# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dyslexia help reading, spelling, tables, school, assessment,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find practical tips to assist helping your child, assistive technology, reading, spelling, at school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child's school or setting can't meet your child's needs using the support they usually offer to children who need extra help, the County Council may carry out a needs assessment for your child. This is called an Education Health and Care Assessment or EHC assessment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
EHCP Annual Reviews | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child has an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), it should be regularly reviewed by the local authority. In Worcestershire your child’s school, educational setting or early years provider are responsible for arranging and facilitating the Annual Review. If your child is over 5 then it should be at least once a year, and if they are aged 0 to 5 then the plan should be reviewed more frequently, every 3 to 6 months. When your young person is in Year 9 and above, the reviews must include a focus on preparing for adulthood (we’ve included more information about this below).

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
SEND Local Offer Welcome to our new style SEND Local Offer website. It has been co-produced with parent carers, young people with SEND and colleagues from other organisations including health and the voluntary sector. We would like to thank them all for their invaluable insights and contributions. We have included lots of new information, which families have told us would be useful, and arranged it in age groups to make it easier to navigate. The work on the website is ongoing, and over time things will change and improve further. We have tested the new site with parent carers, colleagues and young people before launching it, you may still encounter some glitches. If you find a link that doesn’t work, or can’t find the information you are looking for, please can you let us know by emailing localoffer@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk and we will try to fix it. We welcome any feedback about the website, good and bad, so please let us know what you think. Thank you again for your patience and we hope you find the SEND Local Offer useful, if you do, please tell your friends about it, if you don’t then please tell us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information and advice for families with children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities.

# data[].attributes.body
We are the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Here at Herefordshire and Worcestershire SENDIASS we have a dedicated team of advisors offering legally-based and easily accessible information and advice about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We support parents, carers, children and young people with SEND and our service is impartial and confidential.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
special educational needs and disabilities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
special educational needs and disabilities advice and support service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
special educational needs and disabilities advice service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
special educational needs and disabilities support service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome to SENDIASS Herefordshire and Worcestershire

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

# data[].attributes.body
Here you will find information on specialist training opportunities which may be available for parents and carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here you will find information on specialist training opportunities which may be available for parents and carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
For families: Resources for families Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
Umbrella Pathway

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Service referral criteria are in place to ensure that this service works with the child/young people and their families who need and will benefit from further highly specialist assessment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information on making a referral into the Worcestershire Community
Paedaitrics Service for support with ADHD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service provides assessment and intervention for children and young people with significant difficulties participating in and completing daily occupations at home, in an education placement, and in the community.

Our Service may offer an assessment of self-care and daily living occupations (see below for examples), where our Universal Advice offer has been followed, but there has been no improvement.
Occupation Examples: Priorities of the Service

To support with enabling the child or young person to be safe in accessing self-care and activity of daily living occupations. This may include assessment and provision of specialist equipment and/or referrals for adaptations to the home environment.

To support with the delivery of a Care Plan for the child or young person with significant needs impacting on their self-care and activity of daily living occupations.

To work in partnership with the child or young person, their parents/carers and educational setting to meet the child or young person's individual goals.

To work in collaboration with other professionals from health, social care, and education.

Who can refer to the service?

Referrals are accepted from:

Health Care Professionals (GP, Paediatrician, Speech and Language Therapist, Physiotherapist etc)

Social Care Teams (Social Worker, Family Support Worker)

SENCO'S (School or Nursery) or Teacher at Special School

Physical Disabilities Outreach Team

Local Authority Learning Support Team

Referrers should complete the referral form in full that is available on Carenotes under the referrals tab or can be downloaded directly from this page - Download our referral form

Please note ALL referrals should be sent electronically to the OT generic email address: WHCNHS.PaediatricOT@NHS.net

(If using the referral tab on Carenotes, please email the generic email address to alert the service to this referral).

Who can be referred?

Child or young person from birth up until their 18 birthday or up to their 19 birthday if attending special school (for school needs only):

With consent from the person with parental responsibility or child or young person themselves if considered to have Gillick competence.

