Here you will find information about other charities, organisations and activities which your family may be able to access.
We have tried our best to ensure list is up to date, however if you notice any services that are no longer relevant to families in Essex please let us know.
If you are aware of a great facility organisation or charity which you think would be good to share with other families in this information hub please contact Charlotte from the Marketing Team by emailing CWiseman@havenshospices.org.uk
Third Party Goods: Please note we do not vouch for those persons, companies and other organisations whose goods or services may be accessed or displayed throughout this website.
Wipe Away Those Tears - https://www.facebook.com/ wipeawaythosetears
Wipe Away Those Tears is a charity in Essex that aim to grant wishes for children with life-limiting conditions. They are only able to grant one wish per child so if your family has already been supported by this charity they, unfortunately, can’t grant a second wish.
Their Facebook page – Wipe Away Those Tears – provides examples of wishes they have previously granted such as purchasing specialist equipment and funding therapies for a child or young person.
To apply contact Gail at Wipe Away Those Tears (gail@wipeawaythosetears.org) stating the wish you would like, your child’s name, age, diagnoses and why you have chosen this wish.
David Randall Foundation - https://www.davidrandallfoundation.org/
The David Randall Foundation provides 'good days' out for children with life-limiting illnesses who live in Essex. Applicants will be offered vouchers/tickets for a range of outings.
The Willow Foundation arranges special days, tailored to the individual's wish, for seriously ill young people aged 16 - 40. The Willow Foundation also provide Special Treat gift boxes filled with different items personalised to the young person.
Make A Wish offers wish experiences to children who are UK residents, aged between three and seventeen and diagnosed with a critical condition. Wishes focus around 'I wish to meet', 'I wish to be', 'I wish to go' and 'I wish to have'.
Dreams Come True aim to make dreams come true for children and young people with life-limiting and serious illnesses living in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities as they believe that every child has the fundamental right to dream.
You can make an urgent referral at any time. This is for a child who has a prognosis and is receiving palliative care. They support children aged 2 to 18 and is not restricted by geographic area, in these circumstances.
Referrals must be made by healthcare professionals – please speak to the Care Team or a member of your nursing team with regards to a referral.
Please note the child must not have received a dream/wish with another wish granting charity before.
Promise Dreams is a national charity that aims to make a real difference to children who are seriously or terminally ill.
Every child has a dream and whatever it may be they aim to make it come true – whether it be to go on the holiday of a lifetime and spend time with their siblings following extended hospital stays or to make special memories; the chance to meet their celebrity hero; a specially adapted trike to enable them to join in on family bike rides; or essential equipment and resources for their home. In fact, anything that will make life happier and easier for the family in need.
Promise Dreams operate a once-in-a-lifetime policy. This means they can only deliver a dream to a child if they have not had a dream with Promise Dreams before. However they can accept applications from children who have had a dream with another dream-granting charity such as Make A Wish or Starlight.
Rays of Sunshine brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK aged three to 18 by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals.
Sports Connection Foundation have one single purpose - to enable amazing Sporting Wishes for children fighting life-threatening conditions. They believe few things can be more important, or more deserving, than giving a seriously ill child the chance to have their Sporting Wish come true, with all the expectation and happiness that brings.
The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) charity works tirelessly to help fulfil the cherished dreams and aspirations of children and young people (8-28yrs) with the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and allied neuromuscular conditions.
The Swan Song Project gives people living with terminal illnesses, dealing with bereavement or planning their end stages of life the opportunity and support to write and record their own original song.
They believe everyone has a song and these can live forever. It is their privilege to help bring these songs to life. No previous musical experience or abilities are required. You don’t have to be a singer or a poet, you just have to be you. Your life and experiences are unique and so will be your song.
Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides week-long, cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families from around the world who want to visit Central Florida.
A trip to the Village begins with a wish-granting organization, which will help determine whether a child is eligible for a wish. If you know a child who has a critical illness, please contact a wish-granting organization in their area.
Kids In Need grant "wishes" to young people aged 3 to 19 who are terminally / seriously ill or who suffer from multiple disabilities.
