This information is to help children, young people, their families, carers, and the professionals who support them within County Durham understand how to access support for needs associated with a neurodevelopmental condition.
Please look through this website to see all the Needs Led Support available to families in County Durham. All support is free and your child/young person does not need a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition to access support.
We suggest that families attend Needs Led Support drop in events and coffee mornings to chat about their child's needs before submitting a referral form to the County Durham Needs Led Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Pathway.
If you are already accessing help from the Needs Led Support and feel that you are not fully meeting your child/young person's needs, you could consider making a referral to County Durham Needs Led Neurodevelopmental Pathway.
The County Durham Needs Led Neurodevelopmental Pathway was created to ensure that children and young people who have needs that may or may not be related to neurodevelopment, are supported to have those needs met.
Having the needs of the child met is our priority, the child does not need to have a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition for us to help.
The Pathway isn’t focused on providing just an Autism or ADHD assessment, although if an assessment is appropriate, it can be accessed through the Pathway.
The Pathway is focused on understanding all your child’s strengths and builds on those to make sure they get the support they need to thrive. There are many ways that we can support your child depending on what they (and the adults who care for them) need as individuals.
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.
If the form is not fully completed or not enough information has been provided, the form will be returned to you. You and your professional(s) will need to include the missing information and re-submit the form before it can be accepted.
If you require reasonable adjustments such as written feedback in a language other than English, in a format that you can understand or would like someone to help you with the information, please include this in the referral form so it can be provided.
If you require help to complete the parents/carers section of the referral form please contact XXX.
Download the County Durham neurodevelopmental pathway referral form.
This form is for children aged between 5 and 17 years old. For children aged under 5 please speak to your GP or Health Visitor. For anyone aged 18 and over please speak to your GP.
In County Durham, the telephone number for the Health Visiting service is 03000 263 538.
If you’re not registered with a GP practice, you can use this website to find the one nearest to you and information on how to register.
Reminder - You and your child do not need to submit a referral form for the pathway to be able to access any of the available Needs Led Support described in the sections of this website below - you can access all the support in this website for your child and yourself now.
Professionals you can ask to complete the referral form
We use the word Professional to describe anyone that is working to support your child/young person, and your family. This could be your family Health Visitor, your GP or your child's doctor at hospital, a nursery or school teacher, or a social worker. If you're unsure who to ask and your child is school age, contact the school to make an appointment with the SENDCO.
SENDCO stands for Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Coordinator
Each school has a SENDCO 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 the SENDCO to talk about their child/the child they care for.
The Multi-Agency and Multi-Disciplinary Panel
The information that you provide on the referral form plus any other information that’s available, is looked at and discussed by a group of specially trained people working as a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary panel. This means different types of professionals working together.
The Panel is made up of specialists from:
- County Durham Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service
- County Durham SEND and Inclusion Support Service
- County Durham Early Help Team
The Panel discuss why your child / young person has the needs they do and agree how best to support them.
The Panel take lots of factors into account, and if they feel they need more information to decide, they will always aim to seek this out. This allows for a range of professionals to input to how best to support your child's needs.
How long does this take?
The Panel can discuss 50 children's referrals each week. In County Durham, there are between 70 and 80 referral forms received every week. This means that you may have to wait up to five months from submitting the referral form before its discussed by the Panel. During this time families should continue to access all of the available Needs Led Support described in the sections of this website below.
Feedback from the Panel
The Panel will provide each family with written feedback and their recommendations for how you can best support your child/young person. This will almost always include accessing the Needs Led Support offer. It is the parent/carers responsibility to take action by contacting the organisations recommended by the Panel.
If the Panel think a neurodevelopmental assessment is appropriate the referral form will be accepted by the County Durham Needs Led Neurodevelopment Assessment Service (delivered by Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV)) and your child will join the assessment waiting list.
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This does not prevent patient choice where patients have a legal right to choose their healthcare provider. The feedback letter from the Panel can be taken to the child/young person's GP to support a referral to an approved NHS Right To Choose provider. For more information click here [ click to take the reader to the NHS Right To Choose drop down section of this website ]. |
You can find out more about the Needs Led Neurodevelopment Assessment Service on the Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust website.
