National and local organisations and services
There are a number of national organisations who can provide useful SEND information and advice, we've listed these alphabetically.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Advice Now
Advice Now is an independent, not-for-profit website run by the charity Law for Life.
They provide accurate and practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales including guidance on:
- special educational needs
- the provision of educational facilities for children with specific needs
- family court
- benefit appeals and tribunal for Personal Independent Payments (PIP)
- adoption
- child safeguarding and protection
See more information on the Advice Now website: advicenow.org.uk.
Afasic
Afasic is a UK charity which supports families and professionals working with children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments.
See more information on the Afasic website: afasic.org.uk.
Autism Central
Autism Central is part of a national peer education programme commissioned by NHS England, it provides free, one-to-one peer support, community events, and resources for families and carers of autistic individuals in England.
B
British Dyslexia Association
The British Dyslexia Association provides information and advice on supporting children with dyslexia.
See more information on the British Dyslexia Association website: bdadyslexia.org.uk.
C
ChatterPack
ChatterPack offer a range of information relating to ADHD, Autism, Speech and Language and SEND related issues.
ChatterPack resources are free and include simple, step by step instructions and tips on how to adapt them for individual needs. You can also subscribe to a free monthly newsletter full of useful blogs, information and free resources.
See more information on the ChatterPack website: chatterpack.net.
Contact
Contact provide direct advice and support services to families with disabled children.
They also host a free national helpline where you can contact them by phone, web form, email or on social media.
See more information on the Contact website: contact.org.uk.
Coram Children’s Legal Centre
Coram Children’s Legal Centre provides free legal information, advice and representation to children, young people, their families, carers and professionals, as well as international consultancy on child law and children’s rights.
See more information on the Coram Children’s Legal Centre website: childrenslegalcentre.com.
D
Daisy Chain Project
The Daisy Chain Project is a North East-based charity, supporting autistic and neurodivergent children, adults and their families in the region and beyond. A needs-led service available to individuals living in York who are 18+.
E
Educational Psychology Service
The Educational Psychology Service offers a free, term-time telephone support line, between 9.30am and 11.30am on Wednesdays during term time. The support line is for parents, carers, and practitioners to discuss children’s learning and wellbeing with an educational psychologist. The confidential service provides 30-minute, one-off consultations for children with no current Educational Psychology (EP) involvement. Book via email: epsupportline@york.gov.uk.
Evolving Roots CIC
Evolving Roots CIC – provides inclusive, nurturing, and creative arts and wellbeing sessions for children, teens, and families. They offer low-pressure environments, such as 'Creatively Connected' groups, focusing on neurodivergent children, SEN, or anxiety. Activities include mindful art, crafts, and nature-based, sensory projects to build confidence and support friendships.
F
Family Fund
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for disabled children and their families.
If you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and need support with essential items, they may be able to help.
See more information on the Family Fund website: familyfund.org.uk.
Family Information Service (York)
Free and impartial information service. Our service is for all parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 19 (or up to 25 for children with disabilities and additional needs) living in York. The service is also available to practitioners and professionals working with families living in York. We can help with anything and everything around family life and being a young person, and will try help you by providing tailored information on a range of services and groups including: Support services, Parenting support and information, Childcare and activities for children but many more things too.
See more information on the Raise York website: www.raiseyork.co.uk/york-family-information-service.
I
I CAN and The Communication Trust
I CAN is the children's communication charity.
They host a number of useful resources produced by The Communication Trust on their website.
See more information on the I CAN website: ican.org.uk.
IPSEA
IPSEA help children and young people with SEND get the appropriate education, training and support which they are entitled to under the law.
See more information on the IPSEA website: ipsea.org.uk.
K
KIDS
KIDS is a charity that works in partnership with parents and carers to enable disabled children and young people to develop their skills and abilities and to fulfil their potential, hopes and aspirations.
See more information on the KIDS website: kids.org.uk.
L
Let’s Make Sense Together
Let’s Make Sense Together is a series of video resources created by Occupational Therapists to help parents, carers, teachers, and others who support children with sensory processing differences.
N
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society provide information on autism and Asperger's syndrome for parents, carers, professionals and adults with the conditions.
See more information on the National Autistic Society website: autism.org.uk.
National Deaf Children’s Society
The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.
See more information on the National Deaf Children’s Society website: ndcs.org.uk.
P
Parent Carer Forum York
Parent Carer Forum (PCF) York is a voluntary, independent charity and participation group representing parents/carers of children (aged 0 to 25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They ensure parent voices shape local health, education, and social care services, while offering peer support, information, and social events.
PDA Society
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, involving the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of ‘social’ strategies as part of this avoidance.
The PDA Society provide information, support and training about PDA for individuals, families and professionals.
See more information on the PDA Society website: pdasociety.org.uk.
Positive About Down Syndrome
A website by parents for parents and parents-to-be with a child with Down Syndrome.
See more information on the Positive About Down Syndrome website: positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk.
R
Raise York
Raise York is a network of people, places and online support which supports children, young people and families from pregnancy to adulthood. Raise York brings together children, young people, families, communities and professionals so everyone can get the connections, help and support they want and need.
S
SEND Central
This central service in the York area allows you to book to meet various health, social care and education staff including SEND caseworkers.
See more information on the SEND Central: www.yorksend.org/parents/send-central.
Sense
Sense Information and Advice can help you find the right support for you and your family.
Sense offer free and impartial information about living with complex disabilities, including deafblindness.
See more information on the Sense website: sense.org.uk.
Shine21
Shine21 is a North Yorkshire-based charity, supporting children aged 0 to 5 years with Down Syndrome and their families. It offers early intervention services, physiotherapy, 'stay and play' sessions, and specialised training, aiming to enrich lives through community support, resources, and fundraising activities in the York and North Yorkshire areas.
Sky Badger
Sky Badger is a charity that finds help and adventure for disabled children and their families all over the UK, building bridges between disabled children and the charities and services available to help.
See more information on the Sky Badger website: skybadger.co.uk.
SOS!SEN
A free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
See more information on the SOS!SEN website: sossen.org.uk.
T
The Island
The Island is a York based charity providing a mentoring service for children and young people, aged 8 to 18 years.
The SNAPPY Trust
The SNAPPY Trust provides recreational, educational, and social activities for children and young people with disabilities, aged 5 to 25 years.
Thomas Pocklington Trust
If you're a professional working with blind and partially sighted students in secondary, further or higher education then this website is for you.
See more information on the Thomas Pocklington Trust website: pocklington-trust.org.uk.
Y
York Inspirational Kids
York Inspirational Kids is a support group for families who have a child with a disability and/or additional need. The group offers activities, outings, training and general support for parent cares, disabled children and siblings.
For more information telephone: 01904 780880 or visit: York Inspirational Kids on Facebook.
York SEND Local Offer
The York SEND Local Offer sets out services and activities available to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Support is available from birth to 25 years old. Our website also provides helpful information for families, and resources for professionals working in SEN services.
York Mind
York Mind offers mental health support for young people aged 11 to 25 years, featuring '1 on 1' counselling (for those aged 12 to 21 years), Expressive Minds art-based group support (for 11 to 18 year olds), Pride in Mind LGBTQ+ support (for anyone aged 12 to 18), and Yor Choice drop-in service (for people aged 14 to 21).