Here you will find information about other services and websites which you family may benefit from.
Wipe away those tears is a charity in Essex that aim to grant wishes for children with life-limiting conditions. The charity supports children with a life-limiting condition and who live in Essex, 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.
Little Havens are not affiliated with Wipe Away Those Tears we have been asked to share their services with our families. If you have any questions please contact Gail who will be more than happy to help.
Together for Short lives are hosting monthly family workshops on various themes and topics. To sign up to their next workshop keep an eye on their social media channels - https://www.facebook.com/togetherforshortlives
You could be eligible for a grant
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 our friendly helpline team, contact us for the full eligibility criteria on 0808 8088 100 or email helpline@togetherforshortlives.org.uk.
Inclusive dance charity Flamingo Chicks is offering a new virtual calming class. This new class is ideal as an emergency calming measure – but also helps to deal with ongoing anxiety. While great for all children, it’s particularly made with SEND children in mind and includes Makaton signing.
Find out more here.
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 virtually during lockdown. To find out more about this and how to get involved please visit their Facebook page.
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 download the image below to find out more information about the Essex Family Forum, they are looking for families to share their views and experiences online via their website to help services improve.
Please note the Essex Family Forum is independent of Little Havens and separate to the ongoing Little Havens Parents and Carers Forum we run.
You can find out more information here.
The charity WellChild are helping families access Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for them and their carers where they have been unable to access it elsewhere.
Click here to request PPEEssex Short Breaks, Clubs and Activities are funded by Essex County Council as part of Shortbreaks for Disabled Children and Young People.
You can register online here and click on the yellow banner 'Apply for Short Breaks'
You'll need to provide information about your child or young person and supporting documentation about their diagnosis to complete the registration process.
For support and information about clubs and activities or to subscribe to our newsletter, contact essexshortbreaks@actionforchildren.org.uk or call 07540 919616.
A unique 'passport number' will be needed to access any part of Shortbreaks provision. To discuss registration, please contact Essex County Council shortbreaks@essex.gov.uk or call 03330 139889.
Little Havens provide some activities that are supported by Essex Short breaks, these actives are available to all our families, we will ask for your passport number at the time of the Event.
The following resources and app provide useful advice and information signposting to the relevant local services:
