Helplines
These are just some of the helplines and specialist support groups that you may find useful. Please contact us if you have suggestions of others that could be added.
The HE Special site is aimed at parents looking to home educate children with special educational needs. As well as information on home education, it contains articles on a number of different conditions. There is also a mailing list for families who Home Educate children with Special Educational Needs.
cruelATschool.co.uk will offer help and advice to families who have children who have been/are being bullied. They can give confidential advice where needed, be in contact with bullied children (give advice etc), give advice on what to do next, and give advice on homeschooling.
The Home Educated Youth Council
HEYC aim to be an independent voice for home educated young people, seeking to defend the rights of home educated children and young adults in the UK.
Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)
ACE are a national charity that provides independent advice for parents and carers of children aged 5-16 in state-funded education.
Kidscape was the first charity in the UK established specifically to prevent bullying and child sexual abuse. They work with children and young people under the age of 16, their parents/carers, and those who work with them.
This charity operates in England and Wales and advises parents and other family members whose children are involved with or require social care services. They also run a confidential telephone advice service for families.
This website can help you calculate if you qualify for legal aid. Their helpline 0845 345 4 345 also provides free, confidential and impartial advice paid for by legal aid, with a full casework service. Mon - Fri 9am - 6:30pm. Calls from 4p/min - callback available.
The LCF is the national body for a network of community based Law Centres. Law Centres provide help in solving everyday problems, such as getting decent housing, dealing with discrimination, or obtaining the correct benefits.
IPSEA is a volunteer-based organisation and many of the volunteers are themselves parents of children with special educational needs. IPSEA can provide: free independent advice; free advice on appealing to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal, including representation when needed; free second professional opinions.
Parentline Plus offers help and information to over 85,000 parents and families each year running a freephone helpline for anyone concerned about children that they are looking after.
The Children's Legal Centre is a national charity committed to promoting children's rights in the UK and worldwide, providing legal advice, information and representation for children and young people on issues affecting children in England and Wales.
National Council for Civil Liberties
Liberty, also known as the National Council for Civil Liberties, seeks to protect civil liberties and promote human rights for everyone.
The British Dyslexia Association
The BDA aims to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society.
The site includes plenty of practical advice, useful not just for the parents of dyslexic children, but for any parent whose children, schooled or otherwise, need help with the basics of the three R’s; reading, writing and arithmetic.
On-line directory providing the telephone numbers of over 760 UK Self Help Groups and hyperlinks to over 560 web sites.
ANXIETY UK works to relieve and support those living with anxiety disorders by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services. They can provide support and help if you've been diagnosed with, or suspect you may have an anxiety condition as well help with specific phobias.
ChildLine is the UK's free, 24-hour helpline for children in distress or danger. Trained volunteer counsellors comfort, advise and protect children and young people who may feel they have nowhere else to turn.
