Sunderland's Family Hubs

SEND Local Offer

Sunderland

Blind Children UK is the leading charity for children and young people with sight loss.  They help children and their families tackle the challenges of young sight loss so that they can enjoy their childhood and realise their potential as adults. They believe that no child should feel isolated and afraid or be deprived of a full life just because they can't see.  They help children and young adults with sight loss to be all they can be, and to live as independently as possible. The services they deliver support children - and their families too - right from birth through to young adulthood. Their aim is to enable the whole family live life to the full, so they also give parents tools they can use to help their children reach educational and recreational goals.   Services available - Movement Matters - provides training to help blind children and young people get around safely and independently.  Movement Matters also teaches important life skills such as handling money and preparing food. These vital services are delivered by qualified Habilitation Specialists, who work shoulder-to-shoulder with other organisations, including local authorities.  Family Support - The Family Support Team gives the families of children with visual impairment emotional and practical support, advice and information.  They also advise and work with other professionals and organisations. Education Support - The Education Support Team is on hand to help children and young people with sight loss to get the best from their education.  The support they offer is particularly valuable to help children move smoothly and confidently from one stage of education to another. They can assist with identifying a suitable nursery, school or college, and provide confidential advice around a child's statutory rights.  They explain complex terms and help with processes and forms.  They are also experiences at liaising with professionals on families' behalf and acting as expert witnesses. Technology - The Access Technology Team gives advice on choosing the most appropriate technology and sensory equipment to help children with a vision impairment study and play.  They also offer a grants programme that allows families to apply for recommended items they otherwise wouldn't be able to access. CustomEyes® Books - Blind Children UK's CustomEyes® service produces large print books for children with vision impairment.  These are tailor-made for each child or young person, but we only charge the recommended retail price.

Blind Children UK

Children’s Hearing Assessment Children's Hearing Assessment clinics are available at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Washington Health Centre and Palmer Community Hospital. There is direct access hearing assessment for children under 5 years of age (and separately for 5 to 18 years). If there is concern regarding hearing at or shortly after birth, check the outcome of New-born Hearing Screen and if appropriate refer urgently (assessment is more likely to be successful if undertaken within first 12 weeks of life). Please contact the Audiology service if advice is required. This is an Audiologist led service undertaken by a professional with a British Academy of Audiology HTS qualification or equivalent in paediatric hearing assessment. Routine appointments are 30 min in duration and include relevant history, briefing of parents, appropriate behavioural audiological assessment, debrief of parents. For infants under 6 months of age a more specialised assessment is required and appointments may be up to 120 min. Following the assessment a parent/family friendly report is produced and copied to appropriate professionals. The outcome of the assessment may include discharge from service, monitoring of mild hearing loss, provision of amplification (hearing aids) and onward referral to an Ear Nose and Throat Consultant. Children’s Hearing Aid ServiceChildren's Hearing Aid clinics are available at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Washington Health Centre and Palmer Community Hospital. This is an Audiologist led service undertaken by a professional with a British Academy of Audiology HTS qualification or equivalent in paediatric hearing assessment / habilitation. Routine appointments are 60-90 min in duration and include relevant history, appropriate audiological assessment, prescription and verification of hearing aids, evaluation and arrangements for review. High quality digital sound processing hearing aids are used and real ear measurement is used to accurately prescribe them to children. A regular review of provision is provided as well as a booked repair service for maintenance.There are specialist clinics for the provision of FM/remote microphone technology and for child-adult transition services. Support clinics are also provided in the school environment.Following the assessment a parent/family friendly report is produced and copied to appropriate professionals. Criteria for accessReferrals for Children’s Hearing Assessment are via Choose and Book or by GP/Professional referral. Universal servicesPaediatric Hearing Assessment Clinics, Paediatric Rehabilitation Clinics, Paediatric Hearing Aid Repair Clinics, Child-Adult Transition Services, Paediatric Hearing Aid Support Clinics in Schools. Specialist servicesBone Conduction Hearing Aids

