County Durham needs led neurodevelopmental pathway

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 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.

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

1. Talking to professionals helps you understand which support 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 SENCO does, and how they can support you and your child.

NEW - Neurodiversity Family Support Drop-in Sessions will start to take place across County Durham from November 2024.  The drop-ins will bring together staff from lots of NHS, Durham County Council, local charities, and community groups into one room.

Parents and carers can chat about their children, ask neurodiversity questions, and receive quality information about the Needs Led Support available to them from:

Children do not need to have a neurodiversity diagnosis for their parents or carers to attend. 

Each drop-in session is free to attend and tea/coffee will be available.  Support can also be provided with parent/carer's employers to attend during work hours, and with transport costs if needed.  For more information about any of the sessions or support available please contact Chloe Dickinson at Investing in Children on 0191 307 7030 or email  chloe.dickinson@investinginchildren.net

2024 dates are:

• Monday 18th November – UTASS (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) 9-11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham, DL12 0SN at 11am - 12:30pm
• Tuesday 26th November – Oakerside Community Centre, Oakerside Drive, Peterlee SR8 1NR at 3:30pm - 5pm
• Thursday 5th December – Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Jubilee Road, Shildon, Co Durham DL4 2AL at 10am - 11:30am

2025 dates coming soon.  Investing in Children are leading this pilot of Neurodiversity Family Support Drop-in Sessions.  The pilot has been funded by the County Durham Care Partnership.

In addition to the above, there are also opportunities to speak with professionals or families with experience during the sessions below.  Find out more by clicking these links:

• Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) drop-in sessions.
• Educational Psychology drop-in sessions for parents and carers.
• Waves Parent and Carer Support Group in County Durham and Darlington info on this flyer or email the team at waves@nhs.net All groups are led by a friendly parent peer practitioner and supported by a CAMHS mental health nurse.
• 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 County Durham Family Hubs Facebook page is updated every day with useful information, activities and events taking place across all 15 Family Hubs including the Needs Led Support.
• North East Autism Society One-to-One Session 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 aims to give Carers a place to go for a chat with tea, coffee and biscuits. It is very informal and as well as useful conversations about caring with other Carers – the focus is very much on getting a break and talking to people who really understand the challenges involved in being a Carer and having a good time together.
• 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.
• North East Autism Society - link to the Family Networking Facebook Group.
• 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.

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.

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

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!

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 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), 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:

• NHS - The search function on the NHS website can be used to find out about individual conditions such as ADHD or Autism.  It also has information on How to care for children with complex needs and Looking after a child or young person's mental health (NHS).
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) The FASD Network is an organisation that specialises in providing information, support and training on FASD.
• The National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) also provides advice and information for parents and carers.
• The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity website has lots of  Neurodevelopmental Resources and Information for Families
• The Brain Charity provides advice, support, legal advice, activities across the Country.
• The Witherslack Group have produced a series of information videos, podcasts, and live webinar events which are available on their website.  This video explores the characteristics of ADHD and Autism, the common challenges and factors that contribute to dysregulated behaviour.
• ADDitude Magazine website has articles on ADHD Myths and Facts and Facts about ADHD 
• The Understood website allows you to experience the world Through your SEND child’s eyes - What does it feel like to learn and think differently? Watch these videos to see the world through your child’s eyes.
• How to ADHD is an award winning YouTube Channel offering tips, tricks and insights into the ADHD brain.
• The charity ADHD Adult UK website's has this guide along with other information How to explain ADHD
• The National Autistic Society website has an area dedicated to supporting families Autism Online Resources and Information 
• What's Up With Nick and Fast Facts About Autism For Kids are YouTube videos created for children and young people who are not neurodiverse, to help them understand autism.
• The Royal Mencap Society's website provides information on Global Development Delay 
• ADHD UK 's website is full of information including an up to date of all approved NHS Right To Choose ADHD and Autism diagnostic assessment providers along with waiting list times.
• Cerebra is a UK charity offering support to families where a child has a brain condition.  Their website offers sleep advice, parent factsheets and LEaP the Legal Rights Service. 

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.

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.

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).  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.

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.

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

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

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) 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.

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:

• In Our Place (for babies and young children)
• NHS UK - sleep and young children
• Sleep action website
• Cerebra – offer a Sleep Advice Service
• The Toby Henderson Trust - FREE Sleep support group sessions for families living in the UK.

