Useful contacts
Moving Forward is aiming to build up a comprehensive directory of useful contacts, both local and national, which will be of interest to users of the Disablement Services Centre. WeÕre particularly interested in local contacts which cover Portsmouth, Southampton and Hampshire. If you have any useful contacts that you think should be included please let us know.
Useful contacts can also be accessed from our website www.movingforwardportsmouth.org.uk which includes a direct link to each organisationÕs website.
Disability Support Groups
Local
Age Concern
One of the UK's largest charities working with and for older people. Age ConcernÕs mission is to promote the well-being of all older people and to help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. There are a number of local branches in our region.
Portsmouth 023 9286 2121
Winchester 01962 868545
Dibden Purlieu 023 8084 1199
Southampton 023 8036 8636
Andover 01264 354425
Havant 02392 484098
Petersfield01730266046
Chandlers Ford 023 8048 5051
Waterlooville 023 9226 6423
Eastleigh 023 8062 0275
Farnborough 01252 540162
Gosport 02392511109
Hayling Island 023 9246 4947
Liphook 01428 722243
www.ageconcern.org.uk
Amputee Support Group – Portsmouth
The Amputee Support Group is a well established support group dedicated to providing support for amputees, particularly for those amputees who are elderly and find it difficult to get around. The Group meet on the first Monday of the month at Longdean Lodge, Hillsea Road, Paulsgrove - from 2pm until 4pm. Contact the Disablement Services Centre, St MaryÕs Hospital for further details.
023 9228 6000 x3970
Amputee and Carer Support in Southampton (ACSIS)
ACSIS is a newly formed group in Southampton offering support to amputees and their family and friends. The group is a chance to have a chat and a coffee, and also to become involved, if you wish, in pre-operative patient visiting, offering support on the phone and designing information leaflets among other things. It provides an informal educational opportunity for healthcare staff to understand the personal challenges faced by amputees.
Contact Nikki Storer if you would like to attend meetings or simply find out more.
023 8079 6039
nicola.storer@suht.swest.nhs.uk
Catholic Disability Fellowship (Portsmouth Diocese)
To provide families with children & young adults & individual adults with disabilities with spiritual, moral and financial support.
02392 369183
DIAL Helpline – Frank Sorrell Trust
Based at the Frank Sorrell Centre on Prince Albert Road in Portsmouth, the service provides a free, impartial and confidential information and advice service on disability by way of a telephone service or site visit - staffed by people with direct experience of disability, the service covers Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.
023 9282 4853
sorrel@dialpo49he.freeserve.co.uk
www.dialuk.info
Disability Wessex
Provides people with disabilities, carers, and anyone else with an interest, with answers to any questions on disability-related issues, covering Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset.
01202 589999
info@disabilitywessex.org.uk
Enable Ability
Enable Ability, formerly the CP Centre, was founded in 1950 by a group of parents determined to improve services for their disabled children.
Originally a cerebral palsy specific organisation it has progressed from being primarily concerned with campaigning to establishing the organisation as a key provider of services across the disability spectrum in the Portsmouth area.
023 9267 1846
enquiries@enableability.org.uk
Moving Forward
Moving Forward is the User Group of the Disablement Services Centre, St MaryÕs Hospital, Portsmouth, providing a forum for prosthetic, wheelchair and orthortic users of the Centre. To find out more contact Mike Stoneman
07947 532648
www.movingforwardportsmouth.org.uk
Multiple Sclerosis Society – Portsmouth and District Branch
Local branch of the MS Society – seeks to assist people to cope with MS by giving mutual support, information and advice.
023 9269 6559
www.mssociety.org.uk/portsmouth
portsmouthms@hotmail.com
Portsmouth Disability Forum (PDF)
PDF is a non-political campaigning group working with service providers and other disability organisations to ensure that disabled people get the same rights and facilities as everyone else.
023 9281 5266
Shopmobility
Operates a membership scheme which hires manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public with limited mobility to shop and visit leisure and commercial facilities within the city or shopping centre.