The "wishes" vary enormously and range from meeting personalities from the world of entertainment and sport; sponsoring holidays; purchasing toys and learning aids that have been adapted to a child's needs; and providing sensory equipment. Some children's wishes are unique such as a ride in a helicopter, an army tank or Ferrari or being a princess for the day.
React helps families caring for a child with an illness which is life-threatening or has the potential to shorten their lifespan. Their purpose is to provide assistance in situations where none is available elsewhere.
We are here for ‘basic, essential needs’, such as;
The Family Fund helps families with severely disabled children to have choices and the opportunity to enjoy everyday life. They give grants for things such as washing machines, driving lessons, hospital visiting costs, computers and holidays.
The Family Holiday Association provides grants towards a one week holiday of the family’s choice. Referral needed from a health visitor or social worker.
Round Table Children’s Wish is a charity dedicated to granting ‘handcrafted’ wishes for children and young people with life-threatening illnesses.
Starlight Children’s Foundation brightens the lives of seriously and terminally ill children by granting their wishes and providing hospital entertainment to help take their minds off the pain, fear and isolation of their illness.
A national organisation set up to grant wishes for seriously ill children between the ages of 2 and 16.
If you feel that you are at risk of harm or need urgent support then please call 999 or your GP.
Call Samaritans on freephone 116 123 – they're always open (24 hours a day) and offer emotional support, and if you call them from your mobile, there is no charge & the number will not show up on your phone bill. Or email jo@samaritans.org.uk.
Free 24 hour advice line - 0808 2000 247
You can speak to a member of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline team at any time, day or night. The helpline adviser will offer confidential, non-judgmental information and expert support.
0808 8010 327 (free phone number) - Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
The Men's Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse. They offer confidential advice, non-judgmental support, practical information and help. They can also provide support over webchat or email.
08088 020 021 - Call them between 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday. Calls are free and confidential.
You can call heir Freephone Helpline team for immediate advice, guidance and support from trained bereavement professionals.
0345 123 2304 helpline open every day of the year from 10:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 22:00
Also by email at helpline@tcf.org.uk
TCF offer a National Telephone Helpline, staffed by bereaved parents only, who are available for support and information 365 days a year.
Are you a parent, carer or professional who looks after or knows a child or young person up to the age of 25 who is expected to have a short life?
If you have questions or are finding it hard to cope, please contact our Helpline free on 0808 8088 100.
Their support team is available to respond to calls, Live Chat and email 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours and at weekends and Bank Holidays, you can leave a message on the answerphone and they will respond as soon as possible/within 48 hours, when we’re back at work.
Through their network of independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133
Relay UK - if you can't hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 0808 223 1133
Child Death Helpline offer support to parents. Siblings, grandparents. You can contact their helpline for support at times of crisis, or for your ongoing needs. Whenever you feel able to talk, they are ready to listen.
Together for Short Lives helpline team can now refer you for a grant from the Turn2Us Response Fund which directly supports families within 12 months of a life-changing event that has affected your finances.
A life changing evening includes a bereavement, paying for a funeral, onset of a disability or symptoms worsening, reduced income, unsafe, insecure or inappropriate housing arrangements and other unexpected events
Referrals are made through their friendly helpline team, contact Together for Short Lives for the full eligibility criteria on 0808 8088 100 or email helpline@togetherforshortlives.org.uk.
Action for Kids provide specialist mobility equipment not available on the NHS to disabled children and young people up to their 25th birthday, across the UK. From simple trikes to sophisticated powered wheelchairs, most of their equipment is provided on a permanent loan scheme.
Children Today provide vital, specialised equipment to families in need, we aim to help give these children more independence and the best possible quality of life.
Who can apply? Anyone living in the UK with a disability between the age of 0-25 can apply for a piece of adapted equipment from Children Today. The applicant must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
Caudwell Children aim to change the futures of all disabled children providing access to the services, equipment, therapies and treatments they need. They provide funding towards life-changing equipment for children with a wide range of disabilities or chronic conditions. Caudwell Children can support with mobility, sports and sensory equipment for disabled children and their families to help with their development, mobility and independence
Lifeline4Kids provide equipment to help improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and special needs irrespective of race or creed. For the individual child they can provide the full spectrum of specialised equipment such as electric wheelchairs, mobility aids and items including specialised computers and sensory toys.