County Durham Family Hubs offer:

• Managing Big Emotions for families of children aged 3-11.  Educational psychologists will provide information on emotions, identify possible triggers and explore ways of supporting your children to regulate their 'big feelings'. Click here for more information.
• FEARless is a course for parents/carers of children aged 6-14 years.  This course helps where you have a child who has anxiety which might be causing them to miss school or social events.  Click here for more information.
• Understanding and responding to anxious thoughts and feelings about school - This parental workshop will give you an understanding of how children can come to experience anxiety about school. We will also suggest some practical tips to support your child, as well as giving an overview of the type of support a school might be able to offer. Suitable for parents whose child is currently experiencing anxiety about school.  Click here for more information.
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Nurse Drop-in - For parents and carers of children aged 5 - 19 years old. You can drop in and speak to a CAMHS worker about your child's need. One of the Family Hub team will also be available to give you more information about what we offer for parents, carers and children.  Click here for more information.
• There are also a range of courses and groups for families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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:

• Healthy families right from the start 0-5 course
• Fussy eating workshops
• Healthy teeth course

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:

• BBC: Tiny Happy People
• Words for Life
• Book Trust
• Speech and Language UK

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.

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.

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.

Durham County Council Supported Activities for Children and Young People with SEND

If the community activities available are not suitable for your child's needs, we can refer you to access activities with additional support. This is an offer where the additional support needed is paid for by the council and health services to keep costs down for families. These activities are provided by groups who have additional training and expertise to support children and young people with SEND. You don't need a social care assessment to access these, SENDEIC can refer you. You can contact them by telephoning 03000 260 270 or by emailing SENDEIC@durham.gov.uk

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

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.  We will work together to help remove barriers, fill any gaps in provision and enable access wherever possible.  You can contact them by telephoning 03000 260 270 or by emailing SENDEIC@durham.gov.uk

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 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.

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.

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

Durham Carers InfoPoint

This section is awaiting information from colleagues in the County Durham Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Assessment Service, delivered by Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).

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

If you're thinking about expressing your legal right to choose an alternative service to your local NHS Trust, we suggest speaking with your GP and using the links below to learn as much about the NHS Right To Choose process as possible.

There are a lot of factors that need to be considered:

• You are able to express your legal right to choose a service with a shorter waiting time than your local NHS Trust however your GP is the only person who can make an NHS Right To Choose referral. Your GP does not have to make the referral if they do not believe it is clinically appropriate.
• You are responsible for choosing which of the approved NHS Right To Choose services your GP should make the referral to. Its wise to do your research as each service is slightly different.  For example, some work only with adults, some specialise only in ADHD or Autism not both, and importantly, not all can prescribe ADHD medication on an on-going basis and some cant prescribe it all (meaning that on receipt of a diagnosis you'd need to join the NHS waiting list to begin medication titration).
• Depending on the individual needs of your child or young person, it may be clinically appropriate to have some appointments in person. If you've chosen a service based in Kent (for example) then you will be responsible for all travel to and from those appointments.

Your Choices in the NHS

Did you know that in many cases you have the legal right to choose where you have your NHS treatment? The NHS is offering more and more options to enable you to make choices that best suit your circumstances, giving you greater control of your care, and hopefully better results.

For more information visit your choices in the NHS.

Up to date list of Approved NHS Right To Choose Providers for Neurodevelopmental Diagnosis Providers

ADHD UK maintain an up to date list of Approved NHS Right To Choose Providers for Neurodevelopmental Diagnosis Providers. Visit their website.

ADHD Alex – Right To Choose information for England only

Provides a good explanation of the NHS Right To Choose service

NHS Constitution for England (The Department of Health and Social Care)

The NHS belongs to the people.  If NICE recommends the use of a treatment, the NHS Constitution says that it is your legal right to have it if your doctor believes it is right for you.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Making Decisions About Your Care

People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in NICE's information on making decisions about your care.  This guide contains advice to help you access treatments and care that NICE has recommended.

Choice in Mental Health Care

Patients’ legal rights to choice in mental health were introduced in 2014 as part of the drive to achieve parity with physical health and increase patients’ direct control over their care. This guidance seeks to provide a clear interpretation of the legal rights that is meaningful to the mental health sector, and to support their consistent application.

Guidance on NHS Patients Who Wish To Pay For Additional Private Care

NHS Guidance says that the “NHS should not withdraw NHS Care because a patient chooses to buy private care, nor should patients who access private care be placed at an advantage or disadvantage in relation to the NHS care they receive” and that “The NHS should continue to provide free of charge all care that the patient would have been entitled to had they not chosen to have additional private care“, and “Where the same diagnostic, monitoring or other procedure is needed for both the NHS and private elements of care, the NHS should provide this free of charge and share the results with the private provider”.

Find out more here.

ADHD and Shared Care Agreements with GPs

Guide to NHS waiting times in England

If you're referred for a physical or mental health condition, you have the legal right to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment, or be seen by a specialist for suspected cancer, within maximum waiting times.