wide variety of groups and projects for children and young people, some are listed below but visit their website for more:

The Art Café is a drop in session open to anyone and everyone aged up to 18 years, looking for a place to be included and meet new people.

Every Monday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm at The Sjovoll Centre, Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durham DH1 5BL

The eXtreme Group are a group of young people in County Durham with SEND. We meet to share ideas and help to make SEND services better for young people. eXtreme members attend events on behalf of Investing in Children, organise events and work with Durham County Council and the NHS!

The group meets monthly at The Sjovoll Centre, Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durham DH1 5BL

Please contact the Project Team on 0191 307 7030 or info@investinginchildren.net for the upcoming dates.

Children in Care Council (CICC) are a group of children and young people who are looked after by Durham County Council.  We are a group of children and young people who are looked after in County Durham.

The Durham County Council promise is set in place to ensure that young people in care or that are entering care receive the correct level of support.  To view the Durham County Council list of promises, please click here to view the 'Our Promises to You' leaflet.

We meet every month to talk about life in care and raise any issues we have and the improvements we want to make to Durham County Council. CiCC is also an opportunity for children and young people to come together and say what works and share positive stories of the support we have received. Click here to visit the CiCC website.

Please contact the Project Team on 0191 307 7030 or info@investinginchildren.net for the upcoming meeting dates.

What is neurodiversity? Very simply, neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person's brain processes information. There are a wide range of differences.  Neurodiversity can include dyslexia, autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Tourette's Syndrome and more.

Unfortunately, there's a lot of incorrect information on the web and it's impossible to know what is factual and what is someone's opinion.  Here are a few websites with information that we trust:

A child or young person has special educational needs and disabilities if they have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need special health and education support, we shorten this to SEND.

 

How should your Local Authority Help?  The Local Authority in County Durham is Durham County Council. All Local Authorities need to identify and assess the special educational needs (SEN) of children and young people in their area when they become aware that they have or may have SEN.   

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, your LA must always think about how your child, or you if you are a young person, can be supported to facilitate development and to help your child or you achieve the “best possible educational and other outcomes”. Visit the IPSEA website for more information.

 

In County Durham, the Local Offer website helps families to find the very best support for their child or young person (from birth to 25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) including children and young people with FASD.  Families can access resources and activities which are aimed at supporting children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), and information for parents/carers and professionals on The Local Offer website.

 

The Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is a free, confidential, impartial support and advice for parents, carers, children and young people up to the age of 25 years in relation to special educational needs and disability. SENDIASS operates at 'arm's length' from the council.  Your child does not need to have a diagnosis to access any help, support, or advice from the SENDIASS team.

 

 

Please access the SENDIASS website for information and resources.  For updates and events please follow the SENDIASS Facebook page.

Please use ‘one’ of the following methods to contact the service

  • Telephone: 0191 587 3541 or 03000 267 007 - If you are unable to get through, please leave a voicemail
  • Email: sendiass@durham.gov.uk
  • Online: You can contact us by completing our contact form.
  • Due to increased demand on the service please allow 3-5 working days for a response. During this time please do not make further contact with the service as we will respond to your initial enquiry.

County Durham Families Information Service SEND Local Offer website provides links to services and support across County Durham.

 

Durham SEND and Inclusion App Resource - Do you have an iPad or tablet device? Do you use it with a child or young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Don't know which apps would be useful?  You need the Durham SEND and Inclusion App Resource

This resource has been created by the SEND and Inclusion Service in Durham and contains a range of apps which may be beneficial for children and young people with SEND. This resource will be updated every two years. It was last updated in March 2024.

 

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) are the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England.  We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law because children and young people with SEND are legally entitled to an education that meets their individual needs.

 

MCT (Making Changes Together in County Durham Parent Carer Forum) have compiled a list of useful links on their website and a parent leaflet which they co-produced with Durham County Council.

 

Locate is an online directory allowing residents to connect with local services in their community.

 

 

Children and Young People's Network (CYPN) Durham County Council must keep a register of children & young people with special educational needs and / or disabilities and in Durham this is the CYPN.