Whizz Kidz empower young wheelchair users by providing the wheelchairs, equipment, support and confidence-building experiences they need, and campaigning for a more inclusive society. They also offer a range of Activity Programmes, Wheelchair Skills Training and Employability Programmes to support young people to become confident and independent young adults.
Is your child under 18 years old? Applications must be submitted before your child’s 18th birthday.
Does your child have a physical disability that permanently affects their mobility and participation?
Have you approached your local NHS wheelchair service and found that the mobility equipment that your child needs is not available/provided?
If you answered yes to the above questions then Whizz-Kidz may be able to help you.
There is often no NHS funding for powered mobility for very young children, so Design Ability fundraise to make Wizzybugs available, FREE of charge, to children in the British Isles who could benefit from them.
Through the free loan scheme, a child can have a Wizzybug for as long as it is suitable (this is usually until they outgrow it). Whilst children have Wizzybugs, our occupational therapists keep in close contact with their families and are always available to give individual advice. When the loan has been completed, Wizzybug is returned to us so that we can refurbish it for another child.
The Wizzybug addresses the needs of children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.
Newlife runs the only fast track equipment services in the UK helping those children in urgent need. Eligibility criteria is the child/young person is under 19 years old, is a permanent resident in the UK and has a significant disability that affects their daily life, including life threatening/limiting or terminal illness.
Newlife provides funding for essential community equipment, such as beds, buggies, wheelchairs, seating systems, and much more.
Their equipment grants can improve child health, reduce risk of significant injury and pain, as well as support delivery of care – while enabling childhood experiences and encouraging independence.
Remap help to improve quality of life and increase independence for disabled people of all ages by providing solutions to everyday problems when there is nothing commercially available. We design and custom-make equipment for individuals because everyone’s needs are different and we provide our service free of charge. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests for our help every year. Remap provides its free service across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
React helps families caring for a child with an illness which is life-threatening or has the potential to shorten their lifespan. Their purpose is to provide assistance in situations where none is available elsewhere.
We are here for ‘basic, essential needs’, such as;
Brainwave is a charity that exists to help children with disabilities and additional needs to achieve greater independence by aiming to improve mobility, communication skills and learning potential through a range of specialist therapies.
The Family Fund helps families with severely disabled children to have choices and the opportunity to enjoy everyday life. They give grants for things such as washing machines, driving lessons, hospital visiting costs, computers and holidays.
The Family Holiday Association provides grants towards a one week holiday of the family’s choice. Referral needed from a health visitor or social worker.
This charity has been set up in Alfie’s name and memory to help local families in Southend (and the surrounding areas) with a child with a disability. They aim to help with support, advice, equipment loan services and micro grants up to £1000. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching Alfies A Team or contact founder, and Alfie's Mum, Lisa on alfiesateam@gmail.com
The Swan Song Project gives people living with terminal illnesses, dealing with bereavement or planning their end stages of life the opportunity and support to write and record their own original song.
They believe everyone has a song and these can live forever. It is their privilege to help bring these songs to life. No previous musical experience or abilities are required. You don’t have to be a singer or a poet, you just have to be you. Your life and experiences are unique and so will be your song.
The Child Funeral Charity (CFC) assist families financially in England and Wales who have to arrange a funeral for a baby or child aged 16 or under. Whilst many funeral directors, the clergy and most celebrants do not charge fees, there are other funeral related expenses that bereaved parents struggle to find. Financial support is available from the Child Funeral Charity to help with such funeral costs, together with practical advice and guidance. Referrals are taken from professionals who know a family, please contact the hospice for more information.
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. Child Bereavement UK support children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
Child Bereavement UK offer free, confidential bereavement support for individuals, couples, children, young people, and families, by telephone, video or instant messenger.