The Needs Led Neurodevelopment Assessment Service is part of the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, which you may know as CAMHS.
CAMHS is the name for the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. You might also see CYPMHS used which stands for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services.
Reminder - You and your child do not need to wait for the Panel to provide you with recommendations before you can access any support. You can access all the Needs Led Support in this website for your child and yourself now.
The County Durham Needs Led Support offer is everything available to families to help them identify their child/young person's needs, understand their behaviours, and learn how to meet those needs in a supportive way.
A child/young person's needs could be:
A child/young person does not need to have "bad behaviour" at home or school to be in need of support for any of the above needs.
There are no "quick fixes" but there are strategies that can be learned and used by families to support their child/young person. Having the needs of the child met is our priority.
We suggest that families attend one of the Needs Led Support drop in events and coffee mornings to chat about their child's needs and learn more about the support on offer before submitting a referral form to the County Durham Needs Led Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Pathway:
- Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) drop-in sessions
- Educational Psychology drop-in sessions for parents and carers
- Parent and Carer Support Group in County Durham and Darlington info on this flyer or email the team at waves@nhs.net
- Daisy Chain drop in coffee mornings and in person workshops
Families tell us that they are often told their child needs a diagnosis from the NHS before they can receive support.
This is not true.
The no diagnosis = no support is a myth.
Don’t wait for support to be offered to you – you can access support for your child and yourself now. No need for a referral. No diagnosis needed.
Families also tell us they expected a lot of support and services to be made available to them once they received a diagnosis and were shocked when the same support available to them before diagnosis is also available after an assessment or diagnosis and the diagnosis does not give access to any additional support.
All of the support listed in the sections below are completely free of charge and available to access now, without a diagnosis or a referral from a professional. The same support is also available to families/carers who are not currently seeking a diagnosis for their child.
Courses to support the health and development of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)
Workshops on topics that are often raised by parents and carers of children with SEND. You can attend at any venue and are welcome to attend one, two or all three sessions depending on what you feel would be useful for your family.
- Sleeping well with SEND: strategies and support
- Empowering Families: SEND children and continence challenges
- Sensory challenges and fussy eating: strategies for SEND children
Who is this course 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 Durham County Council website
or email hdft.0-25senddurham@nhs.net
Stepping stones (Triple P) course - course from Family Hubs
Stepping Stones is for parents of children with a disability or additional need up to the age of 12. It is great if you are struggling with your child's behaviour or if you would like to learn parenting skills to help promote their development and potential.
Who is this course for: Dads, mams, and carers who have a child with a disability or additional needs.
Further information and how to book visit the Durham County Council website or telephone Family Hubs to find out when this course is on at your preferred Hub 03000 261 111.
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.
- Understanding why children might be anxious about school
- Anxiety (age 5 - 11, or over 11)
- Emotional wellbeing
- Adolescent sexual development and sexual risk
- Child to parent violence and aggression
- Understanding sleep
- Understanding behaviour development in children and young people
Who are these sessions for: Dads, mams, and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 25 years of age.
Further information and how to book visit the TEWV website.
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
TBC
The Growing Healthy SEND Team provide support for families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As part of this support the team are running workshops on topics that are often raised by parents and carers of children with SEND. You can attend at any venue and are welcome to attend one, two or all three sessions depending on what you feel would be useful for your family. The workshops are aimed at parents and carers of SEND children aged two to 10 years old.
Workshops include:
- Empowering Families: SEND children and continence challenges
- Sensory challenges and fussy eating: strategies for SEND children
To book a place or if you have any questions about the sessions please contact hdft.0-25senddurham@nhs.net or visit the website.
Health Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY)
At HENRY we are passionate about babies and children getting the best possible start in life. This means supporting the whole family to make positive lifestyle changes, creating healthier and happier home environments, and building healthier communities.
HENRY courses are available in our County Durham Family Hubs throughout the year, delivered by the Growing Healthy Service. Courses are free and include:
Healthy families right from the start 0-5 course
Fussy eating workshops
Healthy teeth course
To find out when and where the next courses are taking place and to book your place please email hdft.henrypractitioners@nhs.net or speak to your Health Visitor.
For more information about the HENRY organisation visit their website.
