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We've launched a new series of six webinars on looking after yourself as a parent or carer of an autistic person.

Learn about the impact of self-critical thinking, and what we can do to be more compassionate with ourselves.

Each episode features a conversation with Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker on a different wellbeing topic with entertaining and relatable illustrations and practical exercises to follow.

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Wellbeing resources for parents and carers

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We've launched a new series of six webinars on looking after yourself as a parent or carer of an autistic person. Each episode features a conversation with Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker on a different wellbeing topic.

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Rules that allow some children with severe learning difficulties or Autistic Spectrum Disorder to qualify for DLA higher rate mobility.

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Free stay and play session for parent carers and children with additional needs (no diagnosis needed).

Free snacks, Rhyme time, Sensory room and Soft play.
Dates for 2024

Tuesday 23 April, 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 21 May, 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 16 July, 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 22 October, 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 26 November, 10am to 11.30am

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Trafford Directory | * SEND Stay and Play 2024

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Free stay and play session for parent carers and children with additional needs (no diagnosis needed). Free snacks, Rhyme time, Sensory room and Soft play.

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Our Autism-Friendly sessions happen the first Tuesday of each month from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

With approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK*, we recognise the importance of making our courses more accessible to those visiting with autism. The sessions include adjusted lighting, reduced sound and low-level music on the course.

Pete Styles, Director of Golf at Trafford Golf Centre and Dino Falls, said: "At Dino Falls, we pride ourselves on being accessible for all. Our Autism Friendly sessions ensure a more comfortable and quieter experience for customers. We ask that all customers are respectful of the session and mindful when visiting during that time."

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Autism friendly sessions - Dino Falls Adventure Golf

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Our Autism-Friendly sessions happen the first Tuesday of each month from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

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Quiet at the Aquarium | SEA LIFE Manchester

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On Wednesdays we’re providing quiet sessions to provide an experience that aims to provide a more comfortable visit for those with autism and other sensory requirements.

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Finding time in your routine to reflect on your day can help create a sense of calm. Try listing three good things that have happened, or ask your little one to talk about one emotion they felt today.

Mum, Alex says that reflective time with her little ones is a really important part of their day:

We have downtime after getting into our PJs, where we tell each other about our favourite moments from our day. It doesn't always work but it's very cute.

Vicki says: "If your child is anxious about going to bed then try and make time to talk about their feelings during the day. If however, they want to talk through worries at bedtime, it might be helpful to draw their worries and post them into a worry box. You can then look at them the next day and talk about them together."

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Expert advice and top tips for calming you and your child down before bedtime.

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Relate offers counselling services for every type of relationship nationwide. We provide advice on marriage, LGBT issues, divorce and parenting.

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How to not need a holiday after the holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time for single parents, Natalie is a volunteer in our Wellbeing Digital Group and recently held an online workshop where she shared her 'go to' tools for managing the...

Read more

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We are Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families. We provide expert advice and practical support for single mums and dads in England and Wales.

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Free Movement recently published updated guidance for refugees, families, and their friends to understand the rules on family reunion. It was been updated by Ellie Doyle and Rhona French, Family Reunion from Europe Project, a project run by Refugee Legal Support in collaboration with Coram Children's Legal Centre.

Qaisar Sheikh, Head of Education Law at Coram Children's Legal Centre (CCLC), was announced as one of the winners of the prestigious Legal Hero Awards 2023 on 7 September. The awards, run by the Law Society, recognise the solicitors who have made the biggest difference to the lives of others, their local communities and society...

Gregg Burrough - Senior Education Solicitor On 29 June 2023, Gregg was awarded an honorary fellowship by Queen Mary University for his dedicated pro bono work with the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre. Gregg has provided vital advice and support for students in relation to special educational needs issues and disputes for many years and...

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Coram Children's Legal Centre, part of the Coram group of charities, promotes and protects the rights of children in the UK and worldwide.

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Family mediation helps you make arrangements for children, money & property following separation, and is available online. Find an FMC Registered Mediator.

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Cafcass advises the family courts about the welfare of children and what is in their best interests

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Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

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National Siblings Day online art sessions for young siblings - Saturday 13th April - Sibs

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What equipment will I need?

We will post a box to your home containing everything siblings need to complete the activity. Each activity is carefully designed for children to be able to do on their own, but some may need support from parents during the session. Each pack will include some suggested follow-on activities you can easily do at home with leftover materials or common household items to keep the creativity going!

Which session should I book onto?

10am-12noon is for siblings aged 4-10

1pm-3pm is for siblings aged 11+

What will we be making in the art sessions?

Younger siblings aged 4-10 will make Picasso mirrors - using templates young siblings will build their own self-portraits Picasso style!

Siblings aged 11+ will be making affirmation mirrors. Using provided templates to create leaves and decorations to add to their mirrors, young siblings will add suggested affirmations or create their own!

Can more than one sibling in a family join in?

Yes! But they will need to join the session for their age group. We have limited places, so ask you to consider whether this is an activity that all of your sibling children will enjoy.

Will I have to pay?

No. There will be no charge for the activity, Sibs is funding this session. However, we do ask you to consider making a donation of £5 per child to support the work of Sibs and the costs to the charity to facilitate sessions like this for siblings. Please note that each place costs Sibs £35. Thank you for any help you can give.

Can my disabled child join in?

Sibs is only funded to work with siblings of disabled children, so this activity is for siblings only.

Access

To participate, parents/carers will need to provide an email address to receive the Zoom link. You'll need Wi-Fi and a computer, tablet or smartphone with camera and microphone (usually built in). If for any reason you have technical difficulties during the session, each pack will include instructions to allow you to complete the activity.

Parents

Will need to be available for the first 5-10 minutes of the session so that Sibs can say hello and we can give an introduction to the session.
SIBLINGS AGED BETWEEN 4-10 BOOK HERE SIBLINGS AGED 11+ BOOK HERE

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National Siblings Day online art sessions for young siblings - Saturday 13th April - Sibs

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What equipment will I need? We will post a box to your home containing everything siblings need to complete the activity. Each activity is carefully designed for children to be able to do on their own, but some may need support from parents during the session.

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Newlife the Charity - Changing the lives of disabled children

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Every day, Newlife is changing the lives of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK.

We offer a lifeline for families, providing life-changing and life-saving specialist equipment when and where it's needed. Childhood cancers, birth defects, accidents, diseases and infections can all cause disability. They are affecting children and their families every day.

With your support, we can ensure more children get the best possible start in life and fulfil their potential.

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Newlife the Charity - Changing the lives of disabled children

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Every day, Newlife is changing the lives of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK. We provide thousands of items of equipment.

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Autism Sensory Packs - Caudwell Children

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Autism Sensory Packs - Caudwell Children

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Autism Sensory Packs - Caudwell Children

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Join The Change

About the pack

Processing everyday sensory information can be extremely difficult for autistic children, any of their senses can become over or under stimulated by the environment around them.

Caudwell Children's Autism Sensory packs are affordable and are specifically designed to support autistic children. Our packs are also fun, educational, durable and safe. Many of the items are compact, so they are suitable for travel or to take to school.

Our Occupational Therapy and Support Team have selected crucial sensory items that aid autistic children with hearing, vision and touch. The pack also contains items that support children's cognitive skills and learning such as colour and shape.

What's included

Eligibility criteria

You can apply for packs directly.

You must have a child who has been diagnosed with autism and is under the age of 18 years old.

You must legally live in the UK.

Your household income must be below £45,000 per year (before tax, excluding benefits).

Multiple children from the same household can apply for a pack.

Caudwell Children will provide eligible families 80% towards the cost of the pack and we would require a £22 contribution from the family.

Families are able to apply for both the Autism Sensory Pack and Get Sensory Pack at the same time, but you are not able to switch midway through the application process, you need separate applications for both packs.

Apply for your Autism Sensory Pack

You can apply now for your Autism Sensory Pack, or get in touch with our Family Support team for additional information. You can reach us at 0345 300 1348 or send an email to applications@caudwellchildren.com If you prefer real-time assistance, you can also chat with us via our Live Chat.