Those registered with a Worcestershire GP.

Who have a 'Looked After' arrangement with Worcestershire Local Authority and continue to reside in Worcestershire with a Worcestershire GP OR who have a 'Looked after' arrangement with another Local Authority and are placed in Worcestershire with an individual funding agreement.

Any child or young person placed in a Worcestershire school with a GP out of county will be considered on an individual basis with liaison with their local NHS service.

For requests about home equipment or adaptations, this is determined by the County Council of the property where the child or young person resides.

We require examples of significant* difficulties that are impacting on independence, and/or participation in self-care and activities of daily living at home, in education and in the community.

It is important to evidence what support, strategies and advice has been tried and/or is already in place to support the child or young person, and the outcome and impact this has had e.g., Universal information from the website, contact with OT Advice Line.
Referrals we may consider

Child or young person who requires timely assessment and intervention around safety, equipment and moving and handling to prevent incident and injury.

Child or young person with regressive or degenerative conditions who are newly diagnosed or where there has been a significant change in their presentation impacting on self-care and activities of daily living.

Child or young person who are palliative and end of life who have lost skills and require timely assessment and intervention to prevent incident and injury.

We are unable to accept referrals for:

Reported difficulties that are in line with typical or expected development.

Please note we do not provide Sensory Integration Therapy.

Requests for specific equipment. For example, car seats, restrictive beds.

Anxiety, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Please refer to other appropriate services such as Family Front Door, Early Help, CAMHS. Please see the local offer website: Social, emotional and mental health | Worcestershire County Council and the Child and young person and Adolescent Mental Health Website: Mental health help to children, young people and their families | School Mental Health (hacw.nhs.uk)

Support with home safety which are related to the home physical environment. We require evidence of strategies that have been tried but have not been successful resulting in risk to safety, incident, and injury before considering a referral.

Support with re-housing or additional bedrooms/ bathroom facilities. Any professional that knows the child and young person or family well can support with these requests.

Requests for Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) assessment where there is no evidence of significant* motor co-ordination difficulties that are impacting on self-care and activity of daily living occupations across home, in education and the community. Please see the following link for information about DCD diagnostic criteria: Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children - Diagnosis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Wheelchair or a specialist buggy as referrals can be made by any Healthcare Professional that knows the child or young person. Please see the following link for the Wheelchair service information: Our Services | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust (hacw.nhs.uk)

Risk of education placement breakdown or not currently attending education placement.

Child or young person who is not able to complete self-care and/or activities of daily living occupations.

Early life experiences which have had a significant impact on the above.

Safeguarding concerns where OT is significantly involved.

What happens next?

Referrals received will be triaged according to the clinical prioritisation for the child or young person.

Parents/carers and the referrer will be informed of the outcome of the referral following triage.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the Neurodevelopmental service webpages. Please click on the below tabs for further information & useful resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
SEN Support, Advice, and Resources - Witherslack Group

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A library of free SEN support, advice, & resources created by SEN professionals for parents & carers of children & young people with special educational needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Health and Care NHS (HWHCT_NHS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sensory Processing  - General Calming Strategies

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Whole School SEND Home Page. Welcome to Whole School SEND. The Whole School SEND website, hosted by nasen, provides you with free, easy access to high quality information, resources and CPD to support a whole school approach to inclusion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Get the highest quality CPD from experts at your convenience, with nasen's SEND CPD on Demand - The ultimate flexible training resource.