Empowering Parents Empowering Communities (EPEC)
Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) is a parenting approach that trains local parents to lead groups that support other local parents.
Being a Parent of an Autistic Child (EPEC course)
This is an in-person, 10 week course. If you usually work during the times when the course takes place, get in touch as Family Hubs may be able to support you to attend.
Who are these sessions for: Dads, mams, carers, and grandparents of children and young people aged 0 to 25 years of age. All families are different, and all autistic children are different. Further information and how to book:
Visit the Durham County Council website
or email EPEC@durham.gov.uk
For further information about EPEC please visit the Durham County Council EPEC webpage.
Being a Parent (EPEC course)
Being a Parent is an eight week course for parents and carers of children between the ages of 2 and 11. The course is made up of eight 2-hour sessions, led by trained parents. The parent group leaders bring all of their knowledge, experience and skills with them, and are supported by a professional team, to help you get the most out of the course.
The course will help you to manage your feelings, and your child's feelings, communicate and interact positively with your child, use positive strategies to manage your child's behaviour, and understand how to manage parental stress. Courses are delivered from our Family Hubs.
Who are these sessions for: Dads, mams, carers, and grandparents of children and young people.
Further information and how to book:
Visit the Durham County Council website
Or email EPEC@durham.gov.uk
Supporting Your Autistic Child - course from Durham Learn
A popular series of 10 workshops helping you develop personal coping strategies, communicate better with your child, find out about support both in and out of school. Please note we can enrol you on a course after the start date has passed.
Who is this course for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who are pre or post autism diagnosis.
Further information and how to book: email or telephone Durham Learn on durhamlearn@durham.gov.uk or 03000 266 115.
Supporting your autistic child - workshop by North East Autism Society
A one off workshop covering, worries and action planning, common misconceptions, differences in autistic children, practical strategies to use in everyday life.
Who is this course for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who are pre or post autism diagnosis.
Further information and how to book: To book a place please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or email rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk
One-to-One session to discuss any issues in confidence with North East Autism Society
These appointments are for families that have questions or would like to discuss any issues in confidence.
Who is this course for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who are pre or post autism diagnosis.
Further information and how to book: To book a place please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or email rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk
Online sessions by North East Autism Society
Webinars available through Zoom including: Introduction to supporting autistic children, and Supporting the emotional wellbeing of autistic children.
Who is this course for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who are pre or post autism diagnosis.
Further information and how to book: To find out dates, times, and book a place please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or email rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk
Autism Central and Daisy Chain in County Durham
Coffee mornings and in person workshops for families of neurodiverse children (with or without a diagnosis).
In person workshops:
- Understanding ADHD
- Sibling Support Learning Workshop
- Understanding autistic overwhelm
- Introduction to ADHD
Who is this drop in and courses are for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who have a need relating to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), sensory processing differences, anxiety and social and communication differences.
Further information and how to book visit the Durham County Council webpage.
Online Learning Opportunities:
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.
Who is this course for: Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who have a need relating to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), sensory processing differences, anxiety and social and communication differences.
Further information and how to book visit the Daisy Chain project website.
All events and workshops:
Talk to people who share similar experiences to yours by joining a workshop, drop-in session, coffee morning or virtual meeting. Sessions such as those listed below can be accessed through the Autism Central website.
- Girls and Autism
- Sensory Differences
- Strategies to Support Eating
- Explaining Autism to the Wider Family
- Attendance and Challenges Accessing Mainstream School
Daisy Chain are the regional hub for Autism Central in the North East and Yorkshire/.
Daisy Chain contact: 01642 378461 email support@daisychainproject.co.uk
Free online Solihull courses, available to parents, carers and grandparents living in County Durham
Register online with OurPlace Online Learning to start a course. You do not need a code to access these free courses.
As a parent, you already know a great deal about your child. What’s different about the Solihull Approach is that it applies key messages from research to add to your understanding of your child.
The courses below can also be support for your emotional wellbeing. Parenting a child, especially one with additional needs can bring a range of big emotions, that at times may feel overwhelming. Recognising and processing these feelings is a really important part of the care you provide your child.