We want to help as many children as possible but we only have a limited number of these amazing Autism Sensory Packs available. We may have to prioritise applications and cannot guarantee that everyone will receive a pack. Our promise to you is that we will let you know as soon as possible if you have been successful or if we believe there is another way in which we can help you.

You will be asked to provide confirmation of your financial status and confirmation of your child's diagnosis. Applying for an Autism Sensory Pack will not prevent you from accessing other equipment or support from Caudwell Children services.

Need support with your application?

If you need support with your application or have any questions, please contact our Applications Team

T: 0345 300 1348

E: applications@caudwellchildren.com

Alternatively, please see our FAQs below.

Autism Sensory Packs FAQs

A dark den tent, bubble lamp with fish, tambourine, shake and shine glitter lamp, tambourine, set of 4 x spikey rugby balls, fidget gel/glitter shapes, UV puffer ball, green ooze tube, UV products, glow in the dark twist, stretch and squidge ball and an ocean wave.

*Reasonable exchanges may be made depending on the availability of items. *

All of the items offer different sensory solutions and can be used accordingly to help your child. For example, the dark den has been added into the pack to provide your child with a safe space to retreat, increasing their independence in sensory and emotional regulation. The bubble lamp is designed to provide relaxing stimulation and eye tracking, and can also be used to teach counting and recognise different colours.

When applying for the Autism Sensory Pack, the child or young person that you are applying for does need to have a confirmed autism diagnosis.

The charity has created the Get Sensory Pack which can be applied for instead of the Autism Sensory Pack. These packs are available to children who have a confirmed disability or chronic illness.

We currently offer one pack per child. Families are able to apply for both the Autism Sensory Pack and Get Sensory Pack at the same time, but separate applications are required for both packs.

Once an application form is received, we aim to process this within a few days. A request for supporting information will then be sent out to you by email advising what information is required to complete your application.

After this information has been received, it can then take between 4 and 6 weeks for the us to process your application for a funding decision. This time frame is dependent on the number of requests we are processing at that time and the availability of funds.

We do not currently have workshops specifically for the Autism Sensory Packs.

We are pleased however, to offer a range of family workshops that focus on many of the common difficulties associated with raising a child with disabilities or autism.

To find out more information please visit our Workshops web page.

Meet Mason

Mason aged 16, is autistic, none verbal, has ADHD and learning disabilities. Mason's mum, Claire contacted Caudwell Children for help when she saw a post on Facebook about our Autism Sensory Packs. Claire wanted to create a calm and safe space for Mason when his senses become overwhelmed and he needs to get away from the outside world.

Contact Us

Our dedicated team are here to help, please get in touch

Get Sensory Packs

See how Get Sensory Packs provide therapeutic benefits and interactive experiences for your child

Workshops

Practical information and support for a wide range of topics relating to disability and autism

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Autism Sensory Packs - Caudwell Children

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Processing everyday sensory information can be extremely difficult for autistic children, any of their senses can become over or under stimulated by the environment around them. Caudwell Children's Autism Sensory packs are affordable and are specifically designed to support autistic children. Our packs are also fun, educational, durable and safe.

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Trafford Directory | Trafford ESOL Advice Service

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Trafford ESOL Advice Service provides information and guidance for anyone in the community who does not speak English as a first language. This is a new service in Trafford, and we will be: holding social events for the ESOL community. helping ESOL learners find a suitable English course.

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All parent carers in Trafford are invited to a friendly coffee morning for peer to peer support, signposting, to listen to guest speakers and enjoy some wellbeing sessions. With free tea and coffee.

Hosted by Trafford FIS's SEND Local Offer Advisor Sarah, and Trafford Carers Centre, the aim is to create a community space to share experiences of caring for family and chat about positives and the challenges carers experience, to feel connected with others and to help others in the same situation.

The feedback we have had is that it's helpful to chat with others in a similar situation and to share experiences, and this helps us and the family we care about. It's so important that our experiences help others in a similar situation.

It's also a place where specialist support services can come and engage with the community of carers and provide specialist advice.

Upcoming dates:

Thursday 21 September 2023, 10am to 12pm

Thursday 19 October 2023, 10am to 12pm

Thursday 16 November 2023, 10am to 12pm

Other venues:

We also run other Chatty Cafés in Trafford, so please feel free to drop in!

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Trafford Directory | * SEND Parent Carers Chatty Café at Life Centre (Sale)

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All parent carers in Trafford are invited to a friendly coffee morning for peer to peer support, signposting, to listen to guest speakers and enjoy some wellbeing sessions. With free tea and coffee. Hosted by Trafford FIS’s SEND Local Offer Advisor Sarah, and Trafford Carers Centre, the aim is to c…

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Boomerang has been specifically designed to cater for children with special needs. We have three rooms available all offering a different sensory environment that gives everyone a multi- sensory experience.

Our large multi- sensory room offers a fully flexible play opportunity in an environment that allows children to engage in stimulating and physical play. There is a large play frame, two slides, large ball pool, interactive games, mirrored infinity huts, music wall with padded walls and floors throughout, allowing children to move around in a safe environment. A H hoist is available to use in this room giving the opportunity for children who are in wheelchairs to be out of their chairs and experiencing their environment.

Our sensory room offers a range of exciting sensory opportunities in a more intimate environment. The room has a vibrating bed, colour changing ball pool, fibre optic lighting, a bubble wall panel, sensory smell panel, wind panel, vibrating wall and colour changing interactive projector lighting. A H hoist is available, allowing full access to the whole room.

Our interactive room offers an immersive play experience via our floor projection system. This enables the floor beneath you to come to life. Moving graphics and fun games appear on the ground and react to hand movements, feet movements, and gestures. Suitable for all children. A mobile hoist is available in this room.

We have a fully accessible changing space, disabled toilet, height adjustable changing bed and H hoist.

Our café has a menu that caters for all needs.

We always welcome children with special needs to come along and visit us at any time and we aim to ensure you have a great experience. However, we also understand that it's sometimes a more enjoyable, relaxing experience to visit either exclusively or coming along to one of our Sen sessions.

Every Sunday morning 9-11am we have our weekend SEN session. Siblings, family, and friends are all welcome to attend this session.

During the school holidays we also have specific SEN sessions, these sessions are pre-bookable. (Please call the Centre to check dates and times or visit our Facebook page)

Exclusive room hire is also available for our visitors with SEN. (Please call the Centre to arrange/book)

Our SEN sessions are limited to a small number of children, offering a calm, quiet experience for all.

All Boomerang key staff either have children with special needs themselves or family members. They have extensive understanding, training and knowledge regarding difficulties that families face daily.

We totally understand your situation and are always here if you have any queries about your visit or just a general chat!

We have hundreds of children and adults who visit Boomerang from all over the Northwest, who have a wide variety of physical and learning disabilities.

Adults with Special Needs

All our rooms are available for exclusive hire for adults with special needs.

For further information or to book please don't hesitate to call us on: 0161 764 4842.

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Boomerang has been specifically designed to cater for children with special needs. We have three rooms available all offering a different sensory environment that gives everyone a multi- sensory experience. Our large multi- sensory room offers a fully flexible play opportunity in an environment that allows children to engage in stimulating and physical play.

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For parent carers and professionals working with children with SEND. Come along and speak face to face to a wide range of Trafford Services. This is a drop-in session so come along for as little or as long as you like.
Better Together SEND event
Free goodie bag, free refreshments and free raffle with amazing prizes, digital information station, arts and crafts.

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Trafford Directory | Better Together SEND event

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For parent carers and professionals working with children with SEND. Come along and speak face to face to a wide range of Trafford Services. This is a drop-in session so come along for as little or as long as you like. Better Together SEND event...

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Your all ability cycling community
Have fun, make friends, get fit!
Come and join us - use the link here to find us - Everyone is welcome!

Weekend and School Holiday bookings must be made ONLINE .

Or use the QR code:
THE FINAL SESSION STARTS 1 HOUR BEFORE CLOSING
Please use the online booking system. Arrival without booking may result in disappointment if we are full. Price £3.00 per person for a 45 minute session. Card payments are preferable. SESSIONS START ON THE HOUR AND ARE FOR 45MINUTES.
THE FINAL SESSION STARTS 1 HOUR BEFORE CLOSING.

