Sunderland's Family Hubs

SEND Local Offer

Sunderland

If you want to understand more about how you're feeling and find ways to feel better, or you are a parent / carer and want to support someone who's struggling. Links for life has lots of hints, tips, resources and local and national services to help.

Mental Health: children and young people

Support advice and service for children and young peoples mental health.

Teenage girl sitting on stairs writing help

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, below you will find links to a number of trusted websites. These websites have lots of information that will help you get the support that you need. Did you know the Initial response service provides 24 hour access to mental health care, advice, support and treatment. By calling one telephone number 0303 123 1145, a member of the team will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.

Mental wellbeing

Online Self Help guides available to download

Sunderland Talking Therapies we offer a number of therapies, classes and groups to help with a range of common mental health difficulties.

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Visit wellbeinginfo to help manage your health and wellbeing, and find out what support around you

Sunderland Counselling Service are proud to be part of a team that offers Step Two Low Intensity Interventions at Sunderland Talking Therapies. We provide Guided Self Help, Computerised CBT and Group

An independent charity, supporting local people for positive mental health

Directory of websites and services to support with your mental health

Washington Mind’s mission is to work in partnership with our community to promote recovery and improve mental health and wellbeing

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS trust are dedicated to supporting the mental health of you and your family both before and after pregnancy. If you require an emergency response or urgent mental health support please use the following:·       For emergency help please call 999.·       For urgent mental health support call the Crisis Team on 0800 652 2867 or text 07889 036 280 if you have communication difficulties. South Tyneside and Sunderland Maternity Mental Health ServicesPregnancy can be a challenging time with many emotions. We also know that difficult experiences can sometimes arise during pregnancy and birth. Please reach out to people close to you, but sometimes it is easier to talk to someone outside of your family. There are services within the hospital setting in Sunderland and South Tyneside offering information and support.There are four services available in the Sunderland and South Tyneside Maternity Mental Health Service (1) the Obstetric Mental Health Antenatal Clinic, (2) Maternal Mental Health Services (3) Birth Reflections Service, and (4) Forever Cherished Bereavement Support. All of these services offer planned appointments for mental support in an emergency please call 999 Obstetric Mental Health Antenatal ClinicThis includes a mixed team of doctors and specialist mental health midwives. The clinic supports people with pre-existing mental health difficulties or those that are newly arising in pregnancy.  A referral to this clinic can made by a community midwife following assessment. Maternal Mental Health ServiceA small team of psychologists and one midwife who specialise in supporting people with mental health difficulties. The team supports women and birthing people with difficulties related to Trauma, Loss, and/or Fear during their maternity experience. The service hopes to offer support throughout all aspects of maternity care from pregnancy planning, during pregnancy, and up to 12 months after birth.  Please see the website below or telephone – 0191 569 9698 ext. 4969 Birth ReflectionsAn opportunity to discuss your birth experience with a midwife. The midwife will review your notes prior to the session and answer any queries you may have. Forever Cherished Bereavement SupportThe Bereavement Team is responsible for offering immediate and long-term emotional support, information and practical guidance to those who:·       Experience loss in pregnancy from 14 weeks onwards or in the new born period·       Support during a subsequent pregnancy which can be an anxious time·       Onward referral to Maternal Mental Health Service if required Mini Minds and MeAre you a new Mam with a child under 1 and struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety or stress? NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies offer a psychoeducational class targeted towards improving emotional wellbeing during the perinatal period. The service is effective, confidential and free. Please find more information at on the Sunderland Talking Therapies website below.

This is a six-week course facilitated by two of our practitioners. We will help you develop new  strategies using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you manage any current difficulties.

Mental health in the perinatal period (during pregnancy and the year after birth)

Designed to help reduce anxiety during pregnancy after loss

At Sunderland Talking Therapies we offer a number of therapies, classes and groups to help with a range of common mental health difficulties.

Supporting families through miscarriage, still birth and child loss.

Information around bonding with your baby bump, pregnancy wellbeing, labour and more.

Maternal mental health services, birth reflection and bereavement services

Childbirth is a unique time in a persons life, it may be that during this time your birth didn’t go as you had hoped or expected.

We have a Bereavement Lead Midwife in post, supported by a bereavement team and care is provided 24/7.

New Mam with a child under 1 and struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety or stress?

Welcome to our maternity service.  Our maternity team has lots of experience in what they do.  They will be here for you throughout your pregnancy.  Our aim is to make sure you get excellent care.

Attending your local family hub and engaging in groups and activities can support your child's speech and language development, through play, songs, rhymes, and everyday opportunities. BBC Tiny happy people have great tools to support you talking to your child ages 0-5 years but also offers further understanding around speech and sound development, factors affecting speech and language and speech delay frequently asked questions. Better health start for life also has lots of good tips and advice to help your child learn to talk. Download the Growing Healthy Sunderland 0-19 app today for more tips and support. South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Childrens Speech and Language Therapy Service offer specialist support for children and young people with communication difficulties but also support children with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Please follow the link below for further information.

