Resources
Families often tell us that finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Over the years, we have come across a number of organisations, charities, activities and services that may be helpful to children and young people with SEND and their families.
The organisations listed below are independent of Rainbow Hands. Families should make their own enquiries regarding suitability, availability and eligibility.
We hope this page helps connect families with additional support, activities and opportunities within Southampton, Hampshire and beyond.
Essential SEND Support
Southampton Parent Carer Forum
A parent-led organisation supporting families of children and young people with SEND in Southampton. The forum works directly with local services, provides information, workshops, events and opportunities for families to have their voices heard.
Website: www.sotonpcf.org.uk
Hampshire Parent Carer Network
A parent-led organisation supporting families across Hampshire. Offers information, training, events, support and opportunities for parent carers to influence local services.
Website: www.hpcn.org.uk
Southampton SENDIASS
Independent information, advice and support for children and young people with SEND and their families. SENDIASS can help with EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, mediation and understanding SEND processes.
Website: www.southamptonsendiass.info
Southampton SEND Local Offer
Information about local SEND services, education, health and social care support available in Southampton.
Website: https://sid.southampton.gov.uk/localoffer
Hampshire SEND Local Offer
Information on services and support available across Hampshire.
Website: https://www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/
IPSEA
Specialist SEND law advice, EHCP support, mediation and tribunal guidance.
Website: www.ipsea.org.uk
Contact
Information, advice and support for families of disabled children.
Website: www.contact.org.uk
National Autistic Society
Information, support and resources for autistic people and their families.
Website: www.autism.org.uk
Autism Central
Peer-led autism support and guidance for parents and carers.
Website: www.autismcentral.org.uk
Parent & Family Support
Reaching Families
Support, information, training and resources for families of children and young people with additional needs.
Website: www.reachingfamilies.org.uk
Southampton Family Hubs
Family support, parenting advice, activities and community services.
Website: www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families
No Limits
Free information, advice, counselling and support for children and young people.
Website: www.nolimitshelp.org.uk
Re:Minds
A Southampton-based parent-led organisation supporting families of children with autism, ADHD, neurodiversity and mental health needs through support groups, information sessions and practical advice.
Website: www.reminds.org.uk
Funding, Benefits & Practical Support
Family Fund
Grants and support for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
Website: www.familyfund.org.uk
Turn2Us
Information about benefits, grants and financial support.
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
Financial support for children who need additional care or supervision.
Website: www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
Carer's Allowance
Financial support for eligible carers.
Website: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Carer's assessment
Anyone who may need support in their caring role has a right to a carer’s assessment
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare/carers-assessment
Universal Credit
Information about benefits, childcare costs and financial support for eligible families.
Website: www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Motability
Helping disabled people access vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs.
Website: www.motability.co.uk
Equipment & Specialist Resources
Hobbledehoo
Specialist harnesses, walking reins and safety equipment for children and young people who may require additional support when out and about.
Website: www.hobbledehoo.com
Safe Spaces
Specialist high-sided safety beds and sleep systems for children and young people with complex needs.
Website: www.safespaces.co.uk
Whizz Kidz
Support, advice and specialist mobility equipment for young wheelchair users.
Website: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Activities, Short Breaks & Days Out
Southampton Mencap FairPlay
Activities, clubs and opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.
Website: https://www.keynshammencap.org.uk/, https://www.southamptonmencap.org/under-18-activities
Wetwheels Hamble
Accessible boating experiences for disabled children and adults.
Website: www.wetwheelsfoundation.org/wetwheels-hamble
Testwood Lakes Sailability
Inclusive sailing opportunities for children, young people and adults with disabilities.
Website: www.testwoodsailability.co.uk
Crazy Creatures at Woodside Lodge
Animal experiences and opportunities to interact with a variety of animals in a welcoming environment.
Website: http://www.crazycreatures.org.uk/
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
Funded holiday activities and experiences for eligible children and young people during school holidays.
Southampton: www.southampton.gov.uk/haf
Hampshire: www.connect4communities.org
Southampton Short Breaks
Activities and opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
Website: Available through Southampton SEND Local Offer
Hampshire Short Breaks
Short break opportunities and support services for children and young people with additional needs.
Website: Available through Hampshire SEND Local Offer
Rose Road Association
Specialist services, activities, respite and support for disabled children, young people and adults.
Website: www.roseroad.org.uk
QE2 Activity Centre
Inclusive outdoor activity centre offering sailing, climbing, canoeing, bushcraft, archery and accessible activities for children, young people and adults with additional needs.
Website: www.qe2activitycentre.co.uk
Early Years & Specialist Childcare
Dingley's Promise
Specialist early years support and opportunities for children with SEND and their families.
Website: www.dingley.org.uk
Health & Wellbeing
YoungMinds
Mental health support, advice and resources for young people and parents.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
CAMHS
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Website: www.hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk
ERIC – The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity
Support and advice around toileting, continence and constipation.
Website: www.eric.org.uk
Scope
Information, support and practical advice for disabled people and their families.
Website: www.scope.org.uk
British Dyslexia Association
Information, resources and support for dyslexia.
Website: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Educational Psychology
Southampton Educational Psychology Service
Supports children, young people, families and educational settings with learning, development, emotional wellbeing and SEND needs.
Website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/support-inclusion-education/education-and-school-services/educational-psychology/
Hampshire Educational Psychology Service
Provides support and advice for parents, carers, young people and education settings around learning, emotional needs and SEND.
Website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/educationalpsychology
Epilepsy & Neurological Conditions
Epilepsy Action
Information, advice and support for people living with epilepsy and their families.
Website: www.epilepsy.org.uk
Young Epilepsy
Support, information and services specifically for children and young people with epilepsy.
Website: www.youngepilepsy.org.uk
SUDEP Action
Information and support relating to epilepsy safety and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Website: www.sudep.org
Cerebra
Support and resources for children with neurological conditions and their families.
Website: www.cerebra.org.uk
Epilepsy Society
Information, support and research relating to epilepsy.
Website: www.epilepsysociety.org.uk
Safety & Safeguarding
MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, MASH is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)
Provides advice and oversight where concerns have been raised about adults working with children.
NSPCC
Advice, resources and support for keeping children safe.
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Hollie Guard
Personal safety app designed to help people stay safe and alert trusted contacts if they need help.
Website: www.hollieguard.com
Ofsted
The regulator for childcare and education services in England.
Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted
Advocacy, Rights & Independent Support
NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service)
A national advocacy charity supporting children, young people and vulnerable adults. Advocates help ensure voices are heard when important decisions are being made and can support young people in meetings, reviews and other processes.
SOS!SEN
Independent advice and support for families navigating SEND issues, EHCPs and education disputes.
Website: www.sossen.org.uk
Special Needs Jungle
Information, resources and practical guidance for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.
Website: www.specialneedsjungle.com
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential and independent advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and legal matters.
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Child Law Advice
Legal information and guidance on education, SEND and family law matters.
Website: https://childlawadvice.org.uk/
Local Services & Activities
This section will continue to grow as we discover local activities, organisations and opportunities that may benefit children and young people with SEND.
If you know of a local service, activity provider or organisation that may be helpful to other families, please feel free to get in touch and let us know.
Please note that inclusion on this page does not constitute a formal endorsement by Rainbow Hands and families should always carry out their own research before engaging with any service.