- Understanding your child with additional needs
- Understanding the impact of the pandemic on your child
- Understanding the impact of the pandemic on your teenager
- Understanding your own trauma
- Understanding your child's feelings (a taster course)
- Understanding your child's mental health and wellbeing
- Understanding your child: from toddler to teenager
- Understanding your teenager's brain
- Understanding your brain (for teenagers only!)
- Understanding your feelings (for teenagers only!)
Family Lives online parenting courses
Family Lives courses are filled with helpful techniques and ideas to help you become a confident and happy parent.
Online parenting courses are a great way to get advice and learn new skills in the comfort of your own home. You can do the course whenever and wherever suits you and work through it at our own pace, but you will need to complete the course in 60 days from enrolment.
There is something for each age and stage of parenting, including:
- Parents Together
- Let's Play
- Coping with Teens
- Bringing up Confident Children
- A New Baby in the Family
- Sibling Arguments and How to manage them
For more information please visit Family Lives online parenting courses webpage.
Reminder - You and your child do not need to submit a referral form for the pathway to be able to access any of the resources listed above. You can access everything above for your child and yourself now.
Our Family Hubs support families from pregnancy right up until your child turns 19, or 25 if they have special educational needs and disabilities. The Family Hubs team includes people from the council, NHS, community organisations and more. We can support you with everything to do with family life, we're here to make a positive difference for all families.
All of the activities, groups or support available through the County Durham Family Hubs is free. As well as parent groups and free information and training sessions there are coffee morning style drop-ins for parents to speak face to face with a neurodiversity specialist in some of the Family Hub buildings.
Our website, Help for families - your virtual Family Hub, is full of useful information and local resources which are free and available in your area.
You do not have to access the Family Hub nearest you, you can go to any in County Durham. Find your nearest Family Hub by visiting the Durham County Council website. Click on each of the Hub locations to see a schedule of activities, along with the location address and telephone number.
Visit the Help for Families webpage and look for “Courses and groups for families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)” to see all available support for families and how to take part.
The County Durham Family Hubs Facebook page is updated every day with useful information, activities and events taking place across all 15 Family Hubs.
Reminder - You and your child do not need to submit a referral form for the pathway to be able to access any of the activities, groups or support taking place in any Family Hub. You can access all the support in Family Hubs for your child and yourself now.
The Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) are a good source of support for families and carers. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis to access any help, support, or advice from the SENDIASS team.
The Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service is a free, impartial local service.
The service provides confidential information advice and support through a range of services. This includes home visits, attending meetings in educational settings and liaison with all services working with children and young people. Training and guidance to parents/carers, young people and professionals on SEND issues are also provided.
Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) drop-in sessions
Why not pop into one of the monthly drop-in sessions in our Family Hubs if you:
- have questions about your child's educational needs
- would like more information or support in relation to SEND
- need help with transfer arrangements, or paperwork, regarding the choice of your child's next education setting
Find out when and where our drop-in sessions are by visiting the Durham County Council website.
Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is a statutory service providing 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.
Durham SEND Information Advise and Support Service website
Telephone: 0191 587 3541 or 03000 267 007
If you are unable to get through, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call within 5 working days.
Email: sendiass@durham.gov.uk
Online: You can contact us by completing our contact form.
Facebook: Durham SENDIASS Facebook
A child or young person has special educational needs if they have a learning difference or disability that makes it more difficult for them to learn than most children their age. They may have problems with schoolwork, communication, or behaviour. Parents can get Special Educational Needs (SEN) help and advice by visiting our Local Offer page.
Information about the different teams and the support they provide can be found here.
Parents and carers can also make an appointment to speak with their school SENDCO.
SENDCO stands for Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Coordinator.
Each school has a SENDCO 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 the SENDCO to talk about their child/the child they care for.
The abbreviation "SENCO" is sometimes used. "SENCO" and "SENDCO" mean the same.
The "Local Offer" in County Durham is designed to help you find the very best support for your child or young person (from birth to 25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is here to help you find information, advice and guidance about the types of services and support available to you.
Full information on County Durham support services is now available in one place on our Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and our Local Offer page.
You 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. Such as:
- Cognition and learning resources
- Communication and interaction resources
- Social, emotional and mental health resources
- Sensory and physical resources
SEND and Inclusion Team
Special educational needs support
There are a variety of specialist services and teams who provide support and advice for children with special educational needs (SEN). Find out about them - Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - Health, family support and social care.