With individual and school subscriptions starting at just £199, boost your learning with convenient access to over 70 pre-recorded SEND CPD sessions tailored to meet the needs of the entire education workforce.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get the highest quality CPD from experts at your convenience, with nasen's SEND CPD on Demand - The ultimate flexible training resource. With individual and school subscriptions starting at just £199, boost your learning with convenient access to over 70 pre-recorded SEND CPD sessions tailored to meet the needs of the entire education workforce.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Forum uses parental voice to influence change through events, discussion groups and working groups. We gather the views of local families and work with the council, educational settings, health providers and other agencies to highlight where local services are working well, or challenge when changes or improvements need to be made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Forum uses parental voice to influence change through events, discussion groups and working groups. We gather the views of local families and work with the council, educational settings, health providers and other agencies to highlight where local services are working well, or challenge when changes or improvements need to be made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Support for Parents from Action For Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent Talk - down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're on hand to support parents, when they need us. Find answers to your questions in our advice articles, or speak to one of our parenting coaches.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This website places cookies on your computer to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details, see our privacy policy. I agree

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This website places cookies on your computer to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details, see our privacy policy. I agree

# data[].attributes.headline
My Happy Mind - Building your child's resilience, self-esteem and confidence. 

# data[].attributes.subject
My Happy Mind - Building your child's resilience, self-esteem and confidence. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Building your child's resilience, self-esteem and confidence Sign up now 0 Modules For parents 0 Different Age based programmes for children "We are loving the modules, I feel I have learnt so much and already seeing differences in how I am parenting, which I feel is having a great impact on the kids already.

# data[].attributes.body
We support families, parents, children and young people across Worcestershire to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.

# data[].attributes.headline
Parent Helpline. Fighting for young peoples Mental Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Parent Helpline. Fighting for young peoples Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We support main carers of children and young people, as well as parents. You might be a kinship carer, legal guardian, foster carer, grandparent or sibling. If you are the child or young person's main carer, we want to support you. Our advisers are trained and experienced in supporting carers as well as parents.

If you are a family member or friend, but you are not the child or young person's main carer, see our online information for advice around how you can support them. You can also encourage their parent or main carer to contact us.

If you are a professional looking for information about supporting the young people you work with, see our resources for professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The YoungMinds Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email provide support and help for parents and carers worried about their child's mental health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Here4You - No young person should ever feel alone

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here4You.uk support young people's mental health by signposting youth, parents and teachers to immediate help and resources.

# data[].attributes.headline
Young Minds: Supporting you and your Mental Health.

# data[].attributes.subject
Young Minds: Supporting you and your Mental Health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children’s mental health - Every Mind Matters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See tips and advice for parents and carers on how to support children and young people’s mental wellbeing, and give them the best chance to stay healthy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

Watch the full video

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.

My whole way of thinking has changed. I feel positive about my future and the people around me. I'm now looking forward to the future and helping others just like me!

Thank you so much for the incredible support PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 has given me. You helped me in that moment and it kept me alive.

I intend to continue to fundraise for and promote PAPYRUS. I am so proud and humbled to be involved with a wonderful charity, and to have received the support that I have.

Having been personally bereaved by suicide I understand the importance and need for our charity. I am surrounded by others who are as passionate as I am about saving lives.

* All feedback is provided by people who contact PAPYRUS. All feedback has full consent of the user and the user remains fully anonymous. Some feedback may have been adapted to keep the users anonymity.

Our latest news

Stay up to date with PAPYRUS; our news section is regularly updated with helpful advice and guidance, as well as information about our upcoming events and campaigns. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch.

Our upcoming events

Please see below some of our upcoming and exciting events including fundraisers and charity events we will be attending. For more information please get in touch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need.

We have also added a new module to the   curriculum for   and   schools specifically designed to focus on mental health. This important addition will enable much-needed conversations about mental health to happen inside the classroom.

The list below is not exhaustive, and many other useful organisations and services exist, but it is hoped that these will help children, young people and adults navigate the key resources and get the support they deserve.
Seeking specialist support for children and young people
Local children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) are continuing to operate and in many cases are providing support remotely. Children and young people or their parents or carers can also contact their GP or refer to  NHS 111 online . Local CYPMH services will also have information on access on their websites: many offer self-referral or single points of access.

NHS trusts have established 24-hour urgent mental health helplines in most parts of England for people of all ages. If you have urgent concerns about a child or young person, you can find your local helpline  to discuss these with a mental health professional.