* Please see below for changes due to sports events

Monday: Longford 9am - 12pm
Friday : Longford 9am - 12pm
Sunday: Longford 1pm - 3pm

Note: Session changes in June and July at Longford Park:

Sports day and events cancellations:

* sessions cancelled on Mondays and Fridays in June and July until Friday 22 July due to school sports days.
* Some Sundays are also limited so please use the App for booking as this will be updated accordingly. Thank you.

Tuesday : Wythenshawe 9am - 3pm
Wednesday : Wythenshawe 9am - 12pm
Friday: Wythenshawe 9am - 3pm
Saturday : Wythenshawe 1pm - 4pm

Monday: Boggart 11am - 2pm
Saturday: Boggart 9am - 10.45am

Do You Want to Develop Your Cycling Skills?

We also offer group and 1-to-1 rides out from £20 per person- please message Sue or Helen for further info or to book. These have proved to be extremely successful and have meant cyclists have grown in confidence, developed bike handling skills and been able to explore the local area.
To book call Sue 07753 428 937 or Helen 07871 621 778
Covid 19
* We cannot clean down helmets in between sessions so if you want to wear a helmet please provide your own.
* Refreshments (cold drinks) are only available at the Wythenshawe track.
We will publish any future changes on this page and on our Facebook page to keep you up to date so please keep checking!

We look forward to seeing you soon! ☺

___________________________________________________________________

Ever considered Volunteering with Us?

Simply Cycling welcomes new volunteers - From kitchen staff to mechanics, signing customers in to assisting cyclists on the track - we need you! If you have some time and are able to volunteer at any of the 3 tracks then please speak to Sue or Helen. Their details are on the 'join us' page!

Registered Charity no.1143362

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Simply Cycling - Have Fun - Make Friends - Get Fit

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Have fun, make friends, get fit! Come and join us - use the link here to find us - Everyone is welcome! THE FINAL SESSION STARTS 1 HOUR BEFORE CLOSING Please use the online booking system. Arrival without booking may result in disappointment if we are full.

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Autism-friendly screenings are sometimes called relaxed or sensory-friendly screenings. Adjustments are made to reduce stress and sensory input, such as low lighting and sound, freedom to move and staff trained in autism awareness.

Upcoming autism-friendly cinema screenings

Here are the upcoming films for our partner cinemas. Please visit their webpage for full details:

Cineworld - Barbie on Sunday September 3rd
See an autism-friendly screening of Barbie on Sunday September 3rd at 11am.
Please note that Cineworld Enfield location will be showing their screening on Saturday September 2nd at 11am.

The Light - Various
The Light has a variety of screenings scheduled across their cinemas. Please visit their page to find out what's showing near you.

Showcase - Various
See an autism-friendly screening, at 10am, of:

Elemental on 9th July

How To Train Your Dragon on 16th July

The Barbie Movie on 23rd July

The Barbie Movie on 30th July

Picturehouse - Various
See an autism-friendly screening of:

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Singalong on 13 August

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2D) on 20 August

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on 27 August

The Little Mermaid (2023) on 17 September

Times vary by location.

At least once a month ODEON, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, Picturehouse and Everyman cinemas show popular films in an autism-friendly environment, and independent cinemas can use our free training to host their own.

We hope these screenings will help more people with sensory sensitivity enjoy the cinema and for many, provide a transition into regular screenings.

Anyone who feels they can benefit from the adjustments is welcome and no proof of diagnosis is needed. Your loved ones or support staff are welcome too.

Find an autism-friendly screening near you

This map displays our partner cinemas showing autism-friendly screenings and some independent cinemas too. Alternatively, use the buttons below to find out about upcoming screenings.

Click the arrow on the left to turn the layers on and off for each cinema brand. We try to keep this information up to date but recommend you check with your local cinema for participation details.

Have you found your local cinema?
It's time to see when their next autism-friendly screening is! Use the buttons below to find out more.<<Back to autism-friendly environments

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We're thrilled to announce that after a challenging year, autism friendly cinema screenings are back! There will be some covid adjustments in place, and these will be dependent on the cinema.

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Autism/Additional Needs Sessions - Adventure Forest

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Opening times Book your session Gift Vouchers Autism friendly / additional needs sessions 0-11 years Autism friendly / additional needsRead Full Article

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Sleep and Therapy Services - Working together to transform children's lives through Sleep and Therapy Services

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Working together to transform children's lives through Sleep and Therapy Services

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Stronger Together Empowering Parents (STEP)

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Stronger Together Empowering Parents (STEP)

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STEP are a support service within Trafford Parents Forum. We provide peer to peer emotional and practical support and advice for parent/carers of children and young people with SEND in Trafford. We have a team of Co-ordinators as well as a number of trained volunteers who can offer their knowledge and lived experience through peer to peer support.

At STEP we provide low-level support such as;

Emotional support

Practical support for day-to-day challenges

Signposting to Trafford services

Help navigating the Local Offer

Guidance for completing DLA/PIP Application forms

Support in low-level meetings in school

NOTE: We cannot support with issues around EHCP's.

Who to contact

Contact Name

Emily Heywood and Clair Domville

Contact Position

Senior Co-ordinators

E-mail

Website

https://www.traffordparentsforum.com/.../step

Scan to visit this website

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/STEPtraffordparentsforum

Twitter

https://twitter.com/StrongerStep

Parent Organisation

Trafford Parents Forum

Where to go

Name

STEP at Trafford Parents Forum

Address

Postcode

Notes

Our offices are a 5 minute walk from Altrincham Interchange with bus, tram and train links. We are a 5 minute walk from a large pay and display car park at Altrincham leisure centre/ice rink. Our office is accessible on one level.

Time / Date Details

When is it on

Monday-Friday 9.30am-2.30pm Term time only

Who is it for?

Ages

Eligibility Details

Any parent/carer with a child or young person with suspected or diagnosed Special Educational Need or Disability who lives in Trafford can request support from STEP.

Accessibility

Details

We will make every effort to meet the needs of any parent/carer looking for support from STEP. Please include in the referral form if there is anything we can do to make contact more accessible for you. We can offer, telephone, virtual or face to face support depending on what is most accessible for you.

Referral Required?

No

Referral Details

To refer to STEP please click and complete the 'Self Referral' tab at the bottom of our website STEP | Trafford Parents Forum

Anyone can contact STEP to ask for support or guidance. We endeavour to respond to new referrals within 3 working days but as a small team, during periods of high demand, it could occasionally take a little bit longer.

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Trafford Directory | Stronger Together Empowering Parents (STEP)

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STEP are a support service within Trafford Parents Forum. We provide peer to peer emotional and practical support and advice for parent/carers of children and young people with SEND in Trafford. We have a team of Co-ordinators as well as a number of trained volunteers who can offer their knowledge and lived experience through peer to peer support.

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We will be returning to work on Monday 8th January 2024 with the term time drop in's restarting on Tuesday 9th January 2024 at St Matthew's Church Hall in Stretford. Tuesday 16th January 2024 sees SENDIASS coming along to our drop in. Our evening drop in's will be restarting too - please keep an eye on our website and social media for news on dates and locations.

We have an exciting Wellbeing Programme being prepared just now that is due to start in the New Year - please keep an eye out for more information on our website and social media.
STEP and Support Sessions covering Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independent Payments
STEP will be opening DLA/PIP support sessions once per half term in the New Year - keep an eye on our website and social media for further updates with dates and location.

To make a self-referral to STEP, please use their referral form here.

Mental Health Support Over Christmas
Christmas isn't always the best time and our mental health can suffer for many reasons. If over Christmas you or someone you know needs any support with their mental health, please don't suffer in silence, there is help out there.

