External Support Hub

1. IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)
   Free, legally-based advice and resources for families of children with special educational needs (SEN).
2. SEND Local Offer
   Guidance on accessing local services and support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).You can find your local SEND office on the WellChild website.
3. Contact
   Support for families of children with disabilities, including advice on education, healthcare, and benefits.
4. Council for Disabled Children (CDC)
   Resources for families and professionals on children’s rights, education, and healthcare.
5. Together for Short Lives Education Resources
   Practical guidance for ensuring children with complex medical needs receive appropriate education support.
6. National Autistic Society (NAS)
   Support for children and families navigating education with autism or additional needs.
7. The Education Hub (Department for Education)
   Official advice and updates from the Department for Education on school policies and resources.
8. YoungMinds
   Mental health resources to support children navigating school life while managing medical conditions.
9. Family Fund
   Provides grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children, including educational tools and equipment.
10. Coram Children’s Legal Centre (Education Rights)
    Legal advice for parents regarding school placements, education plans, and disputes.

1. Turn2Us
   Access grants and financial support tailored to your needs.
2. MoneyHelper
   Guidance on budgeting, debt management, and financial planning.
3. Citizens Advice Financial Help
   Free advice on managing money and accessing benefits.
4. Family Fund
   Grants to support families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
5. Together for Short Lives Financial Guidance
   Resources for financial entitlements and support for complex health needs.
6. GOV.UK Benefits and Financial Help
   Comprehensive information on benefits and financial aid in the UK.
7. The Elifar Foundation
   Financial grants for equipment and services to enhance the quality of life for children with severe disabilities. 
8. Caudwell Children
   Offers financial support and grants for therapy, equipment, and other essential needs for children with complex health needs.
9. Scope Disability Grants and Funding
   Provides financial resources and advice for disabled children and their families.

1. Citizens Advice Legal Help
   Free and confidential advice on legal matters, including housing, employment, and family law.
2. LawWorks
   Pro bono legal advice and representation for individuals and families unable to afford private legal services.
3. Coram Children’s Legal Centre
   Free legal advice and information for families and children, including healthcare rights and education law.
4. Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)
   Guidance on discrimination law and how to address unfair treatment.
5. The Legal Aid Agency (GOV.UK)
   Information on eligibility for legal aid and how to apply for free or subsidised legal representation.
6. Shelter Legal Advice
   Specialist advice on housing and homelessness, particularly for vulnerable families.
7. Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
   Legal advice and advocacy for families facing immigration issues.
8. Disability Law Service
   Free legal advice on issues relating to disability, including healthcare and employment rights.
9. Advicenow
   Clear and accessible guides to help you understand legal processes and your rights.
10. Together for Short Lives Legal Support
    Resources for families navigating complex legal issues related to caring for children with medical needs.

1. 1. Together for Short Lives
      Offers emotional support, practical guidance, and peer networks for families of children with complex medical needs.
   2. WellChild
      Practical and emotional support for families caring for children with serious health needs, including home adaptations and peer connections.
   3. Rainbow Trust
      Provides emotional and practical support to families of children with life-threatening or terminal conditions.
   4. Carers UK
      Support for carers, including advice on well-being, forums, and community connections.
   5. Mind
      Mental health support and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
   6. The Samaritans
      A confidential helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
   7. Scope
      Provides emotional and practical support for disabled people and their families, offering advice on benefits, employment, and independent living.
   8. Contact
      Practical and emotional support for families raising children with disabilities.
   9. YoungMinds
      Emotional well-being resources for children and young people, including those managing medical conditions.
   10. NHS Every Mind Matters
       Tools and advice for maintaining emotional well-being and coping with stress.

   For a more extensive directory of support services, download our Charity e-book, which includes further resources for families and carers.

1. Energy Saving Trust
   Practical advice on reducing energy consumption and accessing grants to make your home more energy-efficient.
2. Priority Services Register (PSR)
   A free support service for those who may need additional help with energy supply, including individuals with medical needs.
3. National Energy Action (NEA)
   Support and resources for reducing energy bills and improving energy efficiency.
4. LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership)
   Free advice and support for energy savings, debt reduction, and accessing grants for families in need.
5. Turn2Us Energy Schemes
   Information on available grants and funding to help with utility bills.
6. WaterSure
   A scheme offering capped water bills for eligible households, including those with high medical water usage.
7. Warm Home Discount Scheme
   A government scheme providing discounts on energy bills for eligible households.
8. Fuel Bank Foundation
   Emergency help for families at risk of disconnection from energy supplies.
9. Citizens Advice Energy Advice
   Free support with energy-related problems, including billing and switching suppliers.
10. Together for Short Lives Energy Support
    Resources tailored for families of children with complex medical needs to manage energy costs.

1. IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)
   Free, legally-based advice and resources for families of children with special educational needs (SEN).
2. SEND Local Offer
   Guidance on accessing local services and support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).You can find your local SEND office on the WellChild website.
3. Contact
   Support for families of children with disabilities, including advice on education, healthcare, and benefits.
4. Council for Disabled Children (CDC)
   Resources for families and professionals on children’s rights, education, and healthcare.
5. Together for Short Lives Education Resources
   Practical guidance for ensuring children with complex medical needs receive appropriate education support.
6. National Autistic Society (NAS)
   Support for children and families navigating education with autism or additional needs.
7. The Education Hub (Department for Education)
   Official advice and updates from the Department for Education on school policies and resources.
8. YoungMinds
   Mental health resources to support children navigating school life while managing medical conditions.
9. Family Fund
   Provides grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children, including educational tools and equipment.
10. Coram Children’s Legal Centre (Education Rights)
    Legal advice for parents regarding school placements, education plans, and disputes.

1. StepChange Debt Charity
   Free, personalised debt advice and solutions tailored to your financial situation.
2. National Debtline
   A free helpline offering independent and confidential advice on managing debt.
3. MoneyHelper
   Government-backed guidance on debt, budgeting, and financial wellbeing.
4. Citizens Advice
   Support for dealing with debt problems, including managing creditors and budgeting.
5. Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
   Free debt counselling and practical support for families facing financial struggles.
6. Turn2Us
   A charity providing access to financial support and grants for those in need.
7. Shelter
   Specialist debt and housing advice, particularly for families at risk of homelessness.
8. Debt Advice Foundation
   A charity offering free and confidential advice on personal debt problems.
9. PayPlan
   Free debt advice and support with managing repayments.
10. LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership)
    Support for families struggling with energy debts, helping to reduce financial pressures.

1. Turn2Us
   Access grants and financial support tailored to your needs.
2. MoneyHelper
   Guidance on budgeting, debt management, and financial planning.
3. Citizens Advice Financial Help
   Free advice on managing money and accessing benefits.
4. Family Fund
   Grants to support families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
5. Together for Short Lives Financial Guidance
   Resources for financial entitlements and support for complex health needs.
6. GOV.UK Benefits and Financial Help
   Comprehensive information on benefits and financial aid in the UK.
7. The Elifar Foundation
   Financial grants for equipment and services to enhance the quality of life for children with severe disabilities. 
8. Caudwell Children
   Offers financial support and grants for therapy, equipment, and other essential needs for children with complex health needs.
9. Scope Disability Grants and Funding
   Provides financial resources and advice for disabled children and their families.

1. ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
   Offers free and impartial advice on employment rights, workplace disputes, and flexible working.
2. Carers UK Employment Support
   Guidance for working carers, including advice on employment rights and managing work-life balance.
3. GOV.UK Flexible Working and Employment Rights
   Information on requesting flexible working arrangements and employment rights for carers.
4. Access to Work (GOV.UK)
   Provides financial support and workplace adjustments for individuals with health conditions or disabilities.
5. Working Families
   Advice on family-friendly working policies, parental leave, and employment rights for carers.
6. Scope Employment Services
   Support for disabled individuals and carers seeking employment or workplace accommodations.
7. Turn2Us Employment Resources
   Practical advice and information on financial support for working families.
8. Citizens Advice Work and Employment
   Free advice on workplace rights, resolving disputes, and applying for benefits as a working carer.
9. Jobcentre Plus
   Offers support for finding employment, accessing training, and financial assistance for carers.
10. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
    Information on discrimination laws and ensuring equality in the workplace.

1. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
   Official guidance on visa applications, citizenship, and immigration.
2. Citizens Advice
   Free, impartial advice on immigration and visas.
3. Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)
   Directory of qualified immigration lawyers and legal resources.
4. Refugee Council
   Support for asylum seekers and refugees with immigration challenges.
5. Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
   Advocacy and legal advice for immigration issues.
6. Right to Remain
   Practical information and guidance for navigating the immigration system.
7. Migrant Help
   Advice and support for asylum seekers, refugees, and victims of modern slavery.
8. Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP)
   Legal representation for asylum support appeals.
9. Children’s Legal Centre (Coram)
   Immigration advice and resources for children and young people.
10. LawWorks
    Pro bono legal services, including immigration advice.
11. Shelter
    Housing and legal advice for immigrants facing housing issues.
12. Together for Short Lives
    Support for families of children with complex medical needs and immigration concerns.
13. Freedom from Torture
    Therapy and immigration advice for individuals who have fled torture.
14. Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
    Tailored legal advice and representation for immigration matters.