Children's Hearing Services

As well as services to adults, Guide Dogs provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted children and young people. They have over 20 years' experience supporting children and young people with vision impairment. Guide dogs - They have now removed the lower age limit for guide dog ownership and are working with children and young people under the age of 16. Further information about the children and young people's guide dog service is available by visiting the website. Buddy dogs - are guide dogs that haven't qualified to work as mobility assistance dogs but can improve the quality of life of blind and partially sighted children and young people by contributing to sensory and physical development, enhancing their confidence and self-esteem, countering isolation and depression, increasing levels of exercise and improving their communication and mobility skills.  In some cases as buddy dog can help to assess whether a young person could benefit from a guide dog in the future. Please visit our website for more details.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Transition Nurses work in Sunderland and offer health needs assessments and support to young people with a learning disability and complex healthcare needs to make the transition from child to adult acute health services.We have a key role in liaising with other health professionals and agencies to ensure that the healthcare received by the young person throughout the transition process is co-ordinated and uninterrupted.What do we mean by "transition"?Transition refers to the ages 14 to 25 years, at which time young people with disabilities (learning and/or physical) will have moved seamlessly into adult life with all relevant arrangements in place.What we might do:The transition process begins with the Year 9 review at school; we will usually attend and assess the young person.After assessment we will decide how we can help the young person and their families/carers through completion of a Health Action Plan, if the young person wants one, and (if appropriate) development of a Health Transition Plan as part of their broader Education Health and Care plan.Support we might give:<ul><li>Screening</li><li>Assessment, the level of assessment will depend on complexity of need</li><li>Signposting and/or referral to appropriate agencies</li><li>Co-ordination</li><li>Monitoring and tracking</li><li>Consultation/advisory role</li><li>Support/guidance</li><li>Information giving</li><li>Task centred work with individuals</li><li>Build up a therapeutic relationship with young person and their family/carer</li></ul>Working with othersTransition Nurses work collaboratively with a range of health professionals and other agencies in order to co-ordinate person centred healthcare as young people move from one service to another.The can include:<ul><li>Schools</li><li>Services for Disabled Children</li><li>Adult Services</li><li>Connexions</li><li>City Hospitals Sunderland</li><li>Acute Services Learning Disability Liaison Nurse</li></ul>The Sunderland Action For Health website provides useful information for people with learning disabilities, their carers and health professionals.

Health Transition Nursing Team

At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. Yet in a recent survey, almost 60% of adults felt there was a lack of support for sleep issues. Sleep problems can leave people feeling isolated and lonely. Our free helpline is run by trained sleep advisors, many of whom are specialists in working with SEND. We can talk to young people directly, or parents (we can also talk to adults, including older people, about their sleep issues). The helpline is open 5 times a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9pm, and Monday, Wednesday mornings 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541. You can read more at the National Sleep Helpline website.

Our sleep practitioners have specialist training in working with SEND children, many have professional qualifications as health visitors, nurses or teachers.

National Sleep Helpline

Nexus in partnership with bus operators and the 5 local authorities in Tyne and Wear have introduced the Bridge Card to help anyone who may need additional support whilst travelling. If you have difficulty using public transport because of age, disability, illness, or you simply lack confidence, you can carry a Bridge Card. When you show the card to transport staff they will recognise that you may need extra help during your journey. You don’t have to register for the scheme you just have to carry a card and show it to transport staff if you need help. They can indicate whether you have a visual or hearing impairment, if requested. What kind of things can the card help you with?<ul><li>You might just need time to find a seat before the vehicle moves off</li><li>You may have difficulty remembering the place you have to get off</li><li>Sometimes you may get into special difficulty, like getting on the wrong bus or Metro</li></ul>Here are some of the things transport staff can do to help:<ul><li>Count out money or change</li><li>Check that you know where you are going and what stop to get off</li><li>Tell you when you have arrived at the place you are travelling to</li><li>Allow time for you to sit down on a seat before moving off</li><li>Tell you information about your journey rather than giving you a written timetable</li><li>Use bus stop bays to make it easier for you to get on and off</li><li>Operate special equipment like ramps</li></ul>