Trafford Council has their own support page with lots of help and links where you can get support.
Trafford Directory and the Local Offer
If you need any general help, Trafford Directory offers free, impartial advice and guidance service connecting Trafford families, young people and caregivers with local support services. Under this service, you will find the SEND Local Offer - if you haven't visited yet, it's a tool to keep always as it's Trafford offer of support for families with children with SEND
Posts to the Closed Facebook Group won't be approved as quickly as normal, please bear with us. During holiday periods for urgent support, please contact Trafford Children's First Response on 0161 912 5125 during office hours Mon-Fri 8.30-4.30pm or 0161 912 2020 out of hours - Emergency Duty Team. This leaves us to say that we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope the holidays are kind to you all and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. The TPF Team

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Lets make the SEND world, everyone's world

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Making SEND a better place. For everyone.

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Government guidance for unpaid carers
For the latest Government guidance (last updated 13th April) please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family
Vacancies
Please see our vacancies for available roles that we are currently accepting applications for.
Carers Week
Carer's Week will be taking place from 7th - 13th June. Although we will still have restrictions in place that will effect our ability to run large scale activities we are pleased to announce that we will be running a mixture of small group activities and our main afternoon tea event will be held online.

Monday 7th June - Carer's Walk (no pet's)

Tuesday 8th June - Carer Awareness sessions for professionals

Wednesday 9th June - Wellbeing Wednesday

Thursday 10th June - Carers Afternoon Tea, bingo & quiz (with live entertainment)

Friday 11th June - Carer's and your pets walk

More information will be added over the next few weeks and we advise to book early as places will be strictly limited.

Our current service offer

We would like to assure you that our support for carers continues.

Our team is available Monday to Friday between 9am until 4:30pm to take your calls. Please call the helpline on 0161 848 2400 and press option 1.

Trafford Carers has launched a number of projects over the last couple of months to support carers during these difficult times and we continue to offer the majority of services either over the phone, via digital (zoom or MS Teams) and in some circumstances face to face (please note that this is fully risk assessed ahead of making any appointments to minimise infection risks)

Services carers can access include:

Helpline - Operating Monday to Friday

Counselling - operating either over the phone or via a video call

Therapies - this service is currently suspended

Befriending (New Service funded by The National Lottery Community Fund) - Please contact the helpline for more information

Benefit advice - accessed through the casework team

Art group - Every Wednesday at 10am on Zoom (call the helpline for information)

Wellbeing Wednesday - Every Wednesday at 10am on Zoom (call the helpline for information)

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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) GUIDANCE - Trafford Carers

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Government guidance for unpaid carers For the latest Government guidance (last updated 13th April) please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family Vacancies Please see our vacancies for available roles that we are currently accepting applications for. Carers Week Carer's Week will be taking place from 7th - 13th June.

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Trafford Family Information Service (FIS)

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Trafford Family Information Service (FIS)

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Trafford Directory | Trafford Family Information Service (FIS)

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Here at the Family Information Service we provide free, impartial, confidential information and advice to mums, dads, carers, young people and professionals on a range of subjects including: Childcare We can support you find suitable registered childcare at a childminder, pre-school playgroup, day…

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You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. This will give you an estimate of:

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Find out what benefits you could get, how much you could get and how to claim

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Support for men who are victims of domestic abuse

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Charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse through a helpline, directory of local services and general information on the website.

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Home - The Childrens' Adventure Farm Trust

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Home - The Childrens' Adventure Farm Trust

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This year we welcomed 350 guests to our annual Christmas Ball who helped to raise a total of £88,000 thanks to their amazing generosity. This incredible amount raised will help us continue to provide much needed day visits and short breaks to our site for children living challenging lives across the North-West.

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Autism friendly attractions at TraffordCity

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World Autism Awareness Week is back from 29 March to 4 April 2021 with ideas for raising awareness and funds with family and friends.

So to celebrate this and help create a society that works for autistic people we've put together a round up of all the TraffordCity attractions who provide Autism Friendly sessions for customers.

Dino Falls Adventure Golf

Dino Falls Adventure Golf has an Autism Friendly session on the first Tuesday of each month. With approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, the team at Dino Falls Adventure Golf have recognised the importance of making the course more accessible to those visiting with autism. The sessions, which be from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, will include adjusted lighting, reduced sound and low-level music on the course.
Discover more
PlayFactore

PlayFactore hosts Disability Play Sessions every first Thursday of the month. Children receive 2 hours of play, having access to all of the facilities. Children aged 6 months to 16 years with all types of disabilities and special educational needs (SEN and SEND) are welcome. Play Factore understands everyone's needs are different and they want to make sure your session is as relaxed and enjoyable as it can be. The volume of the music is lowered, as well, as adjusting the lighting to make families feel comfortable.

Upon arrival, customers are greeted and booked in by the lovely Reception team, thus there is no requirement to book your visit. FREE entrance is offered for every carer accompanying a child, upon presentation of disability ID such as a DLA form.
Discover more
SEA LIFE Manchester

As part of their ongoing commitment to creating a fun environment for all, every Thursday afternoon during term time will be Autism friendly* at SEA LIFE Manchester.

From 2.00pm until 6.00pm, music is turned off and lighting throughout the attraction is made as standard as possible to provide a more comfortable Sea Life experience for those with autism and other sensory requirements. Extra trained staff are also on hand around the attraction who can answer any questions and provide assistance.

Advanced booking is advised.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester

Every Thursday afternoon during term time is Autism friendly* at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. From 2.00pm to 6.00pm, there will be extra staff, no music, limited sound effects and standard lighting.

All the awesome elements of LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, such as the bricks, soft play area, stop motion animation tables and the rides will be open as usual! But the centre will just be a little bit quieter and lighter. If there is an event running on your visit date, then all the awesome extra builds and themed fun will be available to join in with too!

For the parts of the attraction which require certain lighting and effects to operate (such as the 4D Cinema and the Kingdom Quest ride) signs will be in place and staff will fully explain what will happen for families to make an informed decision before entering that particular area.

There's a designated quiet space available and extra provisions such as ear defenders can also be provided. A social story about LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester is available to download HERE for familiarising children with the centre before a visit.

Due to the limited capacity, advanced booking is advised. All adults must be accompanied by a child.

The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre team understand that for some people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), sensory or additional needs a visit to a busy shopping centre can be a daunting experience. To help make your visit as enjoyable as possible, intu are able to provide ear defenders in centre and have also been working in partnership with Together Trust and their team of autism specialists, to develop a number of helpful resources for individuals with autism and their parents/carers.

The centre hosts a "Quiet Hour" every Wednesday 10-11am, where the centre avoids the use of any tannoys. Retailers are asked to turn music low or off, and dim lights where possible.

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Autism friendly attractions at TraffordCity

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To coincide with World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday 2nd April 2019, we've put together a round up of all the TRAFFORDCITY attractions who provide Autism Friendly sessions for customers.

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Fun for everyone

These sessions are designed specifically for those people on the autistic spectrum & their families to enjoy!

It has long been recognised that physical activity is beneficial to those on the autistic spectrum with the National Autistic Society stating the following on their website;
"It is useful to encourage physical activities that are enjoyable without the need for imagination and understanding or use of language. Physical exercise is reported to diminish inappropriate behaviour and such activities are also helpful for improving problems of motor co-ordination..."
We wanted to offer something different for, not only for those with autism generally but specifically for those with autism to take part in an activity that their whole family can enjoy alongside them. These sessions also provide an opportunity for families to meet other families facing similar paths in a fun and safe environment.

What makes the session different?

The number of participants is halved

The music is turned down

A parent/carer can enter the arena FREE of charge with every participant

There is complimentary juice and biscuits for all participants following the session

To book for your next SEN Friendly session simply click the 'Class' tab in our availability checker and select the date you would like to attend.

Make sure to grab a loyalty card for free sessions and other rewards too!
If you are a parent/carer and would like to participate free of charge, please call 0161 710 2360 to make your booking.
We also offer Inflata Tots classes across the week, which are great fun for your little ones as they have the main arena to themselves without any older kids getting in the way.

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Sessions designed specifically for people on the autistic spectrum and their families to enjoy together.