Andover 01264 352000
Castlepoint 01202 598295
Eastleigh 023 8090 2402
Fareham 01329 282929
Gosport 023 9250 2692
Havant & Chichester 023 9245 5444
Portsmouth 023 9281 6973
Salisbury 01722 328068
Southampton City 023 8063 1263
West Quay 023 8063 6100
Winchester 01962 842626
www.shopmobility.org.uk
Social Services - Hampshire
0845 600 45 55
Social Services - Portsmouth
If you have a physical disability Portsmouth Social Services can offer help, advice and guidance. They have a team of care managers based at the Medina House office. They are able to carry out assessments and determine with you, whether you need assistance and what type of assistance would suit your lifestyle.
023 9220 0132
Social Services - Southampton
023 8083 4567
Southampton Centre for Independent Living
SCIL is a democratic membership organisation run and controlled by disabled people. SCIL is committed to campaigning for the full civil rights of disabled people whilst supporting disabled people to make use of current provisions available to enable them to live independently.
National
ABILITY UK
Health living resources for people with disabilities.
020 7724 0473
admin@ability-uk.org
BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-ServicemanÕs Association)
Promotes the welfare of those who have lost limb(s) or eyes during or following military service.
020 8590 1124
www.blesma.org
headquarters@blesma.org
British Council of Disabled People (BCDP)
The BCDP is the UK's national organisation of the worldwide Disabled People's Movement
Disability Net (yourable.com)
Information, products and services for disabled people
Disability World.Com
EuropeÕs largest website covering every element of disability
Douglas Bader Foundation
Formed in honour of Sir Douglas Bader in 1982 by family and friends, the DBF works on behalf of amputees. The Foundation was responsible for the creation of the Limb Loss Information Centre - a central resource information website for amputees, their families and friends, carers and healthcare professionals.
01883 742273
douglasbaderfdn@btinternet.com
www.limblossinformationcentre.com
www.douglasbaderfoundation.co.uk
Leonard Cheshire
Leonard Cheshire exists to change attitudes to disability and to serve disabled people around the world. Their principal activity in the UK is the provision of services in support of disabled people in the widest context. These services include care homes, supported living, domiciliary support, day services, resource centres, rehabilitation, respite care, personal support and training and assistance for those looking for work. They operate in all parts of the UK and are the largest voluntary sector provider of care and support services for disabled people.
Waterlooville – 023 92259209
020 7802 8200
Limbless Association
Through the LAÕs outreach programme and help bureau, the LA enables limbless people of all ages, with the support of their family and carers, to achieve rehabilitation and sustain independence.
020 8788 1777
enquiries@limbless-association.org
LimbPower
LimbPower is the British Ambulant Disabled Sports and Arts Association and offers relief to the physically disabled by aiding rehabilitation and improving the quality of life through the medium of recreational and competitive sports and arts. The charity also organises and raises funds for the Amputee Games.
NCIL (National Centre for Independent Living)
NCIL is a national organisation providing information, training, expertise and policy development on all aspects of direct payments and independent living.
020 7587 1663
RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation)
RADAR is a national network of disability organisations and disabled people. We represent our members by fast-tracking your opinions and concerns to policy-makers and legislators in Westminster and Whitehall, and launching our own campaigns to promote equality for all disabled people.
020 7250 3222
SeniorLink
SeniorLink is an immediate 24 hour telephone response service for elderly people that puts you in touch with someone who can help at the touch of a button.
0808 800 6565
Equipment and adaptations
Local
DOVE (Design Options for a Versatile Environment)
Offers free, impartial and independent information and advice on housing adaptations and related issues to disabled people across Hampshire.
023 9278 7788
Homecheck (Portsmouth)
Homecheck is a free home safety service offered by Portsmouth City Council to residents over 60, families with children under 5 and those who are disabled. Electrical and personal safety are covered. Those over 60 also receive a security check with locks and bolts being fitted entirely free of charge.
Roy Cole 023 9283 4274
National
AbilityNet
AbilityNet helps disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their ICT.
0800 269545
Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
Disabled Living Foundation
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is a national charity that provides free, impartial advice about all types of equipment to older and disabled people, their carers and families. From stair lifts to walk-in baths, jar openers to tap turners, bath seats to walking sticks, the DLF can help you find equipment solutions that enable you to stay active and independent. Whether you're a member of the public or a healthcare professional who needs advice, the DLF is there to help you.