And remember to refer to your local children's services if you have any safeguarding concerns.

These resources are dedicated to children and young people 's general mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mindfulness with developing coping skills in young people.

Student Space is here for students through coronavirus. However you're feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life. You can use their search tool to find the services available at your university.

Sleepio is an online sleep improvement programme which is free for people living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Thrive helps you prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions.

Students Against Depression is a w ebsite offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Mentally Healthy Schools :  an anxiety thermometer as a wellbeing measurement tool.

NHS IAPT : free online NHS adult psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems involving stress, anxiety and depression. IAPT services can be accessed either through a self-referral by contacting your   or via your GP.

Cruse Bereavement Care :  Coronavirus, Bereavement and Grief online information, advice and support. Helpline: 0808 808 1677 .

: *  Looking After Your Mental Health Resources aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions.

For young people who feel particularly overwhelmed and troubled by Covid-19, these resources are helpful ways to manage anxiety around the pandemic, with helpful tools on homeschooling and self-care during lockdown.

The  Think Ninja  app educates 10-18-year-olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well. It has been adapted to Covid-19 to bring self-help knowledge and skills to those who may be experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis.

The  Every Mind Matters  website aims to support everyone, including children and young people, to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions. It has been adapted to include advice and support about mental health issues that may have arisen because of the pandemic.

Keeping in mind that parents, carers and school staff can often be impacted by children's mental health, we have provided some select resources that can help adults better support children, and also find the help that they themselves might need.

Public Health England advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Resources for managing anxiety and improving wellbeing

Dealing with the effects of lockdown

Resources for building resilience

Mental Health at Work : Resources, Toolkits and Case Studies. Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools with a rich repository of information and easily accessible resources including videos and posters.

Sometimes, children need specific and targeted resources to help with problems they are facing. Below we have outlined some support available for particular issues, including loneliness, suicide prevention, eating disorders and domestic abuse.

DfE have published  factsheets for care leavers , setting out the support they can access during Covid-19, including one on their wellbeing and where to access support for their mental health.

Resources from  University of Bath  and the  'Tell Me about Loneliness' project provide advice and tips about how to tackle loneliness and are thoroughly rooted in evidence of young people's experiences during loneliness.

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Youthline: 0808 801 0711

Studentline: 0808 801 0811

Operation Encompass   Teachers' Helpline staffed by educational psychologists, to support staff working with children and young people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse (0204 513 9990, weekdays during term-time, 8-11am).

Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from Government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support so that children and young people, parents, carers, and school and college staff can get the advice and help they need. We have also added a new module ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Charlie Waller Library of Mental Health Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A library of all the mental health resources offered by The Charlie Waller Trust, which provide practical tips based on clinical evidence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children who Cannot Attend School (CCAS) | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The CCAS process and panel works with partners to support children who cannot attend school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Not Fine in School is a parent-led organisation empowering families & raising awareness of school attendance barriers (school refusal/ anxiety/ SEND/ bullying)

# data[].attributes.body
When we teach mindfulness to kids, we equip them with tools to build self-esteem, manage stress, and skillfully approach challenges. Explore our guide on how to introduce mindfulness and meditation to your children—at any age.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When we teach mindfulness to kids, we equip them with tools to build self-esteem, manage stress, and skillfully approach challenges. Explore our guide on how to introduce mindfulness and meditation to your children—at any age.

# data[].attributes.body
Resources to help support mindfulness

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the Mindfulness Hub

With the pandemic still creating lots of anxiety and stress, it's more important than ever to look after your children's wellbeing. This year we've got Dr Ranj an NHS doctor, and Cbeebies presenter onboard to help us all to wind down and relax with a special exercise, and resources from Twinkl below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the Mindfulness Hub With the pandemic still creating lots of anxiety and stress, it's more important than ever to look after your children's wellbeing. This year we've got Dr Ranj an NHS doctor, and Cbeebies presenter onboard to help us all to wind down and relax with a special exercise, and resources from Twinkl below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Introducing the new Starting Well Partnership in Worcestershire

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability)

If your child has a health or developmental condition that is impacting on their everyday life, this is often referred to as an additional need. This may have been present from birth or these may have become more obvious as your child has grown up.