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Additional needs sessions in the North West

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Additional needs sessions in the North West

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Additional needs sessions in the North West

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ACCESSIBLE SESSIONS IN OUR AREA

Home Mcr's monthly relaxed film screening, Relaxed Events - HOME (homemcr.org) include:

Cinema lights on low

Film volume turned down a little

No trailers or advertisements before the film starts

You can move in and out of the cinema

A separate chill out space is provided if you need some time out of the screening

They also regularly include relaxed performances in family theatre shows, visit their website for the latest performances.
https://homemcr.org/
Play Factore, Trafford Quays Leisure Village

Play Factore Disability Sessions, held on the first Thursday of every month 6.30-8.30pm at the UK's largest family entertainment arena. Spend some quality time with the family in a safe, exciting and exclusive environment, meet friends and maybe make some new ones! Contact info@playfactore.com for more information.
www.playfactore.com

Boomerang Multi-Sensory Centre

Boomerang Multi-Sensory Centre is the largest fully accessible, safe, stimulating play centre in the North West. It is specifically designed to cater for children with special needs.

It has a large play frame, a sensory room, an interactive room and cafe. All rooms have hoists to allow full access to the equipment. There is also a fully accessible changing place.

Our exclusive special needs sessions are every Sunday 9-11 am (no need to book). We also hold sessions throughout every school holiday

(booking essential)

These sessions are for children with special needs and their families. During the sessions we operate a no music policy for our visitors who find noisy environments too overstimulating.

We welcome all children 7 days a week.

Exclusive use hire of our rooms is available to our visitors with special needs.

Come along and visit us in a fun friendly environment where you will meet like-minded parents and not feel judged

Our Kids Social family events have proven to be popular for families with children who have SEND. Their silent discos ensure that the volume of the music is in the hands of the individual and can be switched off altogether at any time. Their large social events have area for quiet, arts and crafts and space to sit for a drink as well as the traditional dance floor areas. Music is not booming but rather at a level enjoyable for all. Additionally they provide birthday parties which again cater to the needs of the individual and their silent disco parties are perfect for children with sensory difficulties. Find out details of events at www.ourkids.social or request party info at parties@ourkids.social

The Lowry, Salford Quays

On the last Sunday of every month Relaxed Playhouse is an accessible visual art activity for children with additional needs aged 5-11 and their families.

The Lowry also hold relaxed performances which are open to everyone but are particularly appropriate for anyone who may find the usual theatre environment challenging. You can see a list of those performances here.
www.thelowry.com
Disability friendly sessions at Inflatanation are designed specifically for those people on the autistic spectrum & their families to enjoy!

They wanted to offer something different for, not only for those with autism generally but specifically for those with autism to take part in an activity that their whole family can enjoy alongside them. These sessions also provide an opportunity for families to meet other families facing similar paths in a fun environment.

What makes the session different?

The number of participants is halved

The music is turned down

A parent/carer can enter the arena FREE of charge with every participant

There is complimentary juice and biscuits for all participants following the session

Sessions take place Saturday morning at 9am to 10am.
https://www.inflatanation.com/classes/disability-friendly/
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark is a fully accessible attraction with a wide range of facilities for guests with additional needs.

Accessible Family Evenings NEW

For a number of years Sandcastle Waterpark has worked with a local charity, Aiming Higher to provide quality leisure time for local disabled children and their families. We have developed these sessions to meet the needs of disabled children so that we create an environment in which both they and their families feel comfortable, supported and where we are able to provide memories and enjoyment for each one of them.
Find out more about Sandcastle Waterpark here
Eureka! has a Gold Award from Visit England for accessibility. Essential carers get in free, they provide ear defenders to borrow and have a quiet space available.
www.eureka.org.uk
Adventure Forest Children's Indoor Play Centre, Trafford Park

Exclusive sessions take place for children with additional needs/ autism to play and parents/ carers to socialise and relax in the luxurious cafe.

Autism friendly/ additional needs sessions (1st Sunday of the month, 9:15-11:15am) Please book your sessions in advance using this link:

During these sessions Adventure Forest provide a low stimulus environment for the children e.g no music / flashing lights / hand dryers and they limit the numbers so that it doesn't get over crowded. They provide picture food menus for those that require them and a quiet room for children that may need time out to relax. They also have picture signs around the play centre during the sessions for children that relate better to picture symbols.

They also have a social story on the website for people to look at before they visit so that they know what to expect.

They have also started providing parties in these sessions for children with autism / additional needs.

A children's changing table is now also available.
www.adventureforestplay.co.uk Vue Cinema, Altrincham
Autism friendly screenings are held at 10am on the last Sunday of every month during which the lights are left on low, the sound is turned down and trailers and adverts aren't played.
www.myvue.com/cinema/altrincham
Funtastic Fridays, Cheeky Cherubs, Urmston

An inclusive club is held at Cheeky Cherubs each Friday from 5-7pm for all disabilities, parents, carers and siblings to enjoy activities in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
www.cheekycherubscommunitylearningcentre.org
Simply Cycling, Longford Park and Wythenshawe Park

Everyone is welcome at these friendly, all ability, cycling sessions.
www.simply-cycling.org
The Ice Cream Farm, nr Chester

Home to the world's largest ice cream shop, The Ice Cream Farm based just outside Chester in Cheshire, offers an amazing flavour of activity. Entry into The Ice Cream Farm, including parking, use of Daisy's Garden outdoor play area, and picnic and toilet facilities ranges from £1.50-£2.50pp. Additional attractions such as Strawberry Falls crazy golf, Fun Factory indoor play area, or Honeycomb Canyon Europe's largest indoor sand and water play area, cost just £4.50 each. However, massive savings can be made through the innovative Play Pass scheme, with passes starting from as little as £15 for five plays, making each play just £3 each. Contact them or check out their social media @theicecreamfarm for details of future SEN adapted sessions.
http://www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk
FREEDOME ˜Aerial Freestyle Trampoline Park',

FREEDOME €˜Aerial Freestyle Trampoline Park', based on Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port, is the next generation in active entertainment, offering much more than just your average trampoline park€¦ Every Sunday, between 9am and 10am before the park officially opens to the public, FREEDOME hosts FreeSpirits, an autism-friendly jump session.
www.freedomeparks.co.uk

___________

SERVICES TO SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

Wraparound Partnership

Making Sense of Special Needs

We are proud to be a social enterprise, founded by a parent of a child with complex needs, who had 18 years as a SENCO, before deciding to offer a holistic package of support to families, in the form of Wraparound. Being a positive employer towards parent carers and those with other disabilities means our team have all sorts of skills and experience, from housing, to mental health support, to clarifying EHCP and SEN support processes. We love nothing more than helping families find their own way through, being a guiding hand, we charge enough to remain totally independent and sustainable whilst being exceptionally affordable too.

If there is anything you are struggling to understand in this world of special needs we can help you make sense of it, this initial conversation is free too.
www.wraparoundpartnership.org
Phone: 0161 872 6879/ 0161 956 2081

Email: hello@wraparoundpartnership.org

Parent Concern was set up over ten years ago by Sara Murawa an ex Head Teacher of a nursery school in Manchester.

Sara sees children from Year 1 to Year 12 with concentration problems, learning difficulties and SEN [special educational needs]. She sees children 1:1 and offers bespoke help.

Sara also sees children with the following challenges: ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, delayed speech and those children that just need a little extra help. Many of her pupils have stayed with her for years.

Plus she sees adults who are dyslexic and need support in entry level English. They also support pupils studying GCSE English and maths and those taking entry level English and 11 plus too.

Sara also offers 123 Magic behavioural parenting advice & verbal educational assessments.

Parent Concern also offer evening workshops on subjects such as Homework Wars, Bedtime Battles. Homework Wars on 6th March 2018 (advance booking required).

For information

go to: www.parentconcern.co.uk and for the latest workshop dates visit the Parent Concern Face book Page.

The moment you realise your child has special needs, or additional needs as I prefer, is the moment normality becomes a thing of the past. Some people embrace their new world without a second thought, whilst others struggle to come to terms with the 'what ifs'. For me it was like a grieving process, I was grieving for the child I had imagined in my head, but for me it involved all three children not just one.

Autism, ADHD EDS, asthma, anaphylaxis & DAMP became my life. The Internet was my main source of research and trips to the paediatrician, physiotherapist and speech therapist became my world.