020 7289 6111
My Web My Way
My Web My Way equips anyone using their computer with the tools and understanding to enable them to make the most of the internet, whatever their ability or disability, and regardless of the operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux) they use.
Mobility Trust
Aim to provide powered wheelchairs and scooters for severely disabled children and adults who cannot obtain them through statutory sources or purchase such equipment themselves.
01488 686 335
mobility@mobilitytrust.org.uk
Percy Bilton Charity
Provides grants for equipment aids and furniture for older and disabled people via social services.
020 8579 2829
Percybiltoncharity.org.uk
The Warm Front Team
You could claim a Warm Front Grant of up to £2,700 from the Government under the Warm Front Scheme in order to make your home warmer and healthier. Some homes that need oil central heating may receive a grant of up to £4,000. If you are in receipt of benefits and own or privately rent your home you may qualify for a grant.
0800 316 2805
Driving / transport
Local
Wessex Driveability
Enabling individuals to drive or travel to maintain an independent lifestyle. providing Driving Assessments for the elderly and those with medical conditions and disabilities. We have a fully qualified, professional team of Driving Instructors and Occupational Therapists at our centre in Southampton and a range of dual-controlled vehicles and adaptations/equipment available.
To book an assessment call 023 80512222.
www.wessexdriveability.org.uk
Wessex DriveAbility covers a large area, we cover Hampshire, Dorset and parts of Wiltshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.
National
AA Disability Helpline
The AA Disability Helpline provides information on a range of disability-related subjects, such as motoring in the UK and overseas, route requests, car adaptations and wheelchair maintenance. This service is free to AA Members. Discounts apply for the disabled.
0800 262 050
British Red Cross: Transport and Escort
Transport and escort service for people with disabilities
020 8804 0309
Disabled DriversÕ Motor Club
A voice for disabled motorists
Tel: 01508 489 449
MAGIC (Mobility and General Information Centre)
Provides free and comprehensive motoring and mobility information.
0800 240241
Mobilise
Information service for disabled motorists.
01508 489449
National Association for Bikers with a Disability
Supports disabled people who want to ride motorcycles, scooters, or trikes and require help in adaptations to suit their needs. The NABD operates a system of financial grants to help with the cost of special adaption work to bikes, scooters, combo's and trikes, necessary to suit the needs of disabled riders.
0870 759 0603
Queen ElizabethÕs Foundation Mobility Centre
Offers independent advice and assessment on all aspects of personal outdoor mobility to disabled and older motorists, providing information and advice on driving, continuing or returning to driving and vehicle adaptations. The Centre also gives information on passenger transfer into and out of a vehicle, provides driving tuition and assessment for wheelchairs and scooters and training in mobility matters for professionals.
0208 770 1151
Mobility Information Service
Provides mobility information, driving assessment and tuition.
01743 463 072
Motability
Motability is a national charity, set up on the initiative of the Government in 1977, to assist disabled people with their mobility needs. They direct and oversee the Motability Scheme which enables disabled people to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter simply by using their government-funded mobility allowances.
0845 456 4566
National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD)
NABD aim to help to adapt motorcycles, trikes, and sidecar outfits so that they can be ridden by people with disabilities.
0161 233 0122
nabd@nabd.org.uk
Employment
Local
The Shaw Trust
Helps with CV writing,
confidence training, one 2 one support, employability training, job search,
internet access, help with back to work benefits, ongoing support once in work.
Must be claiming a sickness benefit and thinking about returning or working for
the first time. Portsmouth 0808 180 2003. Basingstoke 01256 853340
www.shaw-trust.org.uk
National
Association of Disabled Professionals
Self-help support
020 8778 5008
Employment Opportunities
Employment Opportunities is the national charity dedicated to creating routes into employment for people with all disabilities and medical conditions.
020 7448 5420
Instant Muscle
Empowers people facing disadvantages in the labour market and administers the New Deal for Disabled People.