Nexus Bridge Card

The Nutrition and Dietetic service provides intervention for children and their families / carers for any diet related or nutritional issues.  The Paediatric Team is based at Sunderland Royal Hospital and is part of a wider dietetic service. Criteria for accessReferrals are accepted from all healthcare professionals for children under the age of 19 years.  When a referral does not meet the criteria for the Paediatric Team, interventions may be offered from the Adult Team.Referrals are taken from:<ul><li>Consultants</li><li>GP's</li></ul>For Specialist Childhood Weight Management Service:<ul><li>LAF</li><li>Self-referral via LAF</li><li>School Nurse</li><li>GP's</li><li>Social Worker</li><li>Consultant</li></ul>Universal ServicesThe Paediatric Team offers a universal service to all children who require support with their diet or nutrition.  The Paediatric Team provides advice and support for both inpatients and outpatients in Sunderland. Targeted servicesThe Nutrition and Dietetic service is commissioned to deliver a specialist weight management service for children and their families / carers who are over a healthy weight.  This service works in partnership with the Local Authority.  Specialist servicesThe Paediatric Team is able to offer dietetic intervention for all medical conditions.  All referrals are triaged to ensure children are seen by the most appropriate Dietitian. Children with the following conditions may be seen by a Dietitian.<ul><li>Autism</li><li>Cerebral Palsy</li><li>Neuro-disability</li><li>ADHD</li><li>Inherited metabolic conditions / genetic mutations</li><li>Ex-premature infants / children</li></ul>This list is not exhaustive and other medical conditions not lister here may require dietetic support. Dietitians work with other agencies including health, social and community staff<ul><li>Multi-Disciplinary Team: Nurses, Doctors, Physio, Occupational Therapist, Health Care Assistants</li><li>Ward staff</li><li>Consultants</li><li>Specialist School Nurses</li><li>GP's</li><li>School nurses</li><li>Health Visitors</li><li>School Meals (Council, school meals dietitian, head teacher/staff)</li><li>Social Workers</li><li>Early Help Advice Teams</li><li>Foster carers</li><li>Special guardians</li></ul>Paediatric Dietitians working together in partnership for an individual child/young person.<ul><li>Team Around the Family</li><li>Child in Need</li><li>Child Protection Plan</li><li>Multi-Disciplinary Team</li><li>Discharge planning meetings</li><li>Professionals meetings</li></ul>Targeted services<ul><li>The Nutrition and Dietetic service is commissioned to deliver a specialist weight management service for children and their families / carers who are of an unhealthy weight.  This service works in partnership with the Local Authority.</li></ul><ul><li>Assessment and Treatment</li></ul><ul><li>Tailored to individual needs of the individual child and their family.</li></ul><ul><li>Process for Assessing Needs</li></ul><ul><li>Diagnosis is made prior to referral to the service.</li></ul><ul><li>Any concerns raised by family that may be raised during consultation are fed back to the referrer for further assessment or referral on to other services.</li></ul>Risk AssessmentsEach individual child is risk-assessed on an informal basis. No formal assessments for other conditions at present.

Nutrition and Dietetics

One Place, Your Space (OPYS) funded by the National Lottery The project offers: counselling for adult family carers who care for someone aged 25 or under with a disability; disabled children and young people aged 25 or under; non disabled siblings aged under 18.  Also offers training in holistic treatments for adult family carers in order for them to offer the treatment to their disabled child.

One Place, Your Space - Grace House North East

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity supports seriously ill children and their families in the family home and local community. Families who have a child or young person up to the age of 18 with a life threatening or terminal condition (for example cancer, some neurological conditions, babies in neonatal intensive care) are eligible and referrals can come from any source. We enable families to manage everyday life while caring for a sick child and to make the most of time together; providing expert, practical and emotional support via a Family Support Worker. Families have complete choice about the type of support they receive, wherever and whenever they need it. Rainbow Trust’s support can include short breaks from caring, family activity days, drop-in groups, support with hospital visits, including transport to and from appointments, support for siblings and bereavement support. To find out more about the services available in your area, please contact Fiona Walker, 0191 300 1601.