Explaining burials to children: what happens at a burial? Video from Child Bereavement UK https://youtu.be/zFtKdvLJ-L4
Explaining cremations to children: what happens at a cremation? Video from Child Bereavement UK https://youtu.be/OS4ghDWPNAk
Child Death Helpline offer support to parents. Siblings, grandparents. You can contact their helpline for support at times of crisis, or for your ongoing needs. Whenever you feel able to talk, they are ready to listen.
Winston’s Wish provides bereavement support to children, young people (up to 25) and their families after the death of a parent, sibling or important person. You can call or email their Freephone Helpline team for immediate advice, guidance and support from trained bereavement professionals.
08088 020 021 - Call them between 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday. Calls are free and confidential.
0345 123 2304 helpline open every day of the year from 10:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 22:00
Also by email at helpline@tcf.org.uk
TCF offer a National Telephone Helpline, staffed by bereaved parents only, who are available for support and information 365 days a year.
Daddys with Angels (DWA) are an international charity providing support and guidance to all family members affected by the loss of a child at any age or gestation and by any cause.
DWA deliberately target support for bereaved dads due to the lack of available Male support across the sector.
Cruse offer bereavement support through their website, national helpline, live chat, group, zoom, telephone or one-to-one in person support.
Based in the beautiful County Fermanagh (Ireland), Ellie’s Retreat provides family holidays for those who have suffered the loss of a child.
Located at Castle Archdale caravan park, Co Fermanagh, Ellie’s Retreat is a static mobile, providing all bed linen, towels and a small welcome pack of groceries.
Rosie's Pantry can provide a week’s worth of shopping delivered straight to your home to help you through this difficult time. It’s free and the food is chosen especially for you. If you are caring for a child at the end of their life or have been bereaved in the last few weeks, they may be able to support you.
A referral can be made by Together for Short Lives on your behalf, you can get in touch with them by emailing helpline@togetherforshortlives.org.uk or calling 08088088100
Gold Geese is a small, local charity to Southend on sea. Supporting local families fighting childhood cancers. Their practical and emotional support is provided to children on treatment for cancer in the Southend on sea and Basildon areas
Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave https://www.gov.uk/parental-bereavement-pay-leave
Here you will find information from the Government regarding Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave. Parents may be able to take time off work if your child dies before they turn 18, or if you have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
HBBS is a small not for profit organisation which supports local people acrss parts of Essex struggling to deal with bereavement or loss
Flying can be a daunting prospect for many people, as it's a very difficult environment to test and try out before committing to a flight. QEF's Tryb4uFly assessment service aims to empower disabled people, so you can make informed choices and be more confident when flying.
Dreamflight is a UK charity that takes children (8 – 14 years old) with a serious illness or disability on their holiday of a lifetime to Orlando. Please note that only nominations submitted by a child’s medical professional can be accepted.
Families don’t accompany the children to Orlando. Instead the children are supported by a team of volunteers, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and non-medical helpers. This experience helps to develop a child’s independence and confidence.
They care for those who care. After Umbrage provide free breaks in their Bath cottage for carers of loved ones with life limiting conditions. Up to three free breaks of up to four days are available simply be filling in our short, one page referral form. Hospices, GPs and fellow charities can refer carers to us.
Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities to experience exciting, challenging and enjoyable outdoor activity holidays & breaks.
Their specialist equipment and accessible facilities enable the whole family to enjoy adventure activities together, regardless of disability, non-disability or age.
Their residential centre is a unique venue for accessible activity holidays, based in a converted Victorian farm, set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of Exmoor National Park. We also have exclusive use of nearby Wistlandpound Reservoir for our fantastic accessible water sports.
They are a registered charity which provides respite holidays in the UK for families who have a child with Cystic Fibrosis. A respite holiday away from home allows instant relief, something to look forward to and build some happy memories and maybe forget the worries of CF for a while!
Tourism for All is the place to find accessible destinations and places to stay – whether you want a relaxing hotel break, an exciting day trip or just a change of scenery, find everything you can think of right here! They can link you to wheelchair-friendly accommodation, attractions, events and more all across Britain.