Your child's additional needs could be developmental, physical, learning, behavioural or sensory. Their needs might be easily met with a regular plan of care or a creative approach to their management. Some additional needs may continue throughout life and as a family there will be times you may require support from a number of services.

All children should have access to the right services, at the right time, to make sure they can reach their full potential. We work together with other agencies to ensure that the right professionals are involved at the right time to meet the needs of you and your child.

As an NHS organisation we have a duty to notify the Local Authority if we become aware a child or young person may have a special educational need.

Health organisations have responsibilities to work in partnership with education settings and local authorities, to support children and young people 0-25 years who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

To better support children and young people with SEND, their parents, carers and families, all local authorities have developed a Local Offer. The Local Offer brings together useful information across education, health and social care. It details information, advice and guidance and a range of local service providers who support children and young people with SEND, including our services provided by the Trust.

Further information and resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Home > Learn Learn Find your pathway to better emotional health Follow a step-by-step learning journey to build emotional health, resilience and confidence. The evidence-based Solihull Approach model that underpins the bitesize topics has been tested by researchers as well as hundreds of thousands of parents to give you confidence it will make a positive […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dyslexia Action Training is a leading provider of accredited training. We have successfully delivered the prestigious more than 15,000 courses to education professionals since 2010 and many more since we were first established in 1972. Our programmes include the Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties and with modules validated by Middlesex University. Level 7 participants can use their validated modules to progress onto a Master's level qual i Level 7 Postgraduate Programme fication .

Our training courses and qualifications are accredited by The Dyslexia Guild , The CPD Standards Office , the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), and the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC).

Our Level 4 and 5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses provide a flexible route to gaining specialist knowledge and practical skills relevant to a wide range of settings. We offer pathways through these courses to strengthen the expertise and confidence of teachers, SENCos, practitioners, teaching assistants, learning support staff, language therapists, tutors, lecturers, and those who support students with literacy difficulties, dyslexia and other specific learning. We also welcome international participants and those working with adults in further and higher education and other relevant settings.

We also offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for qualified SpLD teachers and practitioners who are looking to refresh their knowledge in SpLD teaching and assessment.

We provide tutor-supported online training through a virtual learning environment enabling our participants to engage in courses at times and in locations to suit them.

For further information and an overview of all of the courses, we offer please read our brochure below.

What other services do we provide?

Our , and e-newsletter, discounted professional development, and online forums. Members benefit from specialist teachers/practitioners , and support tutors form a community of learning and specialism through The Dyslexia Guild, our professional association and alumni organisation. The provides a wealth of benefits to its members including access to a range of publications available through our unique online library , membership journal Assessment Practising Certificates through SASC. post-nominals as well as the unique heritage of this specialist professional body. The Dyslexia Guild is also an approved awarding body for

All Dyslexia Action students receive a 10% discount from our Dyslexia Action Shop. The Dyslexia Action Shop is your one-stop site for all your learning resource needs, including assessment tests, learning resources, and much more. Established for over 20 years, we have experience and expert understanding of the assessments and support materials used in today's educational institutions.

Dyslexia Action is now solely a training provider, membership organisation and shop and no longer provides advice, tuition, or dyslexia assessments. If you are seeking advice, tuition or dyslexia assessments for yourself or your child, please download our guide or click on our Find a Professional (directory) to find further help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dyslexia Action Training - The largest dyslexia training provider in the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We offer dyslexia training at various levels to strengthen the expertise and confidence of teachers who support students with dyslexia.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We provide support and services for dyslexic children and adults of all ages, their parents/families, educators, employers and the wider community. Our head office is in Nottingham and we provide services remotely across the United Kingdom and beyond.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Some people experience visual discomfort or disturbance when they read. Common symptoms that may significantly impair reading ability, or make reading very tiring, include:

headaches and eyestrain associated with reading and/or other near work

text appearing blurred or going in and out of focus

text appearing double or alternating between single and double

difficulty keeping place in text

difficulty tracking across lines of text

discomfort with brightness of the page or contrast between text and background

text that appears to shimmer or flicker

Symptoms such as these have a variety of different causes, some of which may be due to disease or abnormality, so they must be investigated by a professional who is qualified to diagnose them correctly and give appropriate treatment. Anyone who experiences such difficulties associated with reading should consult a registered optometrist for a full assessment of eye health and visual function.