Register your child / young person (0 - 25 years) to receive email or text alerts covering the latest news & developments, short break activities, events and general information, a local discount card and whilst stocks last a Max card which gives family discounts at large number of UK attractions. Visit their website for more information or telephone: 03000 265 792  or email: cypn@durham.gov.uk

 

The BBC Bitesize website provides activities, advice and personal stories about parenting and special educational needs and disabilities to help you support your family.

Our advice for families considering purchasing "melatonin gummies" from the internet to give to their children:

Melatonin is available without a prescription in some countries but in the UK it is a prescription-only medicine.  It may be available online from some authorised suppliers but these websites will not always be registered as pharmacies in the UK and therefore the melatonin may be fake or unsafe to use.  Melatonin should only be used when prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.

Click here for more information from the NHS website.

 

Family Hubs Sleep Action Workshops - For parents and carers of children from 18 months to 19 years old, our Sleep Action Workshops give you information and techniques to help you support your child to get a great night's sleep.  Click here for more information and to book onto a workshop.

 

Understanding sleep - online training (Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) Our child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) service in County Durham and Darlington offers free online training for parents and carers of children and young people. To book email tewv.countydurhamcamhstraining@nhs.net

 

County Durham 0-25 Family Health Service - Families can access lots of support and advice from the County Durham 0-25 Family Health Service through their app.  Download from your usual app store to a smart phone or tablet for free, create an account and then scroll to bottom of the home page to access "Sleep Support".

The Growing Healthy SEND Team provide in person workshops for parents and carers to support the health and development of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).  Click here to see dates, times and booking information for upcoming sessions.

You may also find this trusted information about sleep for children of different ages helpful:

County Durham Family Hubs offer:

 

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and our Local Offer - There are a variety of specialist services and teams who provide support and advice for children with special educational needs (SEN).  Full information on support services is now available in one place on our website.

 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in County Durham - Please visit the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) web pages for information on the support they offer in County Durham.  

The service also offers free online training for parents and carers. For information and upcoming sessions dates visit CAMHS Training and Information Sessions for Parents/Carers

To speak to a member of the CAMHS team telephone 03001 239 296 or email tewv.camhscountydurhamdarlington@nhs.net

Health Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) - HENRY courses are available in our County Durham Family Hubs throughout the year, delivered by the Growing Healthy Service.  Courses are free and include:

Click the above links for more information and to book your place or speak to your Health Visitor.  For more information about the HENRY organisation visit their website.

 

The Growing Healthy SEND Team provide support for families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The team is made up of trained and experienced school nurses and family health practitioners who can offer advice and support around your child's health and development.

As part of this support the team are running workshops on topics that are often raised by parents and carers of children with SEND - Courses to support the health and development of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) including:

  • Sleeping well with SEND: strategies and support
  • Empowering Families: SEND children and continence challenges
  • Sensory challenges and fussy eating: strategies for SEND children

Courses are for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people aged two to ten years old with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Further information and how to book, visit the website or email: hdft.0-25senddurham@nhs.net

 

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID):

As part of the Autism Central programme, Daisy Chain provides a range of online learning opportunities covering a variety of topics to help support individuals and families, including ARFID.  These online sessions are free and open to families living in the North East and Yorkshire. 

 

Witherslack Group - SENsational Podcast - Understanding and Exploring ARFID.  Are you a parent of a child experiencing extreme food aversion? Nicole Kirkland & Emma Taylor from ARFID Awareness join us on the sofa for a discussion exploring Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Learn practical insights on what ARFID is, how it can co-occur with other neurodevelopmental differences, plus expert tips to support those affected.

 

Endeavour is an online peer support group for parents and carers of children and young people aged 5-15, with an ARFID (Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) diagnosis and/or displaying ARFID behaviours and presentations.  Download Beat's PDF about Endeavour here.

 

Autistica work with leading experts from around the UK to stream free live webinars to you in the comfort of your own home. Click here to watch Discussing eating patterns, experiences of eating disorders, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).  Click here to see all other webinars.

 

Recovery College Online - Information for service users, carers, staff and anyone interested in mental health about eating disorders, such as what an eating disorder is, how to support someone, and information about young people experiencing eating disorders.

