Support & Information Groups

We have listed just a few of the support groups available.  If you have a particular favourite that does not appear here, please let us know their details and we can share your find with everyone.

Contact a Family

Contact a Family is a charity that provides support advice and information for families with disabled children. They have two types of networking, firstly for local groups which have a range of disabilities, and secondly a national condition-specific group (particularly useful if your child has a rare condition). They also produce a wide range of leaflets to download, including 'Living Without a Diagnosis' and 'Fathers' to name just a couple. Their helpline number is 0808 808 3555 and their website is www.cafamily.org.uk

Crossroads

Crossroads is a national volutary organisation which enables carers to take a short break from their responsibilities.  They aim to deliver high quality services for carers and people with care needs.  Telephone for the Mid Surrey branch is 01372 365080.  They can also be found at crossroads.org.uk

Disability Challengers

Disability Challengers is a charity that is dedicated to providing disabled children and young people with essential play and leaisure opportunities.  The run Saturday and Holiday Playschemes for children aged 4-12 regardless of how profound or able they are with their disability.  They do have a long waiting list, but once you have had your 'first visit' you can book either morning or afternoon sessions for £6 or a full day (9:30-4:00) for £12.  You don't stay with your child, you just pick them up after their great day!  Our members use their venues in Epsom, Leatherhead, Bookham, Dorking.  Some venues even take mainstream siblings.

They also run youth schemes for those aged 13-18 as well as adult groups for 18-25 year olds.  Fun Swims are held monthly at the Spectrum in Guildford, and they also host Family Days twice a month at their base in Guildford.  To find out more contact them at 01483 579 or see their website www.disability-challengers.org

For 2009 Swim Dates see our members areticle on page 4 of Feb2009News.pdf

Down Syndrome Association

The Down Syndrome Association supports people with Down syndrome and their families. They also strive to improve knowledge of this condition and champion the rights of people with Down syndrome. Telephone 0845 230 0372 or online at downs-syndrome.org.uk

Down Syndrome Education International (formerly known as DownsEd)

Down Syndrome Education International is a charity that focuses on the education of people with Down syndrome around the world. Through scientific research they publish practical information, organise conferences and provide advice and consultancy services. Telephone 02392 855 330 or at www.downsed.org/

downsyndromeOK

downsyndromeok is a parent-led registered charity offering help for people with Down syndrome, parents, carers, professionals in the South east of England.  They are affliated to the DSA (Down's Syndrome Association). They periodically run excellent information days to help both parents and professionals with specific issues realting to Down syndrome.  Their website is downsyndromeok.org.uk

Family Fund

Family Fund gives grants to severely disabled children aged under 16, especially to families on low incomes. They will consider funding for anything that would benefit the disabled individual, including bedding, clothing, washing machines, and holidays. Contact them at Unit 4, Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York YO32 9WN. Telephone 0845 1304542 and online at familyfund.org.uk

Homestart

Homestart is an informal and friendly support for families with young children in their own homes. Their volunteers offer time for listening, help with the children, a break for the parents, and practical help. You can refer yourself. Telephone 01737 379 902. Online at home-start.org.uk

interAKtive (formerly known as GASP)

This charity supports families who have a child, or children, on the autistic spectrum, or a child with similar communication difficulties. The group enables children to experience a range of activities that may, in the normal course of events, be difficult for them to access.  It also provides opotunities for members to enjoy outings as a whole family.  They have strong links with professionals in the fields of medicine and education, and with local specialist schools. Telephone 07876-762-178 or see their website at www.interaktive.org.uk which will be launched soon.

KidsFirst

Kids First is a parent group empowering parents of children with disabilities and special needs aged 0 to 10 and giving parents a voice.  They are a project of Merton Mencap set up in 2004 and deal with issues specific to Merton.  They welcome all family members and support all disabilities.  See their website at kids-first.org.uk

MENCAP

The Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults provides a wide range of advisory services for parents and professionals, including financial and legal advice. They campaign for improved and increased services for people with a learning disability. The local societies offer advice and support to individuals and families. The Merton Society runs summer play schemes, call 0208 646 0965. Their website is mencap.org.uk

Have a look at Kids First which is a very active local project of Mencap.

National Autistic Society

They champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and aim to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services they can access, trust and rely upon which can make a positive difference to their lives.  Their website provides information on Aspergers syndrome as well as autism.  See www.nas.org.uk for more information.

The Surrey Branch of the NAS has a website named after the man who set it up (John Mugsy).  The information on this website is relevant to children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.  However, there is a tremendous amount that is focused on special-needs children in general and the resources available to them in our area. Have a look at mugsy.org

PHAB in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Phab is a club for youngsters where we live up to the motto: 'Making More of Life Together'.  Run on Friday evenings for children aged 8-16, youngsters have the opportunity to take part in sports, art drama, music and running a radio station!  Although the focus has been kids with physical disabilities, they also take able bodied members as well as special needs such as learning difficulties. They need to be comforatble choosing their own activites without one-to-one (once they've settled in).  There is a long waiting list that you can sign up before your child is 8.  See their website for more information at phab.org.

Play & Chat in Cobham

Run by one of our members, Play & Chat continues to run on the first Sunday of the month 3-6pm in Cobham.  Any family with a child with special needs is welcome; we have a craft activity for children, as well as ride on toys and games.  The children can then share a tea which we have brought.  Cost £5 per family to cover costs.  Please contact Helen on 07977 093 003 for more information.

SCAMPPS - Applying for funding from us

The following forms can be downloaded to assist your application should you wish to apply for funding.  Read more here.

Application Form
Guidelines

Please send your completed forms to SCAMPPS, PO Box 503, Epsom, Surrey KT17 9DE.