While adults may recognise symptoms, children may not be aware of them, as this is how they always experience reading. For this reason, any child who is a struggling reader should be assessed by an optometrist to either rule out or treat visual difficulties. This assessment and treatment is to check the health of the eyes and to enable clear and comfortable vision; treatment of visual difficulties is not treatment of dyslexia.

All children under the age of 16, and young adults under the age of 19 who are in full-time education, are entitled to a free NHS sight test with an optometrist, and to an optical voucher to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. The NHS sight test is sufficiently comprehensive to enable the optometrist to assess eye health and identify the likely causes of visual problems that affect reading and other near work. This should include an assessment of the ability of the eyes to focus and work together correctly (binocular accommodation and convergence).

In many cases the NHS sight test is all that is required to enable an optometrist to identify a problem and provide appropriate treatment with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Sometimes, however, the optometrist will consider that further assessment and/or other forms of treatment are necessary. The most likely of these will involve full assessment of binocular vision which may need treatment with eye muscle exercises (known as orthoptics or vision therapy) and/or pattern-related visual stress which may sometimes be alleviated using precision-coloured overlays or lenses. Such assessments and treatments are outside the scope of the NHS sight test, so the optometrist will either offer these privately for a fee or refer to another practitioner, such as an optometrist working in a specialist university clinic, or an orthoptist working in NHS secondary care (hospital). All NHS hospital orthoptics departments and university specialist optometry clinics will undertake assessment and treatment of binocular vision anomalies, but not all will offer assessment and treatment of visual stress.

The vision screening that most children undergo at school entry (age 4 to 5) is only a test of whether a child can see clearly in the distance. It is not a comprehensive assessment of eyes or vision and does not test any of the functions required for clear and comfortable vision when reading. For this reason, every child should have a full sight test when they start school, and as frequently as recommended by their optometrist after that.

Some websites and providers of education resources offer coloured overlays, tinted reading rulers, and other devices that may make reading easier and more comfortable for some children. These aids may be helpful, but it is very important that these aids should not replace or discourage full professional assessment. In particular, coloured overlays and similar aids must not be promoted as the first strategy to help children with reading difficulties. If children have visual difficulties, then it is essential that these are diagnosed and managed correctly by qualified, registered professionals.

For information on how to make written text dyslexia friendly see the BDA's Dyslexia Style Guide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
​Visual difficulties - British Dyslexia Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Some people experience visual discomfort or disturbance when they read. Common symptoms that may significantly impair reading ability, or make reading...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Dyslexia-SpLD-Trust, or the Trust, is a collaboration of voluntary and community organisations with funding from the Department for Education to provide reliable information to parents, teachers, schools and the wider sector. It acts as the important communication channel between government, leading dyslexia organisations, parents, schools, colleges, teachers and the sector.

For specific information and guidance on how to support children and young people with dyslexia-SpLD please feel free to contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Dyslexia-SpLD-Trust, or the Trust, is a collaboration of voluntary and community organisations with funding from the Department for Education to provide reliable information to parents, teachers, schools and the wider sector. It acts as the important communication channel between government, leading dyslexia organisations, parents, schools, colleges, teachers and the sector.