One of the hardest parts for me is when people don't always see our differences. All three children are in mainstream school, very intelligent and articulate. However, behind the scenes they all have a lot of support which has been embedded by years of school meetings, reports, emotional pleas and calls to the local authority.

Our life is planned and scheduled so that each child is fully prepared and knows what's happening now and next. Dinner has to be planned the night before and sleep is a rare luxury. Trips out need military planning and contingency plans. Knowing what is available to access within your local area and nationally makes a huge difference.

My children, with me behind them, will achieve whatever they aspire to in life. It may not be as straightforward as they would like and they may have more mountains to climb, but climb they will.

So next time you see a child having a meltdown in the supermarket think, could the strip lighting and the noise be causing

too much sensory stimulation? Or are they are throwing their book bag in the school playground because all the day's anxieties have built up in them like a rocket about to launch? Please just take a second and consider what they may be going through, before you make a judgement."
Sarah Jefferies lives in Chislehurst with her 3 wonderful children, and is constantly striving to get them the best support possible.
Raring2go! has provided a round up of local venues which provide accessible sessions for children with disabilities or additional needs. If you'd like to provide additional details to add to our list, please get in touch altrinchamandsale@raring2go.co.uk

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Additional needs sessions in the North West

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Raring2go! has provided a round up of local venues which provide accessible sessions for children with disabilities or additional needs. If you'd like to provide additional details to add to our list, please get in touch altrinchamandsale@raring2go.co.uk

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Skip to content Menu Close Enter your search term Quick exit Click to leave site immediately You are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, Refuge is here to support you - and we're glad you've found us.

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Advice if you’re affected by the cost of living crisis

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Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST) provides housing advice and assistance via telephone and email during our normal operating hours. If you become homeless outside of these hours, your call will automatically divert to HOST's out of hours service.

The HOST reception at Sale Waterside is only open to those with appointments. If you need a face to face appointment, contact us to arrange.

Opening hours

Monday 9am - 5pm

Tuesday 9am - 5pm

Wednesday 1pm - 5pm

Thursday 9am - 5pm

Friday 9am - 5pm

Contact details

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You are legally classed as being 'homeless' if you fall into one of the categories below. If one of these situations is likely to apply to you within 56 days, then you are classed as being 'threatened with homelessness'.

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Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical support to people facing financial insecurity. We help people gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other support - online, by phone and face to face through our work in communities and the organisations we partner with.

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Trafford Assist (Local Welfare Assistance) Policy

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Trafford Assist is the Trafford Council's local welfare assistance scheme to help residents in short-term acute financial difficulties.

The award depends on the applicant's individual circumstances.

The scheme has been designed to help Trafford residents:

meet immediate short-term needs in an emergency or as a result of a disaster;

return to or remain in the community and help them to live independently in their own home;

meet essential travelling expenses (e.g. to attend a funeral of a close relative).

What does Trafford Assist provide?

The scheme helps provide:

Financial assistance to purchase food;

Financial assistance for emergency gas and electricity;

Financial assistance towards the cost of essential travel not funded through other schemes;

Essential furniture / white goods.

What is the Trafford Assist payment method?

Trafford Assist operates a cash-first scheme for awards of food, gas and electricity and travel. Payments are made directly in to a successful applicant's bank account via the Bankers Automated Clearing Service (BACs) which takes 3 working days to clear.

Alternative awards can be made to applicants who do not have a bank account, or in safeguarding cases where same day is required such as a food voucher or smart meter top-up voucher (for example: Paypoint).

Essential furniture/white goods are purchased by Trafford Assist through their contracted provider. There is no alternative cash equivalent option.

There is no cash handling for Trafford Assist awards.

What is taken into account when deciding to make a Trafford Assist award?

Exchequer Services will consider making an award under Trafford Assist to all applicants who meet the qualifying criteria set out in this policy.

Through this policy we will seek to:

relieve poverty;

support care leavers;

encourage Trafford Council residents to get help through signposting;

help those who are trying to help themselves;

keep families together;

support the vulnerable in the local community;

help customers through personal crises and difficult events

support disabled residents within Trafford to live independently within their own home;

Trafford Assist should be seen in the majority of cases as one-off emergency fund. It is not and should not be considered as a general top up of benefit or income.

Although repeat claims will be considered the applicant will be expected to engage with providers for support and assistance.

No more than two applications within a 12 month period will be awarded, per breakdown of awards below.

The Council will treat each case on its own merits and all applicants will receive equal and fair treatment.

Trafford Council is committed to working with the local voluntary sector, social landlords and other interested parties in the borough.

Who can apply?

The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:

The applicant must have UK residency

The applicant must live in Trafford, or be expecting to live in Trafford in the next six weeks, and can provide evidence of this from an agency

The applicatant must be 16 years or over

Applications for furniture items

For the first application for a furniture award within the scheme, there is no requirement to complete an income and expenditure form if an applicant is on one of the following state means tested benefits:

If an applicant is not in receipt of the above or they are making a second application within a 24 months' period they will be required to submit an Income and Expenditure form.

All applications for furniture items will require a visit to verify that the item is needed before the application is considered, unless the application form has been submitted by an internal service area.

Awards will not be made for the same furniture item within a 24 month period.

Applications for financial assistance for food

There is no requirement to complete an income and expenditure form if an applicant is in receipt of one of the following state means tested benefits:

If an applicant has applied for one of the above benefits, but not yet awarded, then an award will be considered if proof can be provided of a pending claim.

If an applicant is not in receipt of the above, or has proof that they have applied, they will be required to submit an Income and Expenditure form.

Food awards will be based on household size.

Applications for financial assistance for fuel

There is no requirement to complete an income and expenditure form if an applicant is in receipt of one of the following state means tested benefits:

If an applicant has applied for one of the above benefits, but not yet awarded, then an award will be considered if proof can be provided of a pending claim.

If an applicant is not in receipt of the above, or has proof that they have applied, they will be required to submit an Income and Expenditure form.

Fuel awards will be based on a set amount per household.

Annual consideration will be given to increasing the amount of the fuel award between 1 November - 1 March dependent on the general temperature reducing during that time.

Applications for financial assistance for essential travel

There is no requirement to complete an income and expenditure form if an applicant is in receipt of one of the following state means tested benefits:

If an applicant has applied for one of the above benefits, but not yet awarded, then an award will be considered if proof can be provided of a pending claim.

If an applicant is not in receipt of the above, or has proof that they have applied, they will be required to submit an Income and Expenditure form.

Travel awards will be based on actual essential travel costs (proof required) that are not covered by other financial assistance for travel schemes, for example: the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, Jobcentre Plus Flexible Support Fund.

How to make a claim

A claim under Trafford Assist must be made online electronically using the e-form provided. Assistance will be provided to those customers who may not be comfortable or who experience difficulty with applying online.

On request the customer must supply any relevant supporting evidence.

Exchequer Services may ask for any evidence in support of an application.

If the applicant fails to provide additional evidence requested, we will refuse the customers application.

Exchequer Services reserves the right to verify any information or evidence provided by the applicant in appropriate circumstances.

If you are already receiving support from other agencies or charities then the fund cannot duplicate this provision.

Method of payment

The applicant must hold a bank or building society account in their own name. Payments will not be made to a third party unless proof is provided that the third party has official authority to act, such as Appointeeship, Deputyship, Lasting Power of Attorney.

Exchequer Services will pay awards as detailed below:

Food, fuel and travel - BACs (Bankers Automated Clearing Service) payment (three working days clearance)

Furniture or white goods - order placed and delivery arranged direct by provider.

Customers without a bank account or in a safeguarding crisis where immediate assistance is required will be awarded a supermarket voucher for food awards or a Paypoint voucher for fuel and/or travel.

Reviews and appeals

A Trafford Assist award is not a payment of benefit and is therefore not subject to the statutory appeals mechanism. An applicant who disagrees with a Trafford Assist decision may dispute the decision. The Council must receive a request for a review within one week of being notified of the decision. An Officer of the Council will review the decision; this will not be the Officer who made the original decision.