The Bluebells is the UK’s only purpose built facility, offering accessible breaks exclusively to the families of seriously-ill children, and where possible, to those who are recently bereaved.
For families who do not live in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey, but live in the UK, we can offer access to a respite break at The Bluebells. Subject to the referred child meeting our eligibility criteria
The Bluebells has two large apartments which can comfortably accommodate a maximum of 8 people and has a wide range of on-site facilities. There is a hydrotherapy pool, music room, sensory room, arts and crafts space, a cinema room, and extensive grounds which include a wildflower meadow, mini golf course, play area, outside seating and a beautiful garden of reflection.
This truly unique holiday home offers breaks all year round to families from across the UK.
The following companies offer travel insurance for people with disabilities:
Able2Travel – 01892 839501
Avanti Travel - 0800 888 6195
All Clear Insurance - 01708 339295
Freedom Travel Insurance – 01223 446914
Good to Go Insurance - 0330 0249949
Insurance With – 0203 5537 972
J.D. Travel Insurance Consultants – 0344 247 4749
Stay Sure Travel Insurance – 0800 033 4902
Towergate Insurance - 0330 123 2249
World First – 0345 90 80 161
The Donna’s Dream House Charity in Blackpool is a locally based trust, providing free holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Holidays here at Donna's Dream House are FREE - there is no charge for accommodation. Families will receive a selection of discount vouchers and passes for some of the local attractions when available, to use during their stay with us.
Centre Algarve is mainland Europe’s only dedicated holiday centre designed to provide a range of facilities for people with special needs to enjoy. Careful thought and design was given to providing a holiday centre that is fun and totally accessible on the ground floor level to wheel chairs and special equipment.
The lower floor has been specially designed to ensure full easy access to every part of the facility. All doorways are a minimum of 90cm wide and have no steps or thresholds that need to be negotiated. The swimming pool has an immersible hoist with flat tabled bed, enabling access to the water by fully controllable means. Our 11,000 sq ft patio and tiled walking areas are wide and spacious again without steps or obstructions.
We offer fully electric hoist covered hygiene rooms with wet room and sit-down showers with grab handles
Fulfil the Wish is a registered charity which was founded in 2000 to provide activity and sightseeing holidays for children and young people who have lifelong and life-limiting disabilities.
All of our trips and holidays offer opportunities for children and their families to enjoy a wide range of experiences which others may take for granted, but the social aspect of our activities is one of our great successes. We offer our clients an opportunity to make new friends and experience the company of people from right across the UK, often forming self-help groups and providing our families with an opportunity “to get together and to share ideas, empathise or even just let off steam”.
This doesn’t just apply to parents either. Our activities allow disabled children and their siblings “to share exciting experiences, not only with their family/carers, but with other young people who have to live with disabilities”.
The Family Holiday Association provides grants towards a one week holiday of the family’s choice. Referral needed from a health visitor or social worker.
The Oliver Curd Trust provides holiday accommodation to families affected by childhood cancer and other life threatening and life-limiting conditions, including those experiencing bereavement. The charity seeks to provide memories, happiness and periods of escape for children and their families during difficult times.
T.I.M.E Music Therapy based in Basildon host a ‘Club Night’ every Monday from 6pm for those aged 16+ to meet virtually for quizzes, games and lots of fun. This provides an opportunity for young people and adults with SEND to come together and have fun To find out more about this and how to get involved please visit their Facebook page.
Essex Short Breaks, Clubs and Activities are funded by Essex County Council as part of Shortbreaks for Disabled Children and Young People.
The Teddy Hewitt Project run weekly sensory play sessions for pre school children with additional needs joint with the group Chaos & Calm. The group takes place at Blenheim Children’s Centre during term time on Friday’s 1-2pm or 2.15-3.15pm. Booking is essential. For more information or to book contact:
Elaine Cornwall 07828230948
Hannah Davies 07446647575
Chaos and Calm offer a number of specialist play groups in Southend for young children with additional needs and disabilities. This includes play sessions and sensory storytime, To find out more please visit their Facebook page or contact elaine 07828 230948
Over the Wall provide free and fun activity camps for children, teenagers & their families living with serious health challenges. These amazing places are in-person – at residential camps and also available online – with Camp in the Cloud and Camp 365.
