Resource Library
Trusted guides, toolkits and organisations to help you.
Create a free account to suggest a resource for families near you.
What's in the Resource Library
Guides, articles, toolkits and organisations for families of children with additional needs, covering education, health, benefits, behaviour and wellbeing. Every card links out to the organisation's own website, so you always reach the original source.
It is here for parents and carers at any stage, whether you are just starting to ask questions, waiting for an assessment, or in the middle of reviews and appeals. Grandparents, foster carers and kinship carers use it too.
Some resources are added by our team, and some are suggested by members. A member's suggestion is only shown here once it has been checked.
Type a word into the search box, such as 'EHCP' or 'sleep', and use the category dropdown to narrow the list to education, health, benefits or wellbeing.
Free Home Learning
Free lessons, life skills, budgeting and local meet-ups
Research Helper
Ask a question and we'll look it up online for you
Affordable Holidays, Carer Breaks & Respite
Free holidays, funded breaks, grants and low-cost stays
Carer Discounts & Money-Saving Support
Discount cards, free companion tickets and local offers
Accessibility guide
RADAR keys, accessible toilets and Changing Places
Support for Children & Young People
Free, confidential help if you are young and worried about anything — anxiety, mental health, bullying, school, SEND support, or just needing someone safe to talk to.
Ambitious about Autism
Under 25Support and information for autistic young people, including school and college, SEND rights and a community where you can talk to others who understand.
Get supportBullying UK (Family Lives)
All agesAdvice and support if you are being bullied at school or online, and for anyone worried about someone who is. You can call, email or read their guides.
Get supportChildline
Under 19Free, confidential help with anything that is worrying you, whether it is school, bullying, family or how you are feeling. You can talk on the phone or have a 1-2-1 chat online, any time of day or night.
Get supportKooth
11-25Free online mental health support from trained counsellors, plus a friendly moderated community. You can chat, keep a journal or read other young people's stories. No referral needed.
Get supportNSPCC
Under 18Help and advice for children and young people, and for anyone worried about a child's safety. You can call free or use their online advice and reporting.
Get supportSamaritans
All agesSomeone to talk to, day or night, about anything that is troubling you. Free, confidential and they will not judge you.
Get supportShout
All agesFree, confidential text support 24/7 if you are struggling to cope or need someone to talk to right now. A trained volunteer will text back with you.
Text SHOUT to 85258
The Mix
Under 25Free, confidential support for anything on your mind: mental health, school and work, money, relationships and drugs. Phone, webchat and lots of easy-to-read guides.
Get supportYoungMinds
Under 25Honest information and advice about anxiety, low mood, school worries and where to get help. There is a young people's section and a separate section for parents.
Get supportSupport for Carers & Young Carers
Help for anyone looking after someone, and for young people who care for a family member — advice, money, taking a break, and people who understand.
Action for Children
Young carers and familiesSupport for young carers and their families, including local groups where you can meet other young carers and take a proper break.
Get supportBabble (Carers Trust)
Young carers under 18A safe, private online community just for young carers, where you can chat, share tips and talk to other young people who get it.
Get supportBarnardo's
Young carers under 18Practical and emotional support for children and young people who help care for a family member, including groups, days out and one-to-one help.
Get supportCarers Trust
All carersInformation, support and local services for carers of every age, including a dedicated programme for young carers and their families.
Get supportCarers UK
All carersAdvice and support for anyone looking after someone, including benefits, your rights at work, and how to ask your council for a carer's assessment.
Get supportGOV.UK: Carer's Allowance
All carersCheck whether you can claim Carer's Allowance, how much you could get, and apply online. Includes other help available if you care for someone.
Get supportNHS: support and benefits for carers
All carersClear NHS guidance on getting a carer's assessment, respite and financial help from your local council, plus who else can support you.
Get supportDown's Syndrome Association
Information, advice, resources and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers.
National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
Information, guidance, resources and support for deaf children, young people and their families, including online support opportunities.
MK SENDIAS Workshops
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support, including workshops and events for parents and carers.
SENDIAS Service Finder
Helps families find their local Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service across England.
EBSA — key points every parent should know
A clear, jargon-free summary of emotionally based school avoidance from an educational psychology team: what drives it, what makes it worse, and what helps.
EBSA — a guide for parents and carers (download)
A downloadable booklet explaining emotionally based school avoidance, what the law says about attendance, and the support you can ask your school for.
Not Fine in School
A parent-led organisation for families facing barriers to school attendance, including EBSA and anxiety-based absence. Information, peer support and a community that understands.
School anxiety (EBSA) — SENDIASS
Explains what EBSA is, how to talk to your child's school about it, and where to get support. A good starting point if you are new to all of this.
School anxiety and SEND
How school anxiety and EBSA show up in children with SEND, and how to work with school to reduce the pressure rather than add to it.
School anxiety and refusal — a parent guide
What school anxiety and EBSA can look like, why it builds up, and gentle practical steps to support your child. Written with parents and carers who have lived it.
Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) — supporting a child
Practical advice for parents and carers: what to say, what to avoid, and how to keep school involved while your child is struggling to attend.
Square Peg
Campaigns and practical guidance on barriers to school attendance. Explains why 'school refusal' is a misleading label and what actually helps children back into school life.
Define Fine — support for school attendance difficulties
Help for parents and professionals when a child can't attend school because of SEND, illness or EBSA. Practical guidance on finding solutions and getting the right support in place.
Contact — for families with disabled children
Helpline, guides and community for families with disabled children. Excellent starting point for benefits, education and finding local support.
National Autistic Society — parent guides
Practical guides on autism, diagnosis, education and behaviour, plus a community forum and a helpline for families.
Mencap — learning disability support
Advice and support for people with a learning disability and their families, including education, benefits and rights.
Afasic — speech, language and communication needs
Support and information for families of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
Council for Disabled Children
National charity providing resources and policy guidance on education, health and care for disabled children and those with SEN.
IPSEA — Independent Parental Special Education Advice
Free legally-based advice on special educational needs in England, including EHCPs, appeals and tribunals. One of the most trusted sources for parents fighting for the right support.
British Dyslexia Association
Information and support on dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties, including assessment guidance and classroom strategies.
ADHD Foundation
Neurodiversity charity offering resources, training and support for families of children with ADHD and related conditions.
Scope — disability equality charity
Practical information and support for disabled people and their families, including an online community and helpline.
Cerebra — support for brain conditions
Guides, research and a sleep service for families of children with neurological conditions and brain injuries.
The SEND Code of Practice (0–25)
The official government guidance that schools, councils and health services must follow for children and young people with SEND. Useful to quote when requesting support.
Family Fund — grants for families
UK charity providing grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, including equipment, breaks and household items.
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