Where the applicant is still not satisfied, they will be entitled to a final review which must be made in writing within one week of the date notified of the outcome of the review.

An Exchequer Services Team Leader will conduct this final review and the decision made will be reported in writing to the customer. This decision is binding and may only be challenged through judicial review or by complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Fraud

The Council is committed to the fight against fraud in all its forms and has a zero tolerance fraud policy. An applicant who tries to fraudulently claim a Local Welfare Assistance (Trafford Assist) award by falsely declaring their circumstances, providing a false statement or evidence in support of their application, may have committed a criminal offence. Where fraud is suspected, the Council will investigate and this may lead to criminal proceedings.

Exchequer Services reserve the right to seek recovery of a previously paid award under Trafford Assist via any recovery method available to them.

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Trafford Assist (Local Welfare Assistance) Policy

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Trafford local welfare assistance policy

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Home to School Transport team | Travel assistance for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) | Manchester City Council

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Home to School Transport team

The Home to School Transport team is responsible for travel solutions between home and school for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

We will look at the information you provide and make a decision on what support is needed and may need to call or visit you if we need more information.

If we can provide support, we will discuss and agree the most appropriate travel solution. This may range from a walking bus, to a personal travel budget, independent travel training right through to a seat on a minibus or specialist vehicle. In some cases the solution may be a taxi or private hire vehicle; this will depend on individual circumstances.

Children who need extra support will be assigned a 'passenger assistant', someone who will accompany the child on the journey.

In some cases we may decide to give you a personal travel budget (PTB). This is a payment that is made to you directly to help with making your own travel arrangements for your child in a way that best suits their individual situation. We base this on the distance between home and school/college for the days the child attends and includes of a number of factors. It will be personalised according to the needs of each family and individual circumstances.

Every day, we look after around 1800 children and young people, taking them to school or college using over 300 routes and travel solutions.

If you would like more information contact the Home to School Transport Team on 0161 219 6400 (calls are taken by Environment on Call). They will be able to talk you through completing the application form and can discuss whether a child in your care may be entitled to help.
Download our Home to school transport policies.

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Home to School Transport team | Travel assistance for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) | Manchester City Council

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This site provides information on travel assistance available for pupils with statements of special educational needs (SEN)

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Information about free travel and travel assistance for children and young people with SEND, including eligibility and how to apply.

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Transport to school•Salford City Council

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Transport for pupils and students to and from school and college can be arranged free of charge, subject to certain criteria.

Assistance is provided for primary and secondary school age pupils attending mainstream schools within the area and also to primary and secondary school age pupils attending special needs schools within the Salford area and beyond.

Pupils applying for free transport must live within the Salford boundary and be of statutory school age.

You can download a copy of the Salford home to school transport policy below. Paper copies can be provided on request.

Statutory walking distance

Transport assistance provided will be a free annual scholar's pass which allows travel on public/school buses in Greater Manchester.

Provision will be made for:

Primary age pupils aged up to eight years travelling over two miles

Primary age pupils aged over eight years and secondary age pupils travelling over three miles

Parents choosing a school further away from their home than another school that is appropriate to their child's educational needs will be responsible for transport costs.

Low income families

Following amendments to the Education and Inspections Act 2006, the Local Authority are required to extend a right to free transport to pupils from low income families. Children from low income families are defined in the act as those who are entitled to free school meals or those whose families are in receipt of their maximum level of Working Tax Credit (WTC). The right to free transport has therefore been extended to the following pupils from low income families:

Primary age pupils aged 8 years and under 11 years where they are attending a qualifying school more than two miles from their home

Pupils aged 11 to 16 years attending one of their three nearest suitable schools (where this is over two miles to a maximum of six miles from their homes)

Pupils aged 11 to 16 years to the nearest suitable school preferred on grounds of religion where they live more than two miles, but not more than 15 miles from that school

Apply for a school bus pass
Special needs

Assistance with transport is provided for primary and secondary school age pupils attending special needs schools within the Salford area and beyond.

If transport is to be provided, the authority will determine the type of provision to be made; this may take the form of travel cost reimbursement or even more individualised contracted transport. Provision made will take account of the pupil/student's severity of learning difficulty and/or mobility needs.

Transport needs will be reviewed in line with an annual review process as a pupils transport needs may change over time. Schools will review transport provision and make recommendations to the LA through the statutory review process with a view to moving pupils to independent travel as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please choose the appropriate form to complete based on the age of the pupil when the travel assistance will start.
Under 16 Apply for travel assistance for pupils under 16 with SEN or disabilities 16 or over Apply for travel assistance for pupils aged 16 or over with SEN or disabilities
For queries please email TransportSEN@salford.gov.uk.

For further information see the Local Offer transport page.

Free bus passes

If your child attends a special school and has an EHCP (Educational Health Care plan), they are entitled to a free bus pass from Transport for Greater Manchester. If your child has a disability, they may also be entitled to a free bus pass.

Downloadable documents

If you are unable to view documents of these types, our downloads page provides links to viewing software.

This page was last updated on 5 February 2024

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Transport to school•Salford City Council

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Transport for pupils and students to and from school and college can be arranged free of charge, subject to certain criteria. Assistance is provided for primary and secondary school age pupils attending mainstream schools within the area and also to primary and secondary school age pupils attending special needs schools within the Salford area and beyond.

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Travel assistance to schools, colleges or social care settings

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We provide travel assistance to eligible children, young people and adults who live in Trafford. There are different types of travel assistance to support people getting to school, college or a social care setting. Our aim is to help people achieve maximum independence whilst making the most efficient use of our resources.

If your child or young person is of compulsory school age and does not have special educational needs and disabilties or a mobility issue, please see school admissions travel assistance.

For those with special educational needs, disabilities or a mobility issue, we may be able to provide travel assistance to the following groups:

Children of compulsory school age (aged between 5 and 16 years)

Children under compulsory school age starting reception.

Disabled children (0-18) accessing social care or similar including respite provision/short breaks.

Persons of sixth form age (aged between 16 to 18 and those continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday) to aid their attendance at school, college or place of learning.

Adult learners.

Adults with care and support needs.

Travel assistance to schools and colleges is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. This means that if a child is eligible for travel assistance under our policy, it can be accessed regardless of the child or parent's immigration status, including a person who is subject to the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition.

Travel assistance for pre-school children

Pre-school children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or who are undergoing an EHCP needs assessment in one of our special school nursery assessment places may be eligibile for travel assistance. To be considered, there must be medical or social reasons why your child cannot attend the place without travel assistance. This must be supported by professional evidence, for example from a social worker or medical professional. If you are asessed as entitled to travel assistance, there will be a charge for this service.

The charges will be £185 per term and payment is required at the start of the term. If families can demonstrate financial hardship as described in the policy, the charge will be £85 per term.

Transport for sick children charity

Transport for sick children is a team of volunteers who give up their time and use their own cars to make a difference to sick children and their carers in Greater Manchester. See transport for sick children leaflet.

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Travel assistance to schools, colleges or social care settings

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Information about travel assistance available to eligible children, young people and adults who live in Trafford.

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We’re Sense, the national disability charity. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

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What is a Short Break? Local authorities provide short breaks for families with disabled children to support them to continue to care for their children at home and to allow them to do so more effectively. Short Breaks can be provided by Universal services,...

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Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.
If you're worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

Getting help and support for domestic violence

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.

Other ways to get support:

You can also email for support. It is important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address:

The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.

If you are worried that you are abusive, you can contact the free Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about having power and control over you.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might be in an abusive relationship or experiencing domestic abuse.

Emotional abuse

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

belittle you, or put you down?

blame you for the abuse or arguments?

deny that abuse is happening, or downplay it?

isolate you from your family and friends?

stop you going to college or work?

make unreasonable demands for your attention?

accuse you of flirting or having affairs?

tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?

control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?

monitor your social media profiles, share photos or videos of you without your consent or use GPS locators to know where you are?

Threats and intimidation

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

threaten to hurt or kill you?

destroy things that belong to you?

stand over you, invade your personal space?

threaten to kill themselves or the children?

read your emails, texts or letters?

harass or follow you?