Fulfil the Wish is a registered charity which was founded in 2000 to provide activity and sightseeing holidays for children and young people who have lifelong and life-limiting disabilities.
All of our trips and holidays offer opportunities for children and their families to enjoy a wide range of experiences which others may take for granted, but the social aspect of our activities is one of our great successes. We offer our clients an opportunity to make new friends and experience the company of people from right across the UK, often forming self-help groups and providing our families with an opportunity “to get together and to share ideas, empathise or even just let off steam”.
This doesn’t just apply to parents either. Our activities allow disabled children and their siblings “to share exciting experiences, not only with their family/carers, but with other young people who have to live with disabilities”.
The Swan Song Project gives people living with terminal illnesses, dealing with bereavement or planning their end stages of life the opportunity and support to write and record their own original song.
They believe everyone has a song and these can live forever. It is their privilege to help bring these songs to life. No previous musical experience or abilities are required. You don’t have to be a singer or a poet, you just have to be you. Your life and experiences are unique and so will be your song.
Brighter Opportunities for Special People (BOSP) offer short break care for the children and young people with learning and physical disabilities.
BOSP sessions provide fun and exciting activities with social opportunities, whilst providing families with vital respite.
Their aim is to enable disabled children and young people aged 0 to 25 years, to access the same activities as children without disabilities. This helps develop independence, self-esteem and social skills, whilst improving parents’ well-being by providing much needed breaks.
Services include:
SNAP is an Essex charity for families with children and young people who have any additional need or disability. They offer parent advice and support and activities for children and young people.
Badgers Den offer bespoke Day Opportunities for young people & Adults with learning disabilities in Southend.
The Music Man provides daily music sessions for anyone with learning disabilities aged 16 years and above.
Provides discount cards for foster families and families of children with additional needs, which give free or discounted admission to selected venues. The cards are administered by partners, local authorities and selected charities. Visit the Max Cards website to see if they are available in your area.
The Essex Family Forum is a Parent Carer Forum, an independent community interest company, made up of a group of parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with Special Educational Needs and disabilities. Everyone who works or volunteers with the forum is also a parent or carer of a child or young person with SEND. You can find out more on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/essexfamilyforum
Beacon, are an organisation providing support and advocacy for people trying to navigate the maze of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding. They can offer up to 90 minutes of free to eligible families. You can also pay their Expert Analysis Service to help appeal decisions.
Supporting carers and young carers in Essex . They provide information, advice, befriending, employment, counselling, activity groups and respite day care across the county. They also work with Young Carers and professionals in schools.
SNAP is an Essex charity for families with children and young people who have any additional need or disability. They offer parent advice and support and activities for children and young people.
The Together for Short Lives’ Facebook Family Group is a supportive community that allows families caring for a seriously ill child to connect, share and support one another.
Well Child provide practical and emotional support to seriously ill children, young people and their families, enabling them to leave hospital quicker and live life in their own homes.
Gold Geese is a small, local charity to Southend on sea. Supporting local families fighting childhood cancers. Their practical and emotional support is provided to children on treatment for cancer in the Southend on sea and Basildon areas
If you are aged 5 to 25 and have a family member with a serious illness, you can get help from Hope Support, for free, for as long as you need. You can chat privately to their online support team, or join the community of young people across the UK who genuinely understand what you’re going through.
Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Their dedicated teams of Family Support Workers provide essential support for the whole family, whenever and wherever it is needed; from their child’s diagnosis, during treatment and, if needed, through bereavement and beyond.
The Indee Rose Trust create smiles across the UK for brave children aged between 1 - 17 years of age receiving treatment for a brain or spinal tumour. Offering bespoke treasure boxes and well-deserved family breaks away.
The Children and Young People with Disabilities Service (CYPWD) supports children and young people, aged 0 to 25 with special education needs and/or disabilities, to reach their full potential.