SummaryRainbow Trust Children’s Charity supports seriously ill children and their families in the family home and local community. Families who have a child or young person up to the age of 18 with a life threatening or terminal condition (for example cancer, some neurological conditions, babies in neonatal intensive care) are eligible and referrals can come from any source. We enable families to manage everyday life while caring for a sick child and to make the most of time together; providing expert, practical and emotional support via a Family Support Worker. Families have complete choice about the type of support they receive - wherever and whenever they need it. Rainbow Trust’s support can include short breaks from caring, family activity days, drop-in groups, support with hospital visits, including transport to and from appointments, support for siblings and bereavement support. To find out more about the services available in your area, please contact Fiona Walker, 0191 300 1601.  Our SupportRainbow Trust pairs each family with a dedicated expert Family Support Worker. Services are tailored to the individual needs of each family member, including the sick child, parents, siblings, grandparents and extended family. Support includes:<ul><li>Providing short breaks for the sick child and siblings, which may include drop-in groups, family days, trips out or fun activities at home</li><li>Spending time with the ill child at hospital or home</li><li>Accompanying and supporting parents and their child during clinic and hospital visits; providing transport to hospital</li><li>Helping maintain normality in the home by working with and caring for siblings, to ensure usual activities are continued</li><li>Siblings may be supported through one-to-one sessions, help getting to school or with homework, regular sibling groups and school holiday events and activities</li><li>Providing practical support with household chores to help families manage day to day life</li><li>Providing emotional support</li><li>Providing end-of-life care and bereavement support.</li></ul> Support is generally available from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm, frequency and duration depending on family choice and needs. Rainbow Trust operates a 24-hour service for families in crisis, which includes a 24-hour dedicated on call number, and the possibility of extended hours of family support during weekdays and weekends.

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity

Providing awareness and support for adults who have dyslexia and assisting adults where this is causing barriers in their daily life, such as finding work, liaising with professionals, engaging with their children and other family members. Criteria for accessLive in Sunderland area and experience barriers because of dyslexia. Diagnosis not essential. Universal servicesLiaising on behalf of or supporting a person with contacting other agencies to seek any additional support needed. Signposting to other appropriate agencies with whom we are partners. Targeted services 1-1 Tailored support to adults who experience dyslexia, for example:<ul><li>Dyslexia awareness</li><li>Literacy skills</li><li>Confidence building</li><li>Self esteem</li><li>Coping strategies</li><li>Support in preparing for work, job searching or further training</li><li>Liaising with professionals</li></ul>Specialist servicesOffering free dyslexia awareness training and advice to professionals, volunteer staff, local agencies and other organisations, who work with people who may have dyslexia.

Social Inclusion and Dyslexia Project (SID)

Social Inclusion and Dyslexia Project (SID) Logo

The Physiotherapy Service is part of Children’s Integrated Therapies (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy &amp; Speech and Language Therapy services). Physiotherapists aim to facilitate optimum independence and quality of life in children who have been affected by illness, injury or disability through movement and exercise, education and advice. Physiotherapists enable and encourage development to optimise function.  Our Team:Our team is made up of Specialist Physiotherapists, Technical Instructors and Physiotherapy Assistants who work with children. We have expert knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate care and education and to encourage family involvement. We are based at a specialist Children’s Centre, with services provided within outpatients, community, educational setting (mainstream and specialist schools). Children’s physiotherapists treat babies, children and young people with a wide range of conditions. Physiotherapy input is based upon the assessment of the child’s needs. Physiotherapy would usually be beneficial for the conditions outlined below and, if required, we would advise you to contact your GP or Consultant regarding referral into our service. Conditions seen by the Paediatric Physiotherapy Service could include:Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic ConditionsNeurodevelopmental Conditions &amp; Developmental DelayNeurological ConditionsDevelopmental Coordination DisorderChronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)Neonatal High Risk Babies What to expect from the Physiotherapy service:Following acceptance of the referral, the child will be offered an appointment for an initial assessment. After initial assessment and discussion with the child and family, physiotherapy will be offered according to your child’s needs. Physiotherapists work closely with the other appropriate professionals that are involved in the care of your child depending on the needs of the child and family. This could include professionals from a range of settings including health, education and social care. Who can access our service:Any child aged 0-19 living in our catchment area experiencing a range of physical, functional and / or developmental difficulties can be referred by their GP or Consultant (referral guidelines and referral form are available from the department and all referrals are triaged before being accepted for assessment).  If referred for a musculoskeletal condition we see children aged 0-16 years.