020 8509 2542
enquiries@instantmuscle.org.uk
Jobcentre Plus – Access to Work
Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and the person you work for advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs. If you feel that the type of work you do is affected by a disability or health condition that is likely to last for 12 months or more, ask the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus office about Access to Work.
www.directgov.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport
The Loddon Charitable Trust
Helps with the relief of distress and suffering and the rehabilitation and employment of persons who are disabled. The aim of the unit is to undertake as many different types of work as possible - and practical. The Loddon Charitable Trust handles the sub-assembly of components used in manufacturing, pre-selected packaging and mail shots. Basingstoke.
01256 352058
Remploy Ltd
Remploy creates independence for disabled people through work.
Increasingly, the company is focusing on finding disabled people jobs in mainstream employment through Remploy Interwork, its specialist recruitment service for people with a health condition or disability.
0800 138 7656
Finance and benefits
National
entitledto.com
EntitledTo provides free calculators to help you work out your entitlement to benefits and tax credits, and provides links to all the key advice / benefit agencies.
Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL)
BEL provides advice or information about disability benefits for disabled people.
0800 88 22 00
bel-customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Directgov
Directgov brings together the widest range of public service information together online – includes specific information about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople
Disability Alliance
Disability Alliance provides information on benefits through publications and its website. It publishes the Disability Rights Handbook annually in mid-May. This is a comprehensive guide to social security benefits and services for disabled people.
020 7247 8776
http://www.disabilityalliance.org
office@disabilityalliance.org
Oddfellows (Loyal Oswald Branch)
Dental
and optical benefits; Free legal aid; Holiday club; Outings; Social events;
Emergency grants; Funeral Benefit; Accidental death cover and convalescence
benefit. Eastleigh 023 8062 0504
http://www.oddfellows.com
The You Trust
YOU in Portsmouth provides person-centred support to people across the UK who have a disability or face social exclusion. Information, advice, assistance and advocacy service on housing, homelessness, welfare benefits & debt issues. The support is tailored to the needs of the individual or family.
023 9279 4350 (Telephone advice)
Legal
National
DLS (Disability Law Service)
The Disability Law Service is a national registered charity that provides confidential and free legal advice for disabled adults, their families and carers. DLS also provides disabled people with a casework service.
020 7791 9800
advice@dls.org.uk
Limb Loss Legal Panel
The Limb Loss Legal Panel is a group comprising some of the country's leading law firms who have a national reputation specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence. Most importantly panel members have great experience working on behalf of amputees.
020 7650 1305
0207 650 1305
The Law SocietyÕs Clinical Negligence Panel
020 7242 1222
www.lawsociety.org.uk
Solicitors Online
Sport, leisure and outdoor recreation
Local
Andover & District Sports Association for the Disabled (ADSAD)
Andover Leisure Centre provides sports and leisure facilities for disabled people in and around Andover.
01264 347100
British Disabled Water Ski Association (South West Branch)
The nearest branch of the BDWSA is at Ellingham Waterski & Wakeboard Club, located off the A 338 between Ringwood and Salisbury. On the first Saturday of every month during the summer, the whole day is dedicated to disabled skiing for novice and beginner skiers.
01202 740470
www.bdwsa.org.uk/regions_swest
pviney@aol.com
Ellingham Waterski and Wakeboard Club contact details:
01425 471470
www.ellinghamwaterski.co.uk
Chance to Dance
Chance to Dance is the only adult integrated dance group in Portsmouth. It is for able-bodied dancers and people with disabilities. The group meets for eight sessions per term in St Peter & Paul Church Hall, Wymering on MondayÕs from 1.15 -3.15 p.m. It operates in close conjunction with The Horizon Resource Centre and other local dance agencies. The dance sessions last 90 minutes, followed by a 30-minute feedback session and discussion. New members are welcome.
023 9238 0455
Penny.rance@ntlworld.com; sallybeattie@hotmail.com
The Disabled Sailors Association – Ro-Ro Sailing Project
RoRo is a registered charity that has two completely wheelchair accessible yachts based in Portsmouth Harbour and provides proper, safe and dignified sailing for disabled people.