As a parent, you know your child best and spend the most time with them. You are key in supporting their speech, language and communication.  For information and support visit the County Durham Family Hubs webpage Getting your child ready for school by supporting with their speech and language.

 

Your Health Visitor has a wealth of knowledge and experience about speech language and communication development to share.  In County Durham, the telephone number for the Health Visiting service is 03000 263 538.  

Other Useful Websites: Language and communication skills unlock literacy. To learn more about the building blocks of language development and even more ideas to help your child get ready for school, please visit:

 

Durham County Council's Local Offer provides local information and things to do. 

Short Breaks and Respite Care - Being a parent carer of a child or young person with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND) we know can be difficult, and you may need some time to help you cope with family life. Short breaks are designed to help you have a break from your caring responsibilities.

 

Fun and Food - County Durham's Fun and Food programme runs during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays across the county.  All sessions are free and include breakfast/lunch/tea and snack.

Keep up to date with the Fun and Food Facebook group.

 

Children's Occupational Therapy Service at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust supports children and young people from birth up to 18 years of age who have difficulties or a disability which affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks.  Their website is full of information that you may find useful including this guide intended for use by parents and carers, education staff and other practitioners supporting children or young people living in County Durham.

 

The Children's Physiotherapy Service team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust have created videos and resources to help you and your child with exercise. For more information about the NHS service in County Durham please visit the website.

 

County Durham Care Academy - Click Here for information and how to book onto free County Durham Care Academy courses for unpaid family carers from Durham County Carers.

 

Visit the Durham County Council leisure centres website to see the most up to date information on the activities on offer at each site. Also see the inclusive activities section. 

 

Sensory Worx have created this video "Sensory ideas for the home"

A recorded webinar has been developed by an Occupational Therapist to outline tips and guidance for supporting children and young people with sensory needs within the home.

 

 

Educational Psychology drop-in sessions for parents and carers

Educational psychologists help children and young people with a wide range of different needs, such as, learning, communication and language, social and emotional-wellbeing, practical skills or being independent.

Any parent who is concerned about their child can pop in to one of our drop-in sessions, where one of our friendly team can offer advice, talk through your concerns and help you plan what to do next.

We can help if, for example:

  • You are worried your child isn't talking enough.
  • You struggle to know what is best to do when your child has a 'tantrum'.
  • You've noticed your child doesn't play with other children much.
  • Your child is always on the go and doesn't sit still for any activity.
  • Your child really struggles to be apart from you.

To find out when and where our drop-in sessions are taking place visit the website or telephone Family Hubs 03000 261 111.

 

Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is a statutory service supporting parents/carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and children and young people with SEND.

We aim to empower parents/carers, children, and young people to play an active and informed role in making decisions about education, health, and social care.

Our role as an Information Advice and Support Service (IASS) is to help parents/carers, children and young people build their knowledge, and confidence in SEND law, procedures, policies, and practices, and to enable them to communicate with their own needs, wishes, and rights.

Durham SENDIASS is a free, impartial, and confidential service that operates at ‘arm’s length’ from the Local Authority (Durham County Council)

 

 

Portage is an early learning support service provided by Durham County Council for pre-school children who have complex developmental needs and their families.

Pre-school group for children with complex needs is for families of children aged 2 to 3 years, who are experiencing challenges interacting and communicating with others.

The group provides opportunities for children to develop early communication and social interaction skills through sensory and fun play experiences. It also allows parents and carers to meet other families in a supportive group.

To access the group download, complete and return the form on this website or telephone 03000 263 350 to complete the form over the phone.

Elective Home Education is where parents provide education for children at home or in some other way instead of sending them to school.  

For more information visit the Durham County Council schools section of the website.

 

Durham County Council Empowering Inclusive Communities (Supported Activities for Children and Young People with SEND)

Our vision is for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to be active, engaged, and thriving members of their local communities. We’re committed to ensuring they, along with their families, receive the right support to make this a reality.

You don't need a social care assessment. Take a look at our Facebook page which is updated daily, or you can contact us by telephone 03000 260 270, or email SENDEIC@durham.gov.uk. Click here to visit our website.

