Find help and support services for parents and carers and learn about Government benefits for children and young people with disabilities.
On this page
- Parent or carer support services
- Government benefits for children and young people with SEND
- Get help with applying for benefits
Parent or carer support services
These local services can refer parents or carers and young people to a wide range of community support and practical advice.
Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum (Notts PCF)
Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum (Notts PCF) is an independent parent carer led organisation run by volunteers. Notts PCF represent the views, experiences and ideas of families that live or access services in Nottinghamshire and have a child or young person with an additional need or a disability.
Notts PCF is an important source of information regarding the SEND offer in Nottinghamshire for parents or carers.
Find out more on the Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum (Notts PCF)
Early Help Unit
The Early Help Unit provides a central contact point for families wanting to access early help services in Nottinghamshire. They can provide information and advice. They accept referrals on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council's early help services as well as signpost to non-council services.
The opening hours of the Early Help Unit are 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
- telephone: 0115 8041248
- email early.help@nottscc.gov.uk
For more information, go to the Early Help Unit directory listing
Family Hub Network
Family Hubs are where local families with young children can go to enjoy facilities and receive support they need. Sometimes support may be offered in the home.
The facilities and activities are designed especially for parents expecting a baby, or those with under 5's. The staff are fully trained to deal with individual needs a child might have, and work with many partners to ensure they can support families in whatever area they need.
Go to our Family Hub Networks information page
Council for Disabled Children (CDC)
The Council for Disabled Children (CDC) is the umbrella body for the disabled children’s sector bringing together professionals, practitioners and policy makers. They have over 250 member organisations across the country. They represent the full diversity of the disability sector. The CDC has helpful resources for parents or carers.
Visit the Council for Disabled Children website
Ask Us Nottinghamshire
Ask Us Nottinghamshire offer support services for parents or carers of children and young people with SEND, including:
- a telephone helpline
- face-to-face support
- in-depth casework support for parents including attendance at education-related meetings
- support to request EHC Needs Assessment and with the EHCP process and appeals
- advice and support relating to exclusions of children/young people with SEND.
Contact Ask Us Nottinghamshire by:
- telephone: 0800 1217772
- email: enquiries@askusnotts.org.uk
Find out more on the Ask Us Nottinghamshire website
TuVida (East Midlands)
The Nottinghamshire Carers Hub, delivered through TuVida East Midlands, provides timely personalised information and support for residents of both the County and the City. This includes:
- information, advice and guidance
- signposting to other organisations and services
- access to carers groups and drop-ins
- peer support
- access to carers grants
- free training and caring support.
Find out more on the TuVida website
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
The MASH is the county’s first point of contact for new safeguarding concerns and has significantly improved the sharing of information between agencies, helping to protect the most vulnerable children and adults from harm, neglect and abuse.
Contact the MASH team by:
- telephone: 0300 500 80 90
- fax: 01623 48329
Report a concern to the MASH
If you have a concern you would like to report about a child or adult, use one of these online forms on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.
If you wish to report a concern by phone anonymously, please contact us on 0300 500 80 90.
In an emergency, outside of office hours, please call our emergency duty team on 0300 456 4546.
Opening Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30am to 5pm
- Wednesday 10:30am to 5pm
- Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
For more information, visit Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) (Nottinghamshire County Council)
Government benefits for children and young people with SEND
Find out about Government benefits available for the parents or carers of children and young people with disabilities.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:
- is under 16
- has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability.
They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements available through the GOV.UK website.
Read more at Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children (GOV.UK)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is for young people or young adults over aged 16. PIP may help with some of the extra costs caused by long term ill-health or disability.
Individuals are assessed by a health professional to determine the support level. This is regularly reviewed to ensure that individuals receive the right level of support.
They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements available through the GOV.UK website.
Read more at Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (GOV.UK)
Get help with applying for benefits
In addition to guidance on the Government website, there are local and national support groups who can help you with applications for benefits.
Welfare benefit application support
Nottinghamshire County Council provide more information on benefits available to residents, including Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Find out more at benefits advice and information (Nottinghamshire County Council)
SEND Local Offer - Money and personal budgets
The SEND Local offer's Money and Personal Budget page has information and guidance on financial matters, including welfare rights and personal budgets.
Visit the SEND Local Offer - Money and Personal Budgets information page
The Contact charity
The Contact for Families with Disabled Children charity supports families with the best possible guidance and information, whatever their child’s disability. Visit their website to find more about:
Citizen's Advice
Citizens Advice also provide advice on rights, including benefits and financial support.