1. Citizens Advice Legal Help
   Free and confidential advice on legal matters, including housing, employment, and family law.
2. LawWorks
   Pro bono legal advice and representation for individuals and families unable to afford private legal services.
3. Coram Children’s Legal Centre
   Free legal advice and information for families and children, including healthcare rights and education law.
4. Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)
   Guidance on discrimination law and how to address unfair treatment.
5. The Legal Aid Agency (GOV.UK)
   Information on eligibility for legal aid and how to apply for free or subsidised legal representation.
6. Shelter Legal Advice
   Specialist advice on housing and homelessness, particularly for vulnerable families.
7. Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
   Legal advice and advocacy for families facing immigration issues.
8. Disability Law Service
   Free legal advice on issues relating to disability, including healthcare and employment rights.
9. Advicenow
   Clear and accessible guides to help you understand legal processes and your rights.
10. Together for Short Lives Legal Support
    Resources for families navigating complex legal issues related to caring for children with medical needs.

1. Relate
   Offers counselling for families, couples, and individuals to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
2. Together for Short Lives Sibling Support
   Resources specifically designed to support siblings of children with complex health needs.
3. Carers UK Family Resources
   Guidance and advice for families balancing caregiving and relationships.
4. Family Lives
   Offers a helpline, forums, and resources to support parenting and family dynamics.
5. YoungMinds Parent Helpline
   Support for parents concerned about their children’s mental health and well-being.
6. Contact Parent Support
   Practical advice and emotional support for parents of children with disabilities.
7. The Compassionate Friends
   Peer support for families coping with bereavement or challenges related to caregiving.
8. Parenting for Lifelong Health
   Evidence-based parenting programs and resources to strengthen family relationships.

For more comprehensive support options, download our Charity e-book, which includes additional resources for families and carers navigating complex dynamics.

1. 1. Together for Short Lives
      Offers emotional support, practical guidance, and peer networks for families of children with complex medical needs.
   2. WellChild
      Practical and emotional support for families caring for children with serious health needs, including home adaptations and peer connections.
   3. Rainbow Trust
      Provides emotional and practical support to families of children with life-threatening or terminal conditions.
   4. Carers UK
      Support for carers, including advice on well-being, forums, and community connections.
   5. Mind
      Mental health support and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
   6. The Samaritans
      A confidential helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
   7. Contact
      Practical and emotional support for families raising children with disabilities.
   8. YoungMinds
      Emotional well-being resources for children and young people, including those managing medical conditions.
   9. NHS Every Mind Matters
      Tools and advice for maintaining emotional well-being and coping with stress.

   For a more extensive directory of support services, download our Charity e-book, which includes further resources for families and carers.

1. Energy Saving Trust
   Practical advice on reducing energy consumption and accessing grants to make your home more energy-efficient.
2. Priority Services Register (PSR)
   A free support service for those who may need additional help with energy supply, including individuals with medical needs.
3. National Energy Action (NEA)
   Support and resources for reducing energy bills and improving energy efficiency.
4. LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership)
   Free advice and support for energy savings, debt reduction, and accessing grants for families in need.
5. Turn2Us Energy Schemes
   Information on available grants and funding to help with utility bills.
6. WaterSure
   A scheme offering capped water bills for eligible households, including those with high medical water usage.
7. Warm Home Discount Scheme
   A government scheme providing discounts on energy bills for eligible households.
8. Fuel Bank Foundation
   Emergency help for families at risk of disconnection from energy supplies.
9. Citizens Advice Energy Advice
   Free support with energy-related problems, including billing and switching suppliers.
10. Together for Short Lives Energy Support
    Resources tailored for families of children with complex medical needs to manage energy costs.

1. Local Authority Social Services
   Contact your local council to request a care needs assessment or access services such as respite care and home adaptations.
2. Care Quality Commission (CQC)
   Information on regulated care providers to ensure safe, high-quality support for individuals and families.
3. Carers UK
   Advice for carers, including how to access respite care, financial support, and advocacy services.
4. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
   Information on NHS-funded care for individuals with significant ongoing health needs.
5. Contact
   Guidance for parents of children with disabilities, including accessing social care services.
6. Together for Short Lives Social Care Guide
   Support for families navigating social care services for children with complex medical needs.
7. The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
   Advice on aids, equipment, and home adaptations to improve daily living.
8. Family Fund
   Financial support for families raising children with serious health conditions to cover care-related costs.