Sunderland Children's Physiotherapy Service

Full Ophthalmology service providing for all ophthalmic conditions with the exception of ophthalmic oncology / retinal blastoma.  We cater for all ages from birth onwards.  Criteria for accessAll patients suffering from an ophthalmic related condition whether referred electively or as an emergency via our A&amp;E department.  Please visit our website for more details.

Sunderland Eye Infirmary Ophthalmology

Together for Children's SEND Team carries out the statutory functions on behalf of the Local Authority in relation to Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).The team:<ul><li>delivers the Council's statutory responsibilities for SEND in relation to the legislation, regulations, statutory and non-statutory guidance contained in the Children and Families Act 2014, The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, the Special Educational Needs (Personal Budgets) Regulations 2014 and Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 - 25 years. </li><li>co-ordinates, administers and manages the statutory EHC needs assessment of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)</li><li>co-ordinate and share summative assessment</li><li>produce EHCPs arranging provision and placement for children &amp; young people, with appropriate resources, in line with their EHCPs</li><li>co-ordinate the annual review process of EHCPs across all educational settings, including schools and colleges</li><li>manage and facilitate the process of parental appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) representing the Local Authority at appeal hearings</li><li>provides information, advice and guidance to parents, carers and school and other key partners on the statutory processes regarding EHCPs, annual reviews and other matters relating to SEND in line with the SEND Code of Practice: 0 - 25 and other legislation and regulations regarding SEND</li></ul>Criteria for access The eligibility criteria to be considered for an EHC (Education, Health and Care) needs assessment and be considered for an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) refers to Section 36(8) of the Education Act 1996 'The Local authority must secure an EHC assessment for a child or young person if, after having regard to any views expressed and evidence submitted under subsection (7), the authority is of the opinion that:<ul><li>the child or young person has or may have special educational needs</li><li>it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made for the child or young person in accordance with an EHC plan'  </li></ul>A referral is usually made by the school or other setting requesting that the Local Authority consider whether or not to carry out an EHC needs assessment for your child.A referral can also be made by a parent requesting the Local Authority to consider whether or not to carry out an EHC needs assessment for your child. A referral may be made by a young person over the age of 16 but under the age of 25.In addition, anyone else can bring a child or young person who has (or may have) SEN to the attention of the Local Authority, particularly where they think an EHC needs assessment may be necessary.  This could include, for example, foster carers, health and social care professionals, early years practitioners, youth offending teams or probation services, those responsible for education in custody, school or college staff or a family friend. When the Local Authority considers whether or not an EHC needs assessment is necessary the decision is made in line with the following principle legislation, regulations and guidance:Section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014; and regulations 3, 4 and 5 of the SEND Regulations 2014 and Including All Children and Young People: Guidance for Implementing the SEND Code of Practice: 0 - 25, 2014 Further information regarding EHC needs assessment and EHCPs can be found in the Special Educational Needs &amp; Disability Code of Practice: 0 - 25 years. Referral forms can be accessed from the Local Offer site. Universal services Advice regarding the SEND process is available to all schools, colleges, parents and young people from the SEND Team.  The service can also be contacted by email. Specialist services The service is for those children and young people who are identified as having SEND.  Therefore, the Local Authority must conduct an assessment of EHC needs when it considers that it may be necessary for special Educational Provision to be made for the child or young person in accordance with an EHC Plan.

