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.


NHS Digital Flags

The Reasonable Adjustment Flag is a national record that shows a person needs accommodations and may include details about their impairments and necessary adjustments.

click here for the Digital Flag Leaflet


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


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

click hereforresources aimed at Autistic children and young people and those with intellectual disability who have diagnosed or suspected ARFID.


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

October 2026 PCF Newsletter
By Sara Mak • October 20, 2026
October 2026 PCF Newsletter HALF TERM EVENTS : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING
By Sara Mak • September 29, 2026
LIVEWELL UPDATE : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING Parent Carer Forum CWaC newsletter September 2026
By Sara Mak • July 20, 2026
This month’s PCF newsletter is packed with updates, opportunities and support for SEND families across Cheshire West & Chester.
PCF Monthly Round-Up - June 2026
By Lucy Kennerley • June 23, 2026
PCF Monthly Round-Up - This month, the Vice-Chair presented our 2026 Survey findings, 702 responses strong, to the SEND Partnership Board, chaired by Edwina Grant.
The latest Cheshire West and Chester Council SEND Newsletter is out.
By Joanne Southall • June 18, 2026
Introduction from Sal Thirlway, Director of Education and Inclusion, Cheshire West and Chester Council .
PCF newsletter May 2026
By Lucy Kennerley • May 22, 2026
Welcome Back to Your Parent Carer Forum Update 💛 From shaping national SEND reform to influencing local services right here in Cheshire West and Chester, this newsletter is packed with your voice!
Show More
October 2026 PCF Newsletter
By Sara Mak • October 20, 2026
October 2026 PCF Newsletter HALF TERM EVENTS : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING
October 2026 PCF Newsletter
By Sara Mak • October 20, 2026
October 2026 PCF Newsletter HALF TERM EVENTS : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING
October 2026 PCF Newsletter
By Sara Mak • October 20, 2026
October 2026 PCF Newsletter HALF TERM EVENTS : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING

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...

October 2026 PCF Newsletter
By Sara Mak • October 20, 2026
October 2026 PCF Newsletter HALF TERM EVENTS : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING
SEND Summit CWaC 2026 highlights
By Sara Mak • October 19, 2026
Cheshire West and Chester Council hosted the 2026 SEND Summit at Chester Racecourse. Highlights from the day.
Virtual Forum: Children and Young People’s Mental Health
By Joanne Southall • October 16, 2026
Learn about CYPMHS/MyMind referral pathways and what to expect, mental health support available in schools, early intervention and crisis services.
Social Care, Family Support and Early Help PCF Forum  CWaC
By Joanne Southall • October 10, 2026
The Social Care, Family Support and Early Help Forum - Families First and Family Hubs, what services are available and how to access them plus Neighbourhood Hubs
Virtual Forum: Technology and Digital Resources
By Joanne Southall • October 8, 2026
information and support on technology, online safety and ways digital tools can enhance outcomes for children with SEND. PCF Cheshire West & Chester Event, Jan 2027
Planning for adulthood? Preparation for Adulthood Marketplace Event
By Joanne Southall • October 7, 2026
Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port Children and young people with SEND in Cheshire West and Chester. Planning for adulthood? Preparation for Adulthood Marketplace Event
By Sara Mak • September 29, 2026
LIVEWELL UPDATE : SEND SUMMIT 2026 : PCF EVENTS & TRAINING Parent Carer Forum CWaC newsletter September 2026
By Joanne Southall • September 22, 2026
Parent Carer Forum CWaC: Support Me As A Carer 10th May 2027 at Northwich Memorial Court - help unpaid carers access the support, information, and services available
Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS)
By Lucy Kennerley • September 21, 2026
Government consulting on major changes to Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) and Alternative Provision. Parent Carer Forum Cheshire West and Chester
PCF Virtual Forum: Who We Are and What We Do.
By Joanne Southall • August 30, 2026
Role of the PCF - get involved, updates on education, social care and health priorities (from the new Designated Clinical Officer for SEND) for the year ahead.
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