Portage
Portage is an early learning support service for pre-school children who have complex developmental needs and their families.
The Portage Service visits children and their families at home and run groups to support children's development and socialisation. Groups also provide a supportive forum for parents to talk and share information.
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 Durham County Council website or telephone Family Hubs 03000 261 111.
Pre-school group for children with complex needs (Portage)
The group 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.
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.
Children and Young People's Network (CYPN)
Local authorities 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.
Children and young people's website
Telephone: 03000 265 792
Email: cypn@durham.gov.uk
As a parent, you know your child best and are with them consistently. You are key to supporting their speech, language and communication. There are lots of strategies and activities you can put into place at home to support their speech, language and communication development, for useful website links please visit North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust website or visit their website here to watch an Early Language Top Tips video created by the team from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
If you have ongoing concerns about your child’s progress with these skills, please discuss this with professionals that know your child (e.g. their health visitor, school nurse, early years teaching professionals, GP, etc.) in the first instance.
They will have a wealth of knowledge and experience about speech language and communication development to share. They may recommend that access one of the following from our County Durham Family Hubs:
WellComm Early Language Screening Sessions
WellComm is a tool to identify children aged between 3 and 4 years old who may be experiencing barriers to speech and language development and provide strategies and activities for parents to use at home.
Sessions are available throughout the year from all of the County Durham Family Hubs. Booking is essential. To book, telephone the Family Hubs on 03000 261 111.
If you'd like to know more about WellComm and to see when the sessions are taking place visit the Durham County Council website.
Incredible Years Pre-School Course
This course is aimed at parents of children aged 3-6 years. It looks at how you interact with your child, and helps you to promote your child's social, emotional and language development to get them ready for school.
You will learn how to help your child learn the skills they need to be ready to start school, and help them to regulate their emotions and build social skills, such as turn taking and sharing. You will also learn how to use positive praise, model problem solving and practice self-control and calm down strategies.
Booking is essential. To book, telephone the Family Hubs on 03000 261 111.
Sessions are available throughout the year and they run some County Durham Family Hubs. Find out more information and see the next course dates.
I’m still worried about my child’s speech language and communication or eating, drinking and swallowing skills, what can I do?
If you've tried the strategies and activities above and spoken with a professional(s) and you still have worries you may wish to refer your child for speech and language therapy assessment.
The children's speech and language therapy service for children and young people across County Durham is provided by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. The service supports children and young people from birth up to the age of 19 years old, who have speech, language and communication needs or difficulties with eating, drinking and swallowing.
There is an open referral system in place. This means you can refer yourself without going through a GP. You can fill out the online referral form available on the website, or if you'd prefer to speak to a member of the team, telephone the switchboard on 01642 617617 then ask for the County Durham children's speech and language therapy service.
You can find out more about the service and complete the online referral form by visiting the children speech and language therapy page.
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.
Sleep is important. If you don't get enough it can have a big effect on your energy levels, how you feel and behave and even what you eat. For children and young people it's extra important because sleep helps growing brains to learn and develop, but it's not always easy to make sure they get the sleep they need.
At the Sleep Action workshop you will learn:
- How sleep works - different sleep phases during the night, and what drives your daily patterns of sleeping and waking.
- How much sleep children and young people need.
- How what you do during the day affects how we sleep.
- The importance of the last hour before sleep and how to help your child 'wind down'.
- What makes a good sleep environment and a good sleep routine.
- Techniques for helping your child to fall asleep and what to do when they wake in the night.
- Tips for children with additional needs.
Visit the sleep action workshops webpage to find out when and where the face-to-face workshops will take place and how to access the virtual workshops taking place in the evening (5.30pm to 7.00pm).
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".
You may also find this trusted information about sleep for children of different ages helpful:
In our place - for babies and young children
NHS UK - sleep and young children
Sleep action - gateway to good sleep
The children's occupational therapy service for children and young people across County Durham is provided by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
The service provides different levels of intervention dependent on the needs of the child or young person.
To find out more visit this children's occupational therapy webpage to visit the service website. The Top Tips section has links to websites and ideas which you may find useful.