The service enables a smooth transition from childhood into adulthood.
A number of teams work together within the service, to support the children, families and young people that are eligible for support:
Children With Disabilities (CWD)
Young People With Disabilities (YPWD) Social Care
Children and Young People Support Services (CAYPS)
Preparing for Adulthood Service (PFA)
Occupational Therapy (OT) and Rehabilitation Service
Southend SEND Local Offer provides information, advice and guidance on local services and support for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Our Team for Disabled Children is a team of social workers covering the whole of the Thurrock, working with children and young people from 0 to 18 years-old.
The team works with health, education and other services to make sure the needs of children and young people are met. They provide packages of care, which can include:
• short breaks
• domiciliary care
• access to leisure activities
• summer play schemes
• advice and guidance
Brainwave is a charity that exists to help children with disabilities and additional needs to achieve greater independence by aiming to improve mobility, communication skills and learning potential through a range of specialist therapies.
Through their network of independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. When we say we’re for everyone, we mean it. People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.
They also give advice on consumer rights on our consumer helpline, support witnesses in courts through the Witness Service and give pension guidance to people aged over 50
SWAN UK supports families affected by a syndrome without a name – a genetic condition so rare it often remains undiagnosed.
Their aim is that every family gets the support they need, when they need it, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis or not. We work with UK based families of children and young adults up to 25 years old who are searching for a genetic diagnosis.
Their network brings families together in a supportive community who understand the unique challenges of life without a diagnosis. We run fun events for the whole family, provide information through events and newsletters and have an extensive network of volunteer Parent Reps.
The Peaceful Pony begins with Equine Facilitated Therapy.
Equine Facilitated Learning is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional, and personal goals through equine-assisted activities.
It is the process of learning about oneself and how one is in the moment – developing self-awareness
Carers4carers is a social enterprise run by carers for unpaid carers. Carers4Carers offer a range of services and one to one support to reduce loneliness and isolation and improve the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of carers.
This charity has been set up in Alfie’s name and memory to help local families in Southend (and the surrounding areas) with a child with a disability. They aim to help with support, advice, equipment loan services and micro grants up to £1000. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching Alfies A Team or contact founder, and Alfie's Mum, Lisa on alfiesateam@gmail.com
If you are aged 5 to 25 and have a family member with a serious illness, you can get help from Hope Support, for free, for as long as you need. You can chat privately to their online support team, or join the community of young people across the UK who genuinely understand what you’re going through.
Smiles & Tears app has been developed by Nelson’s Journey, a charity based in the UK. A colourful and engaging app that can help support people of all ages who have experienced the loss of a significant person in their life. It has some great interactive tools to help you remember and stay connected with a love one
Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Support. It has been created for young people, by young people. We offer support, advice and a type of signposting service, solely online to children and young people who have lost a loved one/s. We want to break the isolation that grief brings, by providing a space for young people to explore their grief and feel less alone.
A young carer key worker free offers personalised support to young carers and their families. Support includes confidential one-to-one support, information and advice, training opportunities and recreational activites. Key workers are available across the whole of Essex and will be based in your local area. They will visit you at home, school or somewhere else at an agreed time.
Families or young carers themselves can self-refer or a referral can be made by professionals including GP’s, NHS staff, Social Workers and Teachers. This can be done via their online form or by emailing young.carers@essex.gov.uk
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. They are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via their online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.
Child Death Helpline offer support to parents. Siblings, grandparents. You can contact their helpline for support at times of crisis, or for your ongoing needs. Whenever you feel able to talk, they are ready to listen.
Winston’s Wish provides bereavement support to children, young people (up to 25) and their families after the death of a parent, sibling or important person. You can call or email their Freephone Helpline team for immediate advice, guidance and support from trained bereavement professionals.
08088 020 021 - Call them between 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday. Calls are free and confidential.
Explaining burials to children: what happens at a burial? Video from Child Bereavement UK https://youtu.be/zFtKdvLJ-L4
Explaining cremations to children: what happens at a cremation? Video from Child Bereavement UK https://youtu.be/OS4ghDWPNAk