Speech and language support

Tiny Happy People - Childrens Speech and Language

Tips and activities for children and young people

So, you’re going to be a Dad? Or are you already are one? Congratulations!You will no doubt be feeling nervous and excited, but don’t worry there is plenty of support out there!Check out the links below but also the activities' in your local family hub.

A guide for new fathers from mental health org

Ha'way the dads

DigiDAD is an online E-Learning platform full of father friendly content.

It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.

Tips and advice to help you navigate parenthood and bond with your baby.

DAD info is Europe’s largest advice and support website for fathers.

Online guide to our maternity service.  Our maternity team has lots of experience in what they do.  They will be here for you throughout your pregnancy.

North East Young Dads and Lads Project - Dads care too!

At ANDYSMANCLUB, we want to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives.

Families Information Service

The Max Card is designed to make days out more financially accessible for families of children with additional needs.The card offers free or discounted entry to great attractions. So what is the Max Card?Max Card is a national scheme and its aim is to provide a sense of community through stimulating learning experiences and enjoyable days out for everyone.It is the UK’s leading discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs.  Families simply show their Max Card upon entry to a participating venue in order to obtain free or discounted admission.The scheme is designed to help these families save money on great days out at castles, zoos, bowling alleys and more.To find out which venues are included in the Max Card scheme, visit the Max Card website. How can I obtain a Max Card?If you are a parent/carer of a child with additional needs, and live in Sunderland you simply need to sign your child up to the Disabled Children's Register using the Max Card/Sunderland Disabled Register form (Link below) Max Cards are issued when a parent registers their child or children on the Sunderland Disabled Children Register.  For further assistance please contact Families Information Service either by telephone or email. How can I renew a Max Card?If a family require a card to be renewed, this can be done by using the Max Card renewal form (Link below)

Max Card - Sunderland disabled children's register

Please use this link if you wish to register your child/children on Sunderland Disabled Children's Register for the first time.

If you wish to renew your Max Card, please use this link.

Children’s Occupational Therapy Department

Childrens Occupational Therapy are a specialist service, who work with children and young people aged from birth to 18 years, who are unable to complete the daily occupations they need to, want to or are required to do. Daily life is made up of many occupations such as: · Self-care tasks such as feeding, dressing, bathing and brushing teeth.· Productivity tasks such as handwriting, using scissors and using a ruler.· Leisure activities such as riding a bike and enabling children and young people to be able to play with toys. We work with the child or young person and their family to identify meaningful goals. We complete a range of assessments to identify any barriers to a child’s occupational performance and use graded meaningful activities to maintain, develop and maximise their independence in their daily occupations. Children can be referred to Children’s Occupational Therapy via their Sunderland Royal Hospital Paediatric Consultant. Referrals are accepted for children living in Sunderland with a Sunderland GP.

A guide from occupational therapy service to support dressing skills with your child

A guide from occupational therapy service to support your child using cutlery

A guide from occupational therapy service to support your child's teeth brushing

Childrens Occupational Therapy

Child holding toys with a therapist smiling

Childrens Occupational Therapy - South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

There are several important things to consider when selecting a childcare provider to look after your little charges.   First of all you need to consider the type of childcare provider who can meet your needs: <ul><li>School Nursery - usually care for children from 2 but some only take from 3 up to school age.  They might be privately run or be attached to a school.  They are usually term time only and have shorter hours to match the school day.  </li><li>Day Nursery - cater for children from babies up to school age.  They are usually open all year and have longer opening hours than preschools.  They can be privately run or attached to a school. </li><li>Childminder - care for children at their own homes, usually alongside a small group of other children.  They look after children from babies up to school age and often beyond as they start school. They can usually be flexible with the care they offer to match your needs. </li><li>Nanny - care for children in your home and are employed by you. </li></ul>Once you have decided on your preferred providers, it is advisable to visit them and ask questions about the care provided.   THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR<ul><li>Is the setting welcoming and friendly?</li><li>Is there enough space for your child to move around and be active?</li><li>Do children have plenty of opportunities to access outdoors?</li><li>How is the setting arranged?  Is there a quiet area and room for messy play etc?</li><li>Is it clean, safe and secure?</li><li>Do staff listen, talk and interact appropriately with the children and with each other?</li><li>Do children look engaged and happy?</li><li>How interested are the children in the activities and resources on offer?</li><li>Do the staff welcome your questions?</li><li>Do they appear to value your knowledge of your child? </li></ul>QUESTIONS YOU COULD THINK ABOUT ASKINGGeneral<ul><li>Do you offer / plan to offer funded childcare from 9 months old / two / three and four year olds? </li><li>Do you offer funded childcare all year round or term time only?</li><li>What are your opening times and holiday dates?</li><li>What happens if my child is absent due to sickness / holiday etc. do I still pay?</li><li>What happens if the setting is closed due to sickness / bank holidays etc. do I still pay? </li><li>What happens if my child arrives late?</li><li>Do you accept same day bookings? If so is there a cut off time / additional charges?</li><li>How many children do you look after at any one time? </li><li>What is the adult to child ratio? (2 year old ratios in nurseries can be flexible so some settings may have 1:4 whilst others 1:5)</li><li>How are activities chosen?</li><li>Can children choose their own activities?</li><li>How will you keep me informed about my child's progress?</li><li>How will my child's individual needs be met? </li><li>How will you respond to my child's interests?</li><li>How does the key person system work in the setting?</li><li>What can I do to support my child's learning and development?</li><li>What qualifications and experience do staff have? </li></ul>Children with additional needs<ul><li>Who is the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)?</li><li>Is it possible to meet the SENCo today? </li><li>How will I be able to meet with / talk to the SENCo?</li><li>Could I have a copy of the SEN policy?</li><li>Does the SENCo have any additional qualifications?</li><li>Will staff be trained to meet my child's needs?</li><li>Is the building accessible, with wheelchair access, wide doors, ramps and toilets?</li><li>How will my child's diet be catered for?</li><li>How will my child be helped to settle in?</li></ul>Costs<ul><li>Do you require a deposit? </li><li>Is it refunded from the first month's fee?</li><li>What are the hourly / sessional / daily rates?</li><li>How do I pay?</li><li>Do you accept Tax Free Childcare / Childcare Vouchers / student finance?</li><li>Do you take payment in advance or in arrears?  Is this weekly / monthly / half termly?</li><li>What happens if my child is absent due to sickness / holiday etc. do I still pay? </li><li>What happens if the setting is closed due to sickness / bank holidays etc. do I still pay? </li></ul>Welfare<ul><li>How will you keep my child safe? </li><li>What happens if my child is ill or can't attend?</li><li>What meals / menus are offered?  Is there a choice? </li><li>How are allergies / dietary requirements catered for?</li><li>Is water readily available? </li><li>Do you provide snacks? </li><li>Is there an area my child can sleep / rest if needed? </li><li>What is your policy on:<ul><li>Sleep</li><li>Health and Safety</li><li>Safeguarding and child protection</li><li>Complaints</li><li>Behaviour management</li><li>Equality</li><li>Administering medication</li><li>Accidents and injuries</li><li>Risk assessment</li></ul></li><li>What is your settling in process for new children? </li></ul>