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.
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The Growing Healthy County Durham service provides a range of health professionals who aim to work in partnership with children, young people and their families to promote their health and wellbeing. Appointments are available between 8am-8pm to support easier access for young people and families, around school/college/work.
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 through the menu to see all available support.
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. You can attend at any venue and are welcome to attend one, two or all three sessions depending on what you feel would be useful for your family. The workshops are aimed at parents and carers of SEND children aged two to 10 years old.
Workshops include:
- Empowering Families: SEND children and continence challenges
- Sensory challenges and fussy eating: strategies for SEND children
To book a place or if you have any questions about the sessions please contact hdft.0-25senddurham@nhs.net or visit their website.
Health Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY)
At HENRY we are passionate about babies and children getting the best possible start in life. This means supporting the whole family to make positive lifestyle changes, creating healthier and happier home environments, and building healthier communities.
HENRY courses are available in our County Durham Family Hubs throughout the year, delivered by the Growing Healthy Service. Courses are free and include:
Healthy families right from the start 0-5 course
To find out when and where the next courses are taking place and to book your place please email hdft.henrypractitioners@nhs.net or speak to your Health Visitor.
For more information about the HENRY organisation visit their 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.
Contact information:
For quick answers please message us via the Facebook page or email info@mctdurham.co.uk
MCT DURHAM PCF is now a CIO (Charitable Incorporated group) and have been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1202217
The Early Help team provide support to a family when a problem emerges, at any stage in a child or young person’s life, from the foundation years through to the teenage years.
Early Help is about identifying where a child or young person and their family might need support in either the early years of a child’s life or in the early stages of a problem at any time in their childhood.
Early Help support to families is delivered through a range of services including the voluntary and community sector, schools, GPs and Family Health Services. Durham County Council also has a range of early help support available, please go to the following link for more information or pop into your local Family Centre.
Here is an animation explaining what Early Help in Durham looks like, how to get it and what to expect. This video has been developed with Durham Children, Young People, Parent and Carers. The link at the end of the video has been updated to this.
Daisy Chain Project
The Daisy Chain Project offers a range of virtual drop-in sessions designed for parents and carers to ask questions and share experiences. There are also sessions specifically for:
- Virtual Support Session for Parents and Carers of Teenage Girls
- Virtual Support Session for Military Families
- Virtual Support Session for Grandparents
Who is this course for? Dads, mams, and carers of children or young people who have a need relating to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), sensory processing differences, anxiety and social and communication differences.
Further information and how to book visit the autism central website.
Individual one-to-one sessions:
Daisy Chain are able to offer family members, carers and personal assistants of neurodiverse children and adults a variety of group and individual sessions. These will focus on meeting the needs of the children and young people and on signposting to access to local and national services. Sessions will be offered in person and online. These sessions will be facilitated by Peer Educators who are experts by experience and have a good understanding of autism.
Daisy Chain specialises in strategies and approaches that are compatible with: Autism, ADHD, FASD, Sensory processing differences, anxiety and social and communication differences. To access Autism Central, your child can be either diagnosed, on the pathway or have been identified by a professional as having a need relating to the listed neurodiversities.
If you feel you may benefit, please contact support@daisychainproject.co.uk, call 01642 378461 or fill in the contact form on their website.
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.
For more information visit Durham and Darlington talking therapies or telephone 0191 333 3300 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) are the Mental Health and Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham. TEWV offer a range of courses and support for parents and carers:
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. If you have any questions, email the team at TEWV.waves@nhs.net.
Mindfulness sessions
TEWV 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
The ARCH Recovery College in Durham has a range of sessions to people with experience of mental illness, including patients, their family, friends and staff.
Recovery College Online:
Recovery College Online provides mental health and wellbeing information, resources, as well as free online courses, available for everyone.
The website and courses have been created using a wide range of resources and expertise, including real-life experiences.
Anyone can sign up for an account and there is no referral needed.
ARCH Recovery College in Durham:
Courses are available for adults struggling with their mental health, carers and staff, based on recovery principles.
ARCH Recovery College is in central Durham at St Margaret’s Health Centre.
