Information

Support & advice services.

Here's some helpful links to Support & Advice for Parents & Carers.


Please Contact Us if there is something you think would be helpful on this page.

Support & Advice

Information Advice and Support Service

IASS helps parents and carers, children and young people who have difficulties with learning, and or a disability from birth to 25 years. We offer a confidential service which gives parents, children and young people impartial advice and information to make informed decisions.

Email iasservice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

or visit livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/1279  for more information.


Cheshire West & Chester Mental Health Services

Information regarding mental health services. Some need a referral and some are self referral. It is based on the THRIVE model e.g. Signposting, Getting Help, Getting More Help and Getting Risk Support 

click here  for the  THRIVE DOCUMENT


What is ARFID?

ARFID (Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is described as a lack of interest in eating, food avoidance based on sensory preferences (textures /smells etc), or fears of what might happen whilst /after eating (such as choking / vomiting). 

click here  for the  ARFID Information Leaflet


Sensory Processing Webinar

Occupational Therapy Webinar on strategies to support families where their child/young person has difficulties with sensory processing

click here  to watch the  Webinar


Sensory Processing Difficulties

The Sensory Service is a multi-disciplinary team based at the Ryegate Children’s Centre in Sheffield. We aim to help parents, carers, school staff and young people to have a better understanding of sensory processing and how this impacts on every day life. We provide information and advice on how to adapt activities and the environment to support children’s sensory needs. The team includes Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy.

click here to access the website


Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour

click here to access PDF information document


Supporting Online Justice Project and the SEND Tribunal

Produced by the Supporting Online Justice project as a resource to help lay users of the justice system access and participate in online hearings for the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, available with subtitles in six languages along with a British Sign Language version. 

click here to watch the video

click here to watch the BSL video


Digital Story - Supporting my Family – Team around the family (TAF)

A single mum shares her experience of the 'Team around the family' support she accessed in Cheshire West & Chester.

click here to watch the video


Contact

For families with disabled children contact.org.uk

HELPFUL GUIDE FOR FAMILIES WITH DISABLED CHILDREN FROM CONTACT - CLICK HERE


IPSEA  Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

Free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We also provide training to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.

www.ipsea.org.uk


Mencap

Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability. Valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

www.mencap.org.uk

Mencap has launched its new ‘easy read’ GP Learning Disability Register resources which are designed to support people with a learning disability from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. These resources are specifically aimed at people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, alongside their families and carers. The resources are now available in ten different languages; English, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Urdu, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Italian and Spanish. Their easy read format means the information is accessible for people with a learning disability and autism.

click here for more information and to access the translations


NNPCF

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums.

nnpcf.org.uk


Jargon Buster

A-Z of terms used by professionals and services.

livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Information/Jargon_Buster


The People's Choice Group

For adults with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions in Cheshire West and Chester.We provide working sessions to give people a bigger voice on issues that are important and we link with the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board.We provide social sessions to stop people feeling so isolated.Visit our Members & Sessions page for more information.

 https://www.peopleschoicegroup.co.uk/


Transport to and from school – a guide for parents and carers in England

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/school-transport/england


The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism

This training will ensure staff working in health and social care receive learning disability and autism training, at the right level for their role. They will have a better understanding of people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

hee.nhs.uk/our-work/learning-disability/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism


National Autistic Society - Report on the Experiences of autistic young people in the youth justice system.

CLICK HERE to view the Youth Justice Report

Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar.
By Joanne Southall April 28, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar. All the latest updates for April.
Keep up to date on all of the works the PCF are involved in with our March newsletter.
By Joanne Southall April 1, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works the PCF are involved in with our March newsletter.Here are some of the latest updates….
The latest Cheshire West and Chester Council SEND Newsletter is out.
By Joanne Southall March 12, 2025
The latest Cheshire West and Chester Council SEND Newsletter is out, and there are some updates from Amanda Perraton, the new Executive Director for Children and Families!
Our February Newsletter has all the latest from our Volunteer Training Sessions, Events and Info.
By Joanne Southall February 22, 2025
Our February Newsletter has all the latest from our Volunteer Training Sessions, Events and Information. Check out what's available in our area. Booking links for Events, etc.
January Newsletter for all our news and events
By Joanne Southall January 20, 2025
January Newsletter for all our news and events
By Joanne Southall January 7, 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended the PCF Short Breaks & Wraparound Care SIP & Learn at Live Cheshire 🤩 Parent Carers met with Local Authority Commissioners and service providers to share their views and experiences of ‘Short Breaks’ and wraparound care for disabled children.
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Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar.
By Joanne Southall April 28, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar. All the latest updates for April.
Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar.
By Joanne Southall April 28, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar. All the latest updates for April.
Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar.
By Joanne Southall April 28, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar. All the latest updates for April.

Keep up to date with other information, news and events for parents/carers on our website. You can also find us on Facebook. See our past and present news right here.

Click on the articles...

Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar.
By Joanne Southall April 28, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, Signposting to local services and events and what is coming up in the PCF events calendar. All the latest updates for April.
Key takeaways from the Community Champions Event in Warrington
By Joanne Southall April 24, 2025
Our Rep Jayne had the opportunity to attend the Community Champions Event in Warrington recently, representing our Parent Carer Forum with a stall. Here are some key takeaways:
What Special Guardianship really means and the challenges families face.
By Joanne Southall April 24, 2025
Jayne – a Parent Carer Forum rep and Special Guardian to her nephew, who has ADHD, autism and developmental trauma. In this blog, she explains what Special Guardianship really means and the challenges families face.
Keep up to date on all of the works the PCF are involved in with our March newsletter.
By Joanne Southall April 1, 2025
Keep up to date on all of the works the PCF are involved in with our March newsletter.Here are some of the latest updates….
By Joanne Southall March 31, 2025
Finding the right social opportunities and support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be a challenge. That’s why the Cheshire West and Chester Youth Service provides free, inclusive, and engaging youth provisions across the borough.
Endorphins March News - available to download and read.
By Joanne Southall March 31, 2025
Endorphins February News - available to download and read.
Update from Cabinet Member for Children and Families Adam Langan on becoming an Inclusive Borough
By Joanne Southall March 27, 2025
It’s almost been a year since Parent Carers spoke passionately at the Council Chambers about the issues in the borough about Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND).
By Joanne Southall March 21, 2025
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!
Resources from the 2025 Parent/Carer Volunteer Training provided by the PCF
By Joanne Southall March 21, 2025
Resources from the 2025 Parent/Carer Volunteer Training provided by the PCF. PPT Slides can be downloaded and viewed from Week 1-5 training sessions.
Supporting Families through Transitions and Pathways in Cheshire West and Chester
By Joanne Southall March 13, 2025
Critical insights and available resources to support families in Cheshire West and Chester from an informative session titled Transitions & Pathways took place to guide families navigating key life transitions for their children.
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