01329 317279 or 07734 246 385
Eastleigh and District Sports Association for the Disabled (EDSAD)
EDSAD hold a swimming session every Tuesday at Fleming Park Leisure Centre between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. For further details contact: Paul Kirkpatrick
01794 515172
Horizon Angling Club
The object of the Club is to get together people with a physical disability in the City of Portsmouth and the surrounding area to use their recreational and leisure time in the pursuit of angling.
023 9261 3367
Fareham and District Sports Association for the Disabled (FADSAD)
FADSAD offers a variety of sports on Monday and Wednesday evenings for disabled people. Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.) is for dry sports and is held at Portchester Community School. Wednesday evenings (8.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.) is the swimming evening held at Fareham Leisure Centre.
01489 584171
Hart Herons Disabled Swimming Club
Provide recreational and therapeutic swimming every Sunday for people with disabilities and their families. For further details contact: Mrs Carole Johnson
01252 842859.
Jubilee Sailing Trust
The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a charitable organisation set up to provide opportunities for the disabled people to sail on a tall ship.
0870 4435781
Langstone Sailability
Langstone Sailability, based near Hayling Island, opposite the Ship pub, provides sailing opportunities for the disabled. The Club has five sailing boats.
023 9264 1815
Ocean Harmony
Ocean Harmony is a male voice, close harmony group singing in the unaccompanied Barbershop style. We are always looking for singers to boost our membership - those men interested are invited to come along. There is no need to be able to read music, just be able to sing in tune.
023 8084 8434
Penguin Swimming Club for Orthopaedically Disabled
Provide a sheltered swimming environment for disabled people who do not wish to use public facilities att Bitterne Leisure Centre, Southampton Preference is given to physically disabled people. For further details contact: Madeleine Harr
023 8044 6392.
Portsmouth All Sports Club
A multi-sports club for all abilities and ages that meets every Friday evening from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (school term only) at St LukeÕs Community Sports Centre. You can come and enjoy activities such as Boccia, Basketball, Football, Trampolining, Swimming and much more. The centre also has a fitness suite with specialised equipment for everyone to enjoy.
023 9283 8798 prefix 18001
Portsmouth Sitting Volleyball Club
Open to both the disabled and able bodied. The Club meets for training sessions every Thursday evening from 6.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. at the Mary Rose School, Portsmouth. Cost: £3 per session and £5 membership per month. For further details contact Stephen Bailey:
Riding for the Disabled Association (Aldershot & District)
Provides the opportunity of riding for disabled young people (up to the age of 12) who might benefit in the general health and well-being. A sense of achievement and confidence may be gained. Signed permission of their medical practitioner must be obtained.
0845 2411341
Riding for the Disabled Association (Liphook)
We offer riding to adults and children in small groups in Hampshire, where possible.
01428 722110
Rushmoor Mallards Disability Sports Club
Based in Farnborough, the Club offers a wide range of sports for people with any impairment and of any age, together with their friends and family.
01276 500016
chairman@rushmoormallards.org.uk
Solent Wheelers Dance Club
Dancing for disabled. All types of dancing - Country, Ballroom, Line Dancing, Formation for anyone in a wheelchair. Manual, powered chairs or even with a pusher. All can take part.
023 8052 2704
Transcendental Meditation
Health benefits of TM are well documented and a number of people have now been taught on the NHS. ItÕs an effective stress management/self development technique. After initial instruction it can be practised daily at home. It promotes good health through release of deep rooted tension. ItÕs both relaxing and enjoyable and is practised for 20 minutes twice a day. Portsmouth 023 9225 6372, Bordon and Winchester 01420 477136. www.tmhampshiremic.org.uk
Small Bore Rifle Association (Southampton & District)
The Association is the group of clubs in the area all affiliated for mutual benefit and to promote the sport of Small Bore Rifle shooting. There are currently 18 clubs who offer prone rifle shooting at 20 or 25 yards indoors plus one club with an outdoor range at 50 metres and 100 yards. The Association compiles and organises postal & shoulder to shoulder league team and individual competitions throughout the year but mainly based around the Winter period September to April.
02380 600839
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National
Active Amps
The on-line connection for amputees with an active lifestyle.
British Amputee & Les Autres Sports Association (BALASA)
BALASA's aim is to provide sporting opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly for those people who are involved in competitive sport and who are entitled to compete for Great Britain under the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) rules and classification system.