Choosing a childcare provider

Parenting and relationships team

We know parenting isn't always easy and family life has lots of challenges along the way. If you're finding things at home tough we are here to help through our Achieving Better Connections (ABC) sessions for parents / carers. ABC: These are weekly sessions for 2 hours for 6 weeks and will cover the following topics, Good Enough Parenting, Healthy Child Development, Emotional Resilience, Family Values and Healthy Boundaries and Safer Communities. If you would like a snap shot of the ABC sessions please access the links in the service section. Following completion of the ABC sessions we have additional sessions, called Bolt Ons, that can be accessed following a discussion with the facilitator.  Bolt on's to these sessions are: ·       ASD·       ADHD·       Violent and Aggressive Behaviour (VAB) The bolt on's have been created to support parents/carers with children who have additional needs or requiring further support.  The ADHD and ASD bolt on's focus upon understanding the diagnosis with tailored support and advice.  The VAB bolt on focuses upon understanding challenging behaviour, what increases the risk and how to de-escalate situations. ABC Snapshots: The Snapshots provide an overview of the information from the Achieving Better Connections (ABC) sessions which are available, for free, within your local Family Hub.The Snapshots contain a short presentation that can be read or listened to from the comfort of your own home.  The Snapshots provide information around building relationships, child development and emotional resilience and how we as parents can support our children in their journey to adulthood.

Parenting and Relationships

Support around your relationship and online learning

Reception

New to the UK or from all ethnic minority backgrounds and not sure what support is available? contact Winnibell Family Hub for advice and support, we support all families including those with no recourse to public funds, you are able to access our services.

Information for families from all ethnic minority backgrounds

ICOS exists to improve the quality of life of BME people in the North East and to enhance community cohesion and intercultural understanding in this area.

Helping to improve the lives of asylum seeking and refugee community of Sunderland.

SACA is a Global Majority Background (GMB) led organisation that serves African communities in Sunderland. Their services include providing support and development, promotion of African Heritage.

Providing holistic support to the African community living in the City of Sunderland

We raise community Agents of Change and transform lives through love. We aim to support everyone especially people from the GMB, transient student community and residents within the city.

BBC Tiny Happy People can help you develop your child’s language and communication skills, so they get the best start in life.They’ll show you why and how you can bond with your child, before they’re born and throughout their early lives – it’s never too early to start.Ideas and activities are easy to build into your daily routine. They’re quick and inspiring, but they’re also based on expert advice and evidence, and are proven to help your child’s development.

BBC Tiny Happy People

Tips and advice on a whole range of parenting topics.

Activity inspiration for all ages, discover and try everyday activities to support your child's language.

Relatable parenting stories, fun videos and quizzes to try if you have five minutes to yourself!

Find out about your child's brain development and how they come to understand the world.

Help and advice about alcohol and drugs for young people, parents or carers.

Support around drug and alcohol use

Information, advice and support for young people

Information, advice and support for parents and carers

Information advice and signposting via links for life Sunderland

Support service for young people up to 18 years or 25 years with care experienced

Change grow live service for adults, support around drug and alcohol use