Sources of Help & Information
The SEND Dynamic C.I.C. offers a combination of in person and online/telephone support to parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to empower them to navigate the SEND system.
We are a small team with limited resources aiming to achieve big impact. We don’t want to reinvent the wheel and will always signpost you to other free services where they exist.
We aim to make sure that everyone knows where to go for the best information and advice that is impartial and free.
The PDA Society is the UK’s only dedicated charity which exists to support PDA people and their families.
IPSEA are a national charity established in 1983 that already provides excellent legally based information and advice for parents free of charge. They have lots of information online and resources available to download on a range of topics from the law around EHCP’s to transport issues and disability discrimination. You should mark IPSEA’s website as a favourite on your browser and make full use of their amazing knowledge bank of SEND information.
Advocate is the Bar’s national pro bono charity that matches members of the public who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay. If you do not qualify for Legal Aid and cannot afford to pay for the services of a solicitor, you can talk to Advocate who will match you with a pro bono barrister qualified to represent you in a court hearing.
Your child or young person might be eligible for Disability Living Allowance or PIP (personal independence payment). Many people are unaware that DLA is not a means tested benefit. If you need help to complete the forms or further information you can get free support from Disability Direct.
If you need help to understand if you can apply for carers allowance, ask a member of the advocacy team to explain the process and support you with your application.