THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS NATIONWIDE AND IN THE BARNET AREA - LISTED BELOW ARE ONES THAT PARENT/CARERS FIND MOST USEFUL. ALTHOUGH WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THESE LINKS ARE ACCURATE, UP TO DATE AND RELEVANT, OAKLEIGH SCHOOL CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAGES MAINTAINED BY EXTERNAL PROVIDERS.

If you have any suggestions for web sites that you have found useful please let us know.

The AFFINITY HUB web site signposts to emotional support for parents and carers of children with special needs.  Many parents of disabled children or children with special needs face additional associated challenges in practical, physical and emotional terms. Sometimes when life doesn't follow an expected, mainstream, non-disabled path it can make you feel isolated and like you're the only one going through certain emotions and experiences.

CAUDWELL CHILDREN supports families with children aged 0 - 18 years with a range of life limiting and other conditions including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, chromosomal conditions, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Impairment, Epilepsy and Acquired Brain Injury.

There may be income restrictions to being able to receive support, please see:

CARERS TRUST works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. With our Network Partners, we aim to ensure that information, advice and practical support are available to all carers across the UK.

Founded in 2001, CEREBRA is a unique national charity that strives to improve the lives of children with neurological conditions, through research, information and direct, on-going support. They are dedicated to helping families with children with brain conditions discover a better life together.

CONTACT- a charity for families of disabled children. Contact a is a national charity that exists to support the families of disabled children whatever their condition or disability.

THE COUNCIL FOR DISABLED CHILDREN (CDC) is the umbrella body for the disabled children's sector in England, with links to other UK nations. They are the only national body that brings together the diverse range of organisations that work with and for disabled children to support the development and implementation of policy and practice. Their work impacts on over 800,000 disabled children and their families.

FAMILY LIVES is a national family support charity providing help and support in all aspects of family life. They provide professional, non-judgmental support and advice in a way that all members of the family can freely access. Nearly all of their services are accessible at no charge to parents and you can contact them 365 days a year.

HOPE is a charity dedicated to supporting families and children that have been affected by Epilepsy. Epilepsy can have a devastating impact on a family. HOPE London provides a safe space for families to socialise, reduce isolation and build relationships. As well as sharing information, Hope for Paediatric Epilepsy: London offers access to support and guidance and most importantly for children to have some fun!

JWEB offers help with learning disabilities in the Jewish community. Here you can find and share information for families, professionals and carers in the UK. There is also a JWeb helpline for anyone who prefers to talk – just call 0300 2225949.

KITH & KIDS provides activities, opportunities, information and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings. They empower families living with disability to overcome their social isolation and access the services they need.

At LEARNING DISABILITY TODAY you will find the latest news and views in learning disabilities, videos and a selection of the best articles from the print edition of Learning Disability Today. Additionally, there is a bookshop and jobs section.

If you are a parent or carer of a disabled child, or a healthcare professional looking for ideas, advice and information about daily living equipment then the LIVING MADE EASY FOR CHILDREN web site is a wonderful resource that you can trust.

MENCAP is a UK charity for people with a learning disability. They also support their families and carers, too. Find out more about our services and get involved.

Metabolic Support UK (formerly known as Climb) is the United Kingdom's foremost provider of free metabolic disease information to young people, adults, families, professionals and other interested groups. Through a well trained and experienced team they deliver: Family and Community Services, Awareness and Advocacy and Information and Research.

Help and advice from the NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY. From the Autism Helpline to more specialist offerings, they are the outstanding source for advice and information. When you ring them, you'll be assured of friendly, impartial advice that takes your concerns seriously.

RAINBOW TRUST supports families who have a child aged 0-18 years with a life threatening or terminal illness and need the bespoke support we offer. They support these families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness and are in the greatest need. Their Family Support Workers provide a life line to these families and children.

ROALD DAHL'S MARVELLOUS CHILDREN'S CHARITY funds Roald Dahl Specialist Children's Nurses in communities across the UK. They provide expert care and support to children with serious illnesses, and their families. They believe every seriously ill child should have access to the best possible healthcare.

SKY BADGER is a charity that finds help and adventure for disabled children and their families all over the UK. They do this by building bridges between disabled children and the charities and services available to help. They do this by building bridges between disabled children and the charities and services available to help.

SPECIAL KIDS IN THE UK is a charity for families who have a child of any age with special needs.  Their aim is to bring families together for friendship, to share information and to support one another.

specialneedscommunity.org.uk – Supporting, Empowering, and Connecting Families are a creative and innovative London-wide social enterprise created by a team of experienced parent carers to provide support, empower and connect families. Special Needs Community (SNC), welcomes and supports all families with children, young people, or young adults with special educational needs or disability from ANY background or disability in ANY borough of London and Greater London. They offer free membership, support the whole family and we are particularly passionate about the welfare and wellbeing of parent/carers and helping them to stay healthy, so they can be in a better position to continue to be a carer. They have an extensive London network and specialist on the SEND Local Offer. They also manage and run the London SEND Directory, which helps parent/carers and professionals find SEND related information, borough by borough.

SWAN UK (syndromes without a name) is the only dedicated support network available for families of children and young adults with undiagnosed genetic conditions in the UK. It is run by the charity Genetic Alliance UK.

Unique's mission is to inform, support and alleviate the isolation of anyone affected by a rare chromosome disorder or an autosomal dominant single gene disorder and to raise public awareness. Telephone (+44 (0) 1883 723356) and email (info@rarechromo.org) helplines available for new and existing member families and professionals to find out more information about the group and about specific rare chromosome disorders.

VICTA supports children and young people who are blind or partially sighted and their families across the UK. If you are the parent of a blind or partially sighted child or young person or you are visually impaired yourself and under the age of 29 then VICTA can help.