Support for Parents

Find practical resources below to support you and your child at home.
Click on names for links to websites.

Local Support 

There are many support groups for parents of children with special needs available locally and a full directory can be accessed via the Solihull Family Information Service.

Tel: 0800 389 8667
Web: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/children-and-families

Family Helpline now available for Solihull families - click on the link or call 0121 788 4327 
For advice and support on parenting, child development, and managing family issues. It is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

Solihull SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service)

The vision for our Solihull SENDIAS Service is that children and young people with SEND, and their parents/carers, will be more aware of their entitlement and the options available, and will be able to make informed decisions. Information, advice and support for children and young people with SEND and their parents/carers will be impartial, free to access, accurate, confidential, comprehensive and easily accessible/understandable.

Solihull Parent/Carer Voice  are independent parent carers working together to raise awareness and improve outcomes for all children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND 0-25). They work with organisations that provide services for our families. We are completely independent of the Local Council and Health services which lets us share the experiences and ideas of parent carers, giving them a voice and effect positive change.

SASSI (Solihull Autistic Spectrum Support and Information)

The group provides an opportunity to talk to parents in the same situation and talk informally to a variety of professionals. The group have monthly meetings locally on a range of subjects suggested by parents.

Autism West Midlands

We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people on the autism spectrum. We use our expertise to enrich the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support.

National Support 

Autism Education Trust (AET)

Resources and support for parents and carers of children with Autism.

Dyspraxia Foundation

The group provides information and support to families of children with Dyspraxia.

British Dyslexia Association

Provides information and support to families of children with Dyslexia.

Dyslexia Information Centre

This centre offers books, guides and equipment for children and young adults with Dyslexia.

Scope Face 2 Face

This scheme offers parents a chance to connect with other parents of disabled children for emotional and practical support.

NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society)

We are the National Deaf Children’s Society, the leading charity for deaf children. We’re here for every deaf child who needs us – no matter what their level or type of deafness or how they communicate.

Down's Syndrome Association

Children and adults with Down’s syndrome are all unique individuals with their own personalities, family backgrounds and preferences that make them who they are. Here you will find answers to questions that we are often asked about Down’s syndrome.

Down Syndrome UK is a  parent-led organisation providing honest support and expert resources to families and professionals, empowering every child with Down Syndrome to thrive.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families 

Supporting children and families with mental health.

Winston’s Wish

Charity supporting childhood bereavement

Speech and Language UK

We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. If you're concerned about your child's speech and language development, we can help.

Makaton 

Makaton has been shown to be useful for all sorts of people including those who struggle with understanding concepts, those who have poor literacy skills, including grammatical knowledge, and those with English as an Additional Language. By using Makaton, children and adults can take a more active part in life, because communication and language are the key to everything we do and learn.

Young Minds Parents Guide to ADHD

If your child has ADHD, or you think they might, we have information on professional help and diagnosis. We've also got practical advice on supporting them with their ADHD and mental health.

Dyspraxia Foundation

Find practical strategies you can use to support your child with dyspraxia. 

ERIC is the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. They offer advice and support for toileting children and additional support for toileting those who have additional needs.

Caudwell Children 

Caudwell Children exists to make life fair for disabled and autistic children.

To change the world so that disabled and autistic children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve.

Useful Links