Eric Knows – is a comprehensive index of things to do in the North East Of England.  Making looking for stuff to do, experiences, taste and drink easy to find.

 

Max Card - Discount Card

We provide Max Cards to Durham Local Authority upon request, but are not in a position to comment in relation to the Councils issuing of these cards. You can contact the team on 03000 265 792 for some more information on the Max Card.

Available discounts can be viewed online here.

 

Durham County Carers Support Discount Card

The scheme offers carers discounts and concessions at retail and leisure venues throughout County Durham and Darlington.

For more information email admin@dccarers.org Telephone 0300 005 1213 Text: 07624 818403

 

Nimbus Disability Access Card

Get your access requirements recognised at thousands of events, attractions, venues, and locations across the UK and beyond.  The physical card acts as a photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues, so that the venues can provide accessibility to the needs of their visitors.

County Durham NHS Talking Therapies Service

Talking Therapies is a FREE self-help, counselling and talking therapies service designed to help anyone living in the County Durham and Darlington area to deal with common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression, as well as panic phobias obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Telephone 0191 333 3300 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday or visit the website by clicking here.

 

Short Breaks Respite Care (SEND Empowering Inclusive Communities)

Short breaks are designed to help you have a break from your caring responsibilities.  SENDEIC will work with you if you need a break from caring but are struggling to find a suitable activity for your child (including children and young people with FASD). 

We will work together to help remove barriers, fill any gaps in provision and enable access wherever possible. 

Our vision is for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to be active, engaged, and thriving members of their local communities. We’re committed to ensuring they, along with their families, receive the right support to make this a reality.

Contact us by telephoning 03000 260 270 or by emailing SENDEIC@durham.gov.uk or visit our Facebook page.

Parent and Carer Support Group in County Durham and Darlington

If you care for a child or young person (0-25yrs) with emotional or mental health difficulties, why not come along to one of our friendly support groups.

All groups are led by a friendly parent peer practitioner and supported by a CAMHS mental health nurse. The group will listen, support and offer advice and guidance based on lived experiences. There’s no need to book. Download more information here. If you have any questions, email the team at TEWV.waves@nhs.net 

Mindfulness sessions

We offer mindfulness sessions for people who experience repeated episodes of depression or who parent or care for someone with mental ill health or a learning disability.  Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention to the present moment and can help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions.

Tel: 01325 552017

Email: tewv.mindfulness@nhs.net

Join our Recovery College

Our ARCH Recovery College in Durham has a range of sessions to people with experience of mental illness, including patients, their family, friends and staff.

 

Rainbow Guide - Durham County Council have created this handy guide for children and young people's emotional wellbeing support, which you can also download and print.

 

Durham Young Dads Project

Durham Young Dads Project is run by the North East Young Dads and Lads and provides free one-to-one and/or group support to young dads and dads-to-be (aged 25 and under) in County Durham. 

They support young dads to grow, as well as helping them to develop their parenting skills. This could be support to deal with challenges young dads are facing now, as well as helping them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to make positive changes to improve the wellbeing of young dads and their families. This is done through mentorship, educational resources and community engagement, to create an environment where young dads can thrive.

Support is available to young dads who are neurodiverse and/or who have children with neurodevelopmental needs. The project also supports young dads who are looked after by Durham County Council.

Website: Durham young dads project

Text or telephone 07990 164 449

Email info@neydl.uk 

 

Kooth

Kooth is an online mental health service for all children and young people from 11 year to 18 years. Kooth offers a counselling and emotional well-being platform, accessible through mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers and are free at the point of use. It gives children and young people easy access to an online community of peers and a team of experienced counsellors. Access is free of the typical barriers to support: no waiting lists, no thresholds, no costs, and complete anonymity.

Kooth is anonymous and free to use. Young people can register on Kooth without having to provide personal details such as their name or address. It provides a safe and non-judgmental place for them to talk, connect and chat with others and know they are not alone.  More information can be found on the Kooth website.

 

Durham County Carers Support

Durham County Carers Support and Darlington Carers Support offer a variety of different services to local carers. We can work with you to help you find the information you need to care for someone and can inform you about other services to help you look after yourself. 