Together for Children - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team

Together for Children's Early Help service works closely with schools, health visitors and families in Sunderland to provide the right level of support at the right time for families.They will support you with any concerns about your child or children, your family or home circumstances.  It could be around behaviour, problems at school, housing, debt, routines and boundaries or other difficulties. Their support means families can manage their own lives and find solutions to their problems.  Getting help early helps prevent little concerns from becoming big concerns. Why use Early Help?Being a parent or carer is one of the most important jobs there is and it is also one of the hardest.  Parents and carers are key to giving children a happy, stable childhood.  If one person in a family has a problem, it might be a child young person or adult, then the whole family are often affected.  If the whole family are supported it's more likely things will improve. How can I find out more?<ul><li>Telephone Early Help on 0191 561 4084</li><li> </li><li>Talk to your health visitor, school or anyone currently working with your family.</li><li> </li><li>Download the Early Help guide attached </li></ul>

Together for Children Sunderland - Early Help

Counselling for young people aged between 13-25 years, who live in Hetton, Houghton, Sunderland and Washington. We engage in active participation with young people to ensure that the service meets their needs. Young people can self-refer, thus providing choice and increased accessibility, allowing for timely access and service provision within non-stigmatising environments. We also provide consultation, group work, and training which incorporates early intervention preventative work for children and young people. We work in partnership with services to support young people within the broader context of their health. Criteria for access Young people aged between 13-19 years, living in the city of Sunderland who are experiencing emotional distress. Universal services Consultation, group work, training Targeted servicesCounselling and groupwork

Washington Mind Young People's Project

Washington Mind Young People's Project Logo

The WellbeingInfo Website has been created to promote ideas and resources to encourage wellbeing in and around Sunderland and South Tyneside.  You can make your way through their website, clicking on options and exploring the information and the directory of services that are available. The information has been structured in such a way that you can easily access the services you need … either by location … or desired service. This online guide was borne out of printed hardcopy guides which Washington Mind developed for the Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside areas.  The latest editions of these guides can be accessed from the website. Please visit our website for more details.

WellbeingInfo

We offer accommodation, support and education to the homeless aged 16 to 35 in a residential project and in dispersed outreach properties across the City.  There is also an on-site training and computer suite and an offer of a Job Club, Employability and Work Ready courses, issue based drop-in sessions, including sexual health sessions, peer education etc and also a Volunteer Project.  We also facilitate a multi-agency drug and alcohol clinic, undertake family mediation and various accredited and unaccredited educational courses at all levels. Criteria for access Anyone aged over the age of 16, homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless and able to claim Housing Benefit Allowance. Please visit our website for more details.

YMCA Sunderland

The service provides support to children and young people aged 4 to 18 years who have been victims of any crime, including but not limited to bullying, racism and all non-violent and violent crimes.  This also includes children and young people who have been affected by Domestic Abuse or Relationship Abuse.  Providing one to one support for these children and young people, using a tailored individual action and support plan to help reduce the risks to the child, increase the support around them and increase their resilience levels.  The project will provide an holistic, multi-agency approach to ensure the right people are involved in the support of the child. Workshops and awareness sessions are held in schools and youth organisations.  The workshops will seek to address issues such as safety, safe relationships, domestic abuse, bullying and e-safety.  The sessions will be specifically designed with and for the organisation, dealing with the issues they see as the most important to them and the children they work with.  The main aim of the workshops is installing confidence in the young people to come forward and seek help after being victims of crime. Criteria for access Any child or young person who has been a victim of crime.  If the project does not have the capacity to support all referrals, priority will be given to those children and young people who meet the following criteria:<ul><li>Referrals from the most marginalised groups who may not access mainstream services including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gender, black minority ethnic and disabled young people.</li><li>Children and young people most at risk of repeat victimisation or harm</li><li>Children and young people who are experiencing / have experienced the most serious crime.</li></ul> Universal services Support for young victims and witnesses of core crime.