0120 4494308
British Disabled Angling Association (BDAA)
The BDAA was founded in 1996 by Terry Moseley to help develop opportunities for people with disabilities to access the activity of fishing in the UK. The Association will visit angling centres to give advice and information on disabled angling, or if an individual, post an introductory pack giving information on all types of fishing and what it involves.
01922 860912
terry@bdaa.co.uk
British Disabled Flying Association
The BDFA provides, free of charge, 'experience of a lifetime' trial flying lessons for as many terminally ill & disabled people as possible every year, also subsidised flying days for other disability charities and at cost instruction and qualification flight training to BDFA members.
01256 346424
info@bdfa.net
British Disabled Water Ski Association (BDWSA)
The BDWSA provides water skiing opportunities for the disabled.
01784 483664
info@bdwsa.org.uk
British Ski Club for the Disabled (BSCD)
The British Ski Club for the Disabled provides skiing on artificial ski slopes throughout the UK (there are currently over 20 locations) and organises group skiing holidays on snow. Skiing gives an opportunity to develop the self-confidence that comes with the shared experience of participating in a sport.
01747 828 515
Disabled Ramblers
Disabled Ramblers organises rambles in the countryside for its members, using manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters. All routes are thoroughly checked for accessibility, length and availability of rest facilities. There is a rescue service in case of breakdown, helpers available at all times, and loan scooters for newcomers.
01628 621414
Football+
Pan-disability football training and tournaments.
0208 788 1777
Gardening for Disabled Trust
To encourage gardening as a therapy and hobby for those people who may be disabled. £5 for membership £30 for life members www.gardeningfordisabledtrust.org
Riding for the Disabled
RDA is a federation of Member Groups, which are dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through the provision of opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving. Groups enable people to improve their health and wellbeing, delivering a real and lasting therapy that not only benefits mobility and co-ordination, but encourages confidence and self worth whilst having fun.
0845 658 1082
www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk
Travel and Tourism
National
All Go Here
Provides information on hotels, airlines and other services that can be used by anyone, listing only mainstream hotels, and not just those targeted towards people with disabilities.
Access at last
A directory of accessible hotels around the country, including reviews of those that have been visited.
01772 814 555
Accessible Travel
Whether you have a hip problem, partial sight, trouble with walking and going up steps, or need the full use of a wheelchair, Accessible Travel provides details of a range of accessible holidays.
01452 729739
Holidays for disabled people
Provides an annual group holiday for adults with physical disabilities at a holiday centre in the UK. Assistance provided by volunteer helpers as required, with medical cover. (One weeks holiday per year).
Margaret Fulker 02380 668177
Tourism for All
Tourism for All UK is the UK Voice for Accessible Tourism. We are a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all. The Tourism for All website offers information to help you find where you can go, stay or visit. Tourism for All offers sound advice and assistance to the business or public body who needs to make changes to become more accessible. We offer an active network, passing on info about the best, and seeking to help change the worst.
0845 124 9971
info@tourismforall.org.uk
Disabled children and parents
Local
Havant and District Holiday Venture
HDHV was founded in 1980 and has provided summer activities to disabled children in the Portsmouth area for the past 30 years. The charity provides a safe, fun programme of activities in an informal environment that gives youngsters the chance to make new friends and gain from new experiences. The play scheme offers 35 spaces and will accept applications from physically disabled children aged 6-18 years and also their sibling or a friend.
National
4 Children
4Children is the national childrenÕs charity – for children and young people, 0-19. 4Children works with Government, local authorities, primary care trusts, childrenÕs service providers, and children and parents to ensure joined up support for all children and young people in their local community.
0207 7512 2112
Action for Kids
Action for Kids is a national charity working with children and young people with physical and learning difficulties and their parents and carers. We help to transform young lives by removing the barriers to independence. We provide mobility aids, Work Related Learning (WRL) and offer family support services.
020 8347 8111
0845 300 0238
Childcare Link
The one-stop parenting shop for all information relating to childcare.