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)

Address: Durham County Carers Support Enterprise House, Enterprise City Meadowfield Avenue Spennymoor Co Durham DL16 6JF

Telephone: 0300 005 1213 : Text service: 07860017632

Email: admin@dccarers.org

Click here to access the Durham Carers InfoPoint

Click here for information on Durham County Council's Local Offer Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Feedback, Concerns and Complaints 

 

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) are the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England.  They help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law.

IPSEA offer Free Legal Advice for SEND Law in England. Click here for information on SEN and disability law.

 

Cerebra - Legal Rights Service and Problem Solving Project

Public bodies in the UK have certain duties to provide health, social care and other services for disabled children. Our Legal Entitlements and Problem-Solving (LEaP) Project helps you get the right legal support for your child if you are having difficulty accessing the right services. Requests for help must satisfy our eligibility criteria – you can find out more in our project guidelines here.

 

The Brain Charity – Legal Advice

Unfortunately, people with neurological conditions are more likely to face life-limiting disabilities, often as a result of sudden injuries.  You and your family may need professional legal advice, support navigating legal pathways or assistance advocating for yourself in legal situations.

CAMHS Durham and Darlington Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service is a community mental health service for children and young people in County Durham and Darlington, offering specialist screening and assessments in relation to social communication and attention difficulties.

The Durham and Darlington Diagnostic Assessment Service is delivered by Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).

For information see the CAMHS Durham and Darlington Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service website.

**This section is still in development and will be populated with information during Spring 2025**

Did you know that in many cases you have the legal right to choose where you have your NHS treatment?  

If a GP needs to refer you for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you'd like to go to.

This will include many private hospitals if they provide services to the NHS and it does not cost the NHS any more than a referral to a standard NHS hospital.

You can also choose a clinical team led by a consultant or named healthcare professional, as long as that team provides the treatment you require. Find out more about choosing a hospital or consultant and choosing a mental health service.

You can book your appointment via the NHS e-Referral service. It can be done while you're at the GP surgery, or online, using the shortlist of hospitals or services provided in your appointment request letter. The shortlist is selected by your GP, so make sure you tell them about your preferences during the appointment.

 

You have the legal right to ask for your appointment to be moved to a different provider if you're likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time specified for your treatment - even if you've already been on the waiting list for months or years.

The hospital/clinic/service that you're on the waiting list for or the NENC Integrated Care Board (ICB) will have to investigate and offer you a range of suitable alternative hospitals or clinics that would be able to see you sooner. Read the NHS guide to waiting times for more information.

 

What can I do if I'm not offered a choice?  You should always be offered a choice at the point of referral and an opportunity to discuss the options with the person referring you. If you feel you have not been offered a choice, you should speak to the person who is referring you in the first instance.

If you still feel that you have not been offered a choice, you could complain to the NENC Integrated Care Board (ICB) as they must ensure patients are given choices. Click here to download the complaints leaflet. 

If you feel that the NENC ICB did not resolve the complaint to your satisfaction, you're entitled to take your complaint to the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

 

You can also contact Healthwatch County Durham as it is their role to get your opinion and find out what matters to you to help make sure your views shape the support you need. Healthwatch provides information about access to services and choices available to help people by taking more control of their own health, treatment and care.

Email: healthwatchcountydurham@pcp.uk.net  Telephone: 0800 3047039

In addition, you can contact the North East NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA) to receive free support to make a  complaint about the NHS in the following local authority areas: Darlington, Durham, North Tyneside,South Tyneside and Stockton on Tees

Website: North East ICA - Carers Federation

Click here for the North East ICA Facebook Page

Email: ica@carersfederation.co.uk

 

Find out more about feedback and complaints about NHS services on the NHS England website. You will also find guidance in section 13 of the NHS Choice Framework.

For more information visit your choices in the NHS.

 

NHS Right To Choose in relation to neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments

The charity ADHD UK maintain an up to date list of all currently approved NHS Right To Choose Providers for neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments, along with waiting times and additional information. 

Please note that although named "neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments" most, if not all only offer assessments for ADHD and/or Autism.  Click here for more information from the ADHD UK website.