Carer support services provide a range of different services to help support adults, children and young people who are in a caring role. More information can be found by visiting the following links:
Durham County Carers Support
Durham County Carers Support and Darlington Carers Support offer a variety of different services to local carers. They 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
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust Carers' Hub website
Information, advice and how to access support for carers. A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, mental health or addiction cannot cope without their support. The hub has been made by unpaid carers.
Getting benefits and support
Get extra support - A carers assessment from your local authority’s adult social care services. The assessment is free and will tell you any support you are entitled to. Find out more by visiting the Durham Carers website.
National carer organisations:
The Carers Trust is a charity for unpaid carers.
Carers UK is a charity that supports carers in the UK.
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) can give you practical advice on your caring role.
Chill Kids
Anti-bullying Service
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 Investing in Children to find out 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!
We enjoy having our voice heard, being respected, meeting new people and building our confidence.
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 visit the Durham Children in Care Council (CICC) '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 - visit the CiCC website.
Please contact the Project Team on 0191 307 7030 or info@investinginchildren.net for the upcoming meeting dates.
Independent Travel Training
Independent travel training is tailored and practical help for people to travel by public transport, on foot or by bike. It aims to help children and young people travel independently and without fear so they can get to school or college, work and for social and leisure activities.
Fun and Food Activities
School holiday activities – info and link to go here.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) Service
Sunderland – RSHE for people aged 8-18 with an offer for SEND CYPs and care experienced. The service helps CYP develop vital skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health, wellbeing, self-esteem and relationships.
LGBTQ+ Groups
Neurodevelopmental Peer Support Groups
Durham Young Dads Project
Durham Young Dads Project 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.
For more information visit Durham Young Dads Project
text or telephone 07990 164 449
email info@neydl.uk
Durham Young Dads Project is run by the North East Young Dads and Lads.
Being a young carer - If you look after one of your parents, a brother or sister, you could be a young carer. You are a young carer if you:
- help to care for someone in your family with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem.
- are under 18.
Being a young carer: your rights
The Bridge in County Durham
The Bridge supports young carers and their families across County Durham. The service ensures that children and young people are protected from inappropriate caring and have the support they need to learn, develop and thrive, to enjoy positive childhoods and to achieve their full potential.
Visit their website - The Bridge
Email: durhamyoungcarers@family-action.org.uk
Tel: 0191 383 2520 (Monday – Thursday 9am – 2.30pm)
Youth Drug and Alcohol Project
Careers Service
Support for CYPs who are at risk of offending and anti-social behaviour
Youth Work
Leisure Centres
Free online Solihull courses
Register online with OurPlace Online Learning to start a course. You do not need a code to access these free courses.
The courses below can help you understand yourself and can also be support for your emotional wellbeing:
- Understanding your brain (for teenagers only!)
- Understanding your feelings (for teenagers only!)
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.
The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board does not endorse or recommend any of the following groups and organisations over others. This list is intended to provide families and professionals with signposting to a range of local and national organisations. Individuals must decide which they choose to access doing so at their own risk and making their own appropriate enquiries about fitness for purpose and suitability to meet their needs.
Access Card
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society website has an area dedicated to supporting families. You'll find information about how we can help you to support an autistic family member. You can read stories from other families and access support from our community and branches.
North East Autism Society
The North East Autism Society offers support to families that have a child or children with autism. For further information please visit or contact the following:
North East Autism Society website
Email - info@ne-as.org.uk
Tel: 0191 410 9974
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity operating across England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
For further information please visit the IPSEA website.
The Toby Henderson Trust
The Toby Henderson Trust (TTHT) is an independently funded charity supporting autistic children, young people and adults, their families and carers in the North East of England. We have an ongoing programme of FREE webinars, support groups and fundraising events. Webinar subjects covered can include Social Stories, Toileting, Sleep and Managing Meltdowns, to name but a few and are available to all families who reside in the UK. Find out more by visiting their website.
Alternatively you can book by emailing us at: support@ttht.co.uk or calling: 0300 365 3055
Our Local Offer is designed to help you find the very best support for children or young people (from birth to 25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our website has information, advice and guidance about the types of services and support available.
There is a section containing resources and documents for practitioners supporting families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to access these documents please visit the Durham County Council website.
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