Contact a Family
Contact a Family is a UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children - no matter what their disability or health condition. It also enables parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis. Each year it reaches at least 275,000 families.
0808 808 3355
Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity. We have been working since November 1986 to promote high quality affordable childcare for all. We know how important it is to make the right decision about childcare for your child and we hope that, through our information and services, we can help you to find out more.
020 7840 3350
Disabled Parents Network
DPN is a national organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters. DPN is run by volunteers, with a small number of paid employees. DPN serves all disabled parents, including parents with physical or sensory impairments, people with learning difficulties or long-term illnesses, people with mental health issues and Deaf parents.
08702 410 450
www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
info@disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood International (DPPI)
DPPI is the UK's national information charity on disability and parenthood and the publisher of the international journal on disabled parenting.
0800 018 4730 text 0800 018 9949
Face 2 Face
Face 2 Face is a network of trained volunteer befrienders who can help parents make positive adjustments to the news that their child has a disability. Every Face 2 Face befriender is a parent too – someone whose own child has a disability. They know what itÕs like to cope with a new diagnosis and can offer support parent-to-parent. Face 2 Face is free and confidential. A befriender can either visit you at home or you can agree another convenient location. It is an informal and flexible arrangement designed to suit you. We support parents of children with any type of disability or special need.
0844 800 9189
Family Welfare Association
FWAÕs services include: home and project based support to children and families; community-based mental health services; and financial grants advice for disadvantaged people. FWA's services are funded through a mix of grants from central and local government, contracts with statutory services and voluntary income from individuals, charitable trusts and companies.
020 7254 6251
fwa.headoffice@fwa.org.uk
STEPS
Charity for children with lower-limb abnormalities.
0871 717 0044
info@steps-charity.org.uk
Sure Start
Sure Start is the GovernmentÕs programme to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support. Sure Start covers a wide range of programmes both universal and those targeted on particular local areas or disadvantaged groups within England.
0870 000 2288
REACH
Charity for children with upper-limb abnormalities.
0845 130 6225
WHIZZ-KIDZ
WHIZZ-KIDZ provides customised wheelchairs, tricycles and other specialised mobility equipment, wheelchair training, information and advice to change the lives of disabled children across the UK.
020 7233 6600
Working Families
Working Families helps children, working parents and carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work by providing pragmatic advice and practical solutions.
0800 013 0313 (dedicated helpline for parents of disabled children: 020 7253 7243, open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30am – 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 4.30pm)
Carers
Local
Local Carers Groups in Portsmouth
Local Carers Groups in Portsmouth include: MacDonald Watson Group, Drayton and Farlington Carers Group, Learning Disability Carers Group and Working Age Carers Group. If you would like to attend any of the above groups please contact the Carers Centre for further information. The Centre also has details of other Carers Support Groups in the local area and beyond.
023 9285 1864
carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
National
Carers UK
Carers UK is the voice of carers. Carers UK is an organisation of carers who campaign to ensure that the true value of carersÕ contribution to society and carers is recognised and receives the practical, financial and emotional support they need
0207 490 8818 or contact CarersLine on 0808 808 7777 (lines open Wednesday and Thursday 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm)
Crossroads
The Crossroads service is about giving time - improving the lives of carers by giving them time to be themselves and have a break from their caring responsibilities. Its aim is to provide a reliable service, tailored to meet the individual needs of each carer and the person they are caring for. Crossroads have schemes in most parts of England and Wales, which provide a range of services to meet local needs.
0845 450 0350
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in the UK, delivered through its unique network of 129 independently managed Carers' Centres and interactive websites.
0207 480 7788
Other
Amputees in Action
Amputees in Action is an an agency that specialise in supplying amputees as extras and specialist action scene extras for the film and television industries both home and abroad. Their artistes collectively have many years experience of not only specialist action scene extra work, but also as film and television "extras".
01635 31890
enquiries@amputeesinaction.co.uk
Extraordinary Casting
Extra Ordinary Casting is an exciting new venture with the unique role of teaming people with disabilities with the TV and Film industry. It aims to develop a positive image for people with disabilities within the media and help create challenging new role models.
www.extraordinarycasting.co.uk
info@extraordinarycasting.co.uk