SUPPORTING COUNTY DURHAM FAMILIES
WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY (SEND)
Durham County Council hosts a website which publishes information from a variety of sources (not only Durham County Council commissioned and provided services), which collectively makes up the Local Offer of services in County Durham for children and young people with SEND. It includes information, advice, and guidance plus contact details for social care, health and other services and support available for families with a child/young person, from birth to 25 years of age with special educational needs or disabilities. www.durham.gov.uk/localoffer
SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is a statutory service supporting children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers. https://durhamsendiass.info/contact-us/
North East and Cumbria Learning Disability Network - Their mission is to tackle health, education and social care inequalities faced by people with a learning disability in the North East and Cumbria so they have equal and equitable access to high quality health, education and social care support to enable good quality of life for them and their families. Visit https://necldnetwork.co.uk/
Getting support and advice to help with everyday pressures can help the whole family. This may include things in addition to health and social care needs such as support with finances, benefits, housing, transport to appointments, carers' support, etc. Social Care Direct is the Local Authority's point of access to services for adults. They provide advice, guidance and signposting and can arrange for an assessment of need if necessary. www.durham.gov.uk/socialcaredirect
The One Point Service provides early help through offering direct support, advice, and a range of activities for children and young people from 0-19 years, and their families. Durham County Council works alongside health colleagues to provide this. www.durham.gov.uk/onepoint
Durham Locate is an online directory allowing residents to connect with local services in their community. www.durhamlocate.org.uk
The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Alliance team works with a range of organisations including the One Point Service, Police, health visitors, schools, and voluntary organisations in our communities to help children, young people, and families to access activities and services near to where they live. Professionals can refer into this service (referrals are not accepted from the general public). https://www.durham.gov.uk/vcsalliance
An annual health check can improve people's health by spotting problems earlier. Information about annual health checks with a GP for people with a learning disability over the age of 14 can found here Annual Health Checks. Please ring 0191 5265818 to make an appointment.