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

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!
New PCF CWaC Newsletter Out Now!
By Lucy Kennerley May 11, 2026
New PCF CWaC Newsletter Out Now! Catch up on upcoming events, SEND reform consultation news, practical resources, coffee events, webinars and support for families. Lots of opportunities to stay informed, get involved and have your voice heard.
CWaC Newsletter
By Joanne Southall March 30, 2026
The Live Well Newsletter will be published bi-monthly to provide you with latest updates and information. It is also your opportunity to get involved, have your say and improve our Live Well/Local Offer Cheshire West Website.
March News for the Parent Carer Forum.
By Lucy Kennerley March 30, 2026
March News for the Parent Carer Forum, CWaC. We’ve been out in the community attending school coffee mornings and key events, including the CANDDID Conference - NHS Fit for the Future, and the Neurodiversity & Mental Health Conference
Newsletter February 2026
By Lucy Kennerley March 13, 2026
PCF Cheshire West & Chester Newsletter for February 2026 includes SEND inspection report, SEND Schools White Paper info and all our news and events coming up.
Show More
The SEND Commitment
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
The SEND Commitment - SEND system works together. It’s a set of shared promises, created with families, professionals, and young people. Commitment across CWaC,
The SEND Commitment
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
The SEND Commitment - SEND system works together. It’s a set of shared promises, created with families, professionals, and young people. Commitment across CWaC,
The SEND Commitment
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
The SEND Commitment - SEND system works together. It’s a set of shared promises, created with families, professionals, and young people. Commitment across CWaC,

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...

The SEND Commitment
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
The SEND Commitment - SEND system works together. It’s a set of shared promises, created with families, professionals, and young people. Commitment across CWaC,
MyMind CYPMHS children and young people’s mental health services in Cheshire West and Chester.
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
MyMind CYPMHS children and young people’s mental health services in Cheshire West and Chester. MHST (Mental Health Support Team) schools, anxiety support, ADHD
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
The SEND Partnership Board independently chaired by Edwina Grant with senior stakeholders from across the system. PCF Vice Chair presented findings from PCF Survey.
Neurodiversity Profiling Tool Update
By Lucy Kennerley June 22, 2026
Knowing Me Neurodiversity Profiling Tool. PCF CWaC’s Ongoing Role in a Tool Built With Families.
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 .
Luke Squires, a dad to three neurodiverse children, living with ADHD himself.
By Lucy Kennerley June 8, 2026
Parent Carer Forum for Cheshire West & Chester new blog post - Parent Voices - Luke Squires, a dad to three neurodiverse children, living with ADHD himself.
Parent Carer Forum
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
By Joanne Southall June 1, 2026
Cheshire West Parent Carer Forum (AGM) Working together to improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
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!
By Lucy Kennerley May 18, 2026
We will be discussing SEND Reform National Consultation Schools White Paper: Education, Inclusion and Mental Health Forum on 12th May at Vicars Cross Golf Club, Tarvin, Chester
Results from the CWaC PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall May 18, 2026
Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community. Read the results from our Survey 2026.
Show More