For specific information and guidance on how to support children and young people with dyslexia-SpLD please feel free to contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out more about dyslexia here, where you will find expert articles and videos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Worcester Dyslexia Parent Group - support group for parents with children who have dyslexia | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Neurodivergence Zone | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information on children, young people and neurodivergence for families and professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism & Me (Developed by Autistic Young People) Workshop for Professionals | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This workshop is aimed at professionals in Herefordshire and Worcestershire who are interested in understanding about Autism.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We run a weekly social and support group for autistic adults as well as their parents and carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Need Support?

Thousands of people receive support from our information line each year. Our team of specialist advisors offer advice and signposting to people who contact the helpline, either by telephone or through email.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism West Midlands - Embracing Difference, Empowering People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use our passion and expertise to enrich the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Having a child diagnosed with autism can be overwhelming and isolating. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you getting conflicting advice about how to proceed? You are not alone! We are here to help. Our organisation is parent-led... it means that we have been there before!

# data[].attributes.headline
Worcestershire Speech and Language Therapy

# data[].attributes.subject
Worcestershire Speech and Language Therapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Worcestershire Children & Young People’s Speech & Language Therapy resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children and young people centred communication

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Speech and language | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child has, or you think they have, a speech, language and/or communication need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Speech and language therapy - Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We assess, diagnose and manage patients with communication problems. Referrals to the service are usually made by staff on the ward.

# data[].attributes.headline
Speech, Language and Communication Info for Parents

# data[].attributes.subject
Speech, Language and Communication Info for Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Physical and sensory | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See tips and advice for supporting children with various physical and sensory impairments.

# data[].attributes.headline
Hereford and Worcestershire Physical and Sensory

# data[].attributes.subject
Hereford and Worcestershire Physical and Sensory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your child’s physical and sensory needs in Worcestershire :: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This page contains ​​​​​​resources and support if you are concerned about your child’s physical and sensory needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sensory processing | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cerebra (a charity dedicated to helping families with children with brain conditions) has released an excellent resource for parents explaining what sensory processing means, and the impact it can have on children. The resource contains information on:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to care for a disabled child - Social care and support guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information on feeding, sleep, potty training, mobility, challenging behaviour and communication when caring for a disabled child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Brain Charity helps people with all forms of neurological condition to lead longer, healthier, happier lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We’re here to help people with ADHD Thrive. Positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK if not the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Families in Partnership | Worcestershire County Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Forum uses parental voice to influence change through events, discussion groups and working groups. We gather the views of local families and work with the council, educational settings, health providers and other agencies to highlight where local services are working well, or challenge when changes or improvements need to be made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Child, Adult & The Family Psychologists - Kidderminster, serving Worcestershire and West Midlands

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sensory integration is the body's ability to take in information from the world around us and to make sense of it. Human beings have seven senses touch, taste, smell, vision, hearing, proprioception and vestibular.

Some individuals have difficulties making sense of the sensory information we receive from the environment and this then impacts upon their ability to function and complete activities successfully. Sensory processing difficulties (SPD) could include:

Sensory seeking type behaviours i.e. fidgeting, "always on the go", difficulties settling to sleep

Sensory avoiding i.e. dislike of messy hands/play, nail and hair cutting, teeth brushing, feeding difficulties, upset with loud noises.

Sensory based motor problems i.e. clumsy, difficulties with handwriting and other fine motor skills, difficulties with riding bike, swimming

Children who have difficulty processing sensory information may present with a variety of behaviours in different areas for example they may find teeth brushing and hair washing upsetting but always be on the go and very fidgety.

Sensory processing difficulties can be complex and affect a huge variety of day to day activities. In order to fully assess your child's needs a detailed sensory assessment would be completed by an Occuptaional Therapist. This may include taking a detailed history from parents and if appropriate nursery or school. Observations would then be completed in a familiar environment to your child i.e their classroom or nursery setting. They may also be invited to our therapy space in order to continue the assessment.

Following the assessment a variety of different therapy options are available. A sensory programme would be formulated and this would be a collection of activities that are beneficial if completed on a daily basis. This is tailored to each child's needs to best fit within their existing routine and activities. Sensory programmes can be taught to teaching and support staff if appropriate to ensure that your child is getting the appropriate sensory information that they require throughout the day. This is sometimes known as a Sensory Diet.

Additional play based therapy sessions can also be offered within the clinic or school setting. These sessions would aim to challenge and develop sensory processing skills within a playful, child led and supportive manner.

If you require a sensory intergration and praxis assessment with our Occupational Therapist please use the form on our contact page to request a call back or call us on 01562 610 011.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are a Family Focussed Team of Independent Child, Clinical and Educational Psychologists based in Southwest Birmingham Nr Bromsgrove

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This website contains just a fraction of the information that we have on ADHD. If you would like to know more, visit our Bookstore. It has a wide range of resources about all aspects of ADHD and associated conditions, with special sections for parents, children, teenagers and professionals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is an emotional condition that makes people feel restless, impulsive and hyperactive. Most people with ADHD struggle to concentrate for long periods of time. While the symptoms usually improve with age, some continue to struggle with aspects of the condition well into adulthood.

# data[].attributes.headline
Place2Be - improving young people's Mental health

# data[].attributes.subject
Place2Be - improving young people's Mental health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Place2Be is a children and young people's mental health charity with almost 30 years' experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools.

We provide mental health support in schools through one-to-one and group counselling using tried and tested methods backed by research. In addition, we also offer expert training and professional qualifications.

Why it's important

1 in 5

children and young people have a probable mental health condition, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood.

50%

of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14.

1 in 10
boys aged 5-19 with a mental health condition are suspended in some form from school.

Find out more about our work

How we help

Mental health support in schools

Our in-school mental health service supports the wellbeing of pupils, families and staff.
Find out more

Our mental health services in schools

We provide mental health services in schools that contribute to a whole-school approach to mental health.
Find out more

Counselling training and placements

Gain experience and skills with our child counselling training and placements.
Find out more

Place2Be is part of our school family. It is more than an office, more than a therapy room and more than a collection of counsellors.

Glyn Ellis - Headteacher, Haslingden Primary School

My daughter had become a different person - one we didn't recognise - but since counselling we see signs of our old loving daughter coming back.

Parent

If you have problems or worries you get a chance to talk to a person you trust. When I grow up I want to help children like Place2Be helps children.

Eight-year-old girl

Your support makes it possible

Thousands of vulnerable children and families depend on our work every single day. We simply cannot reach them without your help. There are so many ways to lend your support.

Place2Be's counselling service in primary schools has the potential to return £8 to society by improving long-term outcomes for each child.

Make a donation

How you can help

Fundraise for us

Raise money to transform children and young people's mental health. Browse ideas, tips and advice.

Get fundraising inspiration

Take part in an event

Run, cycle, walk. Trek to great heights or tackle some muddy obstacles. Take a look at our fundraising events.

Take on an event

Partner with us

See how your organisation can help us to support more children, families and school staff across the UK.

Find out more

Our impact

In the last school year

6,901

pupils were supported through one-to-one counselling.

33,327

pupils booked their own appointments o speak to our mental health professional.

After one-to-one counselling with Place2Be

76%

of children with severe difficulties show an improvement in mental health, according to parents.

64%

of pupils whose difficulties impacted their learning in class improved, according to teachers.

75%

of children and young people found it easier to make and keep friends, according to parents and carers.

Place2Be: mental health support in schools

Hear from children and teachers about the impact of Place2Be.

News & blogs

Eating Disorders in Children and Young People: a major public health concern

Clara Faria and Professor Tamsin Ford reflect on the impact of eating disorders on children and young people's mental health.

Read more

New report from NHS England shows increase in children experiencing mental health difficulties

Published today, the report reveals that 1 in 5 children and young people now have a probable mental health condition.

Read more

The BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be arrives in North-West London

BAFTA and Place2Be team up to bring the BAFTA Roadshow to North-West London.

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Improving children's and young people's mental health - Place2Be

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Place2Be provides mental health counselling support and training to schools to improve the emotional wellbeing of children, young people, families, teachers and staff.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.