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

slap, hit or punch you?

push or shove you?

bite or kick you?

burn you?

choke you or hold you down?

throw things?

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

touch you in a way you do not want to be touched?

make unwanted sexual demands?

hurt you during sex?

pressure you to have unsafe sex - for example, not using a condom?

pressure you to have sex?

If anyone has sex with you when you do not want to, this is rape. It is still rape if that person is your partner.

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner?

Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do?

If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.

Domestic violence and abuse against women often starts during pregnancy. If the relationship is already abusive, it can get worse.

Find out more about domestic abuse in pregnancy.

If you decide to leave

The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realising that you're not alone and it's not your fault.

Before you go, try to get advice from an organisation such as:

If you're considering leaving, be careful who you tell. It's important the person abusing you does not know where you're going.

Women's Aid has useful information about making a safety plan that applies to both women and men, including advice if you decide to leave.

Helping a friend if they're being abused

If you're worried a friend is being abused, let them know you've noticed something is wrong.

They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.

If someone confides in you that they're suffering domestic abuse:

listen, and take care not to blame them

acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse

give them time to talk, but do not push them to talk if they do not want to

acknowledge they're in a frightening and difficult situation

tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said

support them as a friend, encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions

do not tell them to leave the relationship or leave home if they're not ready - that's their decision

ask if they have suffered physical harm and if they have, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP

help them report the assault to the police if they choose to

be ready to provide information about organisations that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse

Video: domestic violence

In this video, 2 women describe their experiences of domestic abuse.

Sexual assault

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted can get confidential help, treatment and support at a sexual assault referral centre.
Read more about getting help after rape and sexual assault Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre

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Getting help for domestic violence and abuse

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Find out about the signs of domestic violence and abuse, and where to get help. Domestic violence and abuse can happen against women and against men, and anyone can be an abuser.

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Stay up-to-date with community events perfect for family participation. This calendar features activities, workshops, and festivals happening in Trafford.

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We’ve put some small files called cookies on your device to allow this site to function. We’d now like to put a cookie to store any chosen accessibility settings, and to remember when you have logged in.

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Discover the best routes for family walks in the Trafford area, complete with maps and interesting landmarks to explore.

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Citizens Advice - Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Trafford

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Free, confidential advice.

Whoever you are.

welcome to your citizens advice service

The Citizens Advice service across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford offers free, impartial, confidential advice to nearly 35,000 people every year - helping them find a way forward.

We are part of the Citizens Advice network, a collection of independent charities operating throughout the United Kingdom.

We are here to help, whoever you are, whatever your problem.

Our impact in stockport, oldham, rochdale, trafford

£6.7m

INCREASE IN household income

Through our work we increased household income last year by over 6.7 million pounds, that's money that goes back into the local economy

35,000

PEOPLE HELPED EVERY YEAR

We helped nearly 35,000 people and their families last year with over 74,500 issues.

140

FAMILIES KEPT IN THEIR HOMES

We made sure 140 families were not made homeless last year by providing one-to-one support.

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Citizens Advice - Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Trafford

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The Citizens Advice service across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford offers free, impartial, confidential advice to nearly 35,000 people every year - helping them find a way forward. We are part of the Citizens Advice network, a collection of independent charities operating throughout the United Kingdom.

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We now operate a delivery-only service.

All requests for food support must be made via the Trafford Community Response number 0300 330 9073 (option4) or through an agency you are known to. see our website for a list of agencies working with us.

The Stretford foodbank has been established to provide short term, emergency food to an individual or family in crisis while a long-term strategy is developed. Normally enough food for 3 days (one voucher) should be sufficient to cover the immediate crisis, while the normal support agencies arrange to meet the client's needs.
Food is donated
All food given out is donated by schools, churches, businesses, individuals or through supermarket collections. Such collections engage the public at supermarkets where they are met by volunteers who offer shoppers a 'foodbank shopping list' and ask them to buy an extra item with their shop. This food is then collected at the checkout before being taken to the foodbank warehouse.
Food is sorted and stored
At the warehouse, food is sorted by volunteers according to type and 'best before date'. They also check it is undamaged (and that it can be used in a food parcel) and pack it into boxes and store it, ready for use. Food is then taken to foodbank centres, where it is made up into food parcels for clients.
Frontline professionals identify people in need
Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and probation officers, amongst others, identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.
Clients receive food
Clients are referred by e-voucher to a foodbank. The foodbank will contact the recipient to arrange delivery to the home address.
Clients are signposted to further support
Volunteers meet clients over a cup of tea or hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies who can help resolve the longer-term problem. As foodbanks are an emergency food-provision service, it is important to get clients in touch with organisations who can help them address the underlying problem.
Q: I need a Foodbank voucher, where can I get one?
FIRSTLY, you need to get help and advice regarding your crisis or financial situation. If you already access a support agency or support worker please speak to them about your situation. On the right are a couple of money advice agencies that you can contact to receive help and advice. (These agencies can also refer clients to a local foodbank.)

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Trafford Directory | Stretford Foodbank - Stretford Distribution Centre

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We now operate a delivery-only service. All requests for food support must be made via the Trafford Community Response number 0300 330 9073 (option4) or through an agency you are known to. see our website for a list of agencies working with us.

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Hollie Guard is a perfect addition to an organisation's safety and personal care policy. We can accommodate any organisation's needs with our flexible licensing option.

Please do not use this form for support queries. You can find out more in our Support section.

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Hollie Guard is a perfect addition to an organisation's safety and personal care policy. We can accommodate any organisation's needs with our flexible licensing option. Please do not use this form for support queries. You can find out more in our Support section.

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© 2022 Shelter, the National Campaign for Homeless People Limited Charity number: 263710 (England and Wales), SC002327 (Scotland). Company number: 01‌038133 88 Old Street, London, EC1V 9HU Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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© 2022 Shelter, the National Campaign for Homeless People Limited Charity number: 263710 (England and Wales), SC002327 (Scotland). Company number: 01‌038133 88 Old Street, London, EC1V 9HU Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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Family Fund deliver grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

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Our welfare rights team of specialist welfare rights advisors provides a comprehensive advice service on the whole range of benefits provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and the local authority.

We can give advice about:

what benefits and tax credits people are entitled to including pension credit

how to claim

what to so if the amount that they get does not seem right

support and/or representation at appeal hearings

How to contact the service

Call us on 0161 912 2735.

Our Advice line is now open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12noon.

Or email us via welfare.rights@trafford.gov.uk and we will get back to you within 3 working days.

What the advisors will do

Advisors will:

Give advice on the claiming of benefits for example Income Support, Disability Living Allowance (D.L.A.), Universal Credit (U.C.), Employment and Support Allowance (E.S.A.), Attendance Allowance (A.A.) Personal Independence Payment (P.I.P.) and Tax Credits.

Advise about asking for a revision of an unfavourable decision.

Help with appeals, including representation at tribunals.

The importance of claiming in time

Most benefits cannot be backdated and therefore it is essential to claim in time.

The law also puts the responsibility for claiming the right benefit in time on the shoulders of the claimant or their appointee "not knowing" about a benefit is not regarded as a good reason for not claiming in time.

At times it is difficult to know which benefit or benefits are the right benefits and sometimes rules change.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) itself is not a single integrated organisation. Different benefits are processed at different offices and not all staff are trained or knowledgeable about the full range of benefits.

Our Benefit Advisors can help take a broad view of benefits and can help consider all the options and implications.

Privacy notice

Trafford Council is committed to ensuring that we are transparent about the ways in which we use your personal information and that we have the right controls in place to ensure it is used responsibly and is kept safe from inappropriate access, theft or misuse.

You can find out more by reading our Welfare Right Team Privacy Notice.

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Advice on the whole range of benefits provided by the DWP and the local authority

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Disability Living Allowance ( DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:

is under 16

has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability

They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements.

The is between £26.90 and £172.50 a week and depends on the level of help the child needs.

If your child lives in Scotland

You need to apply for Child Disability Payment instead of DLA for children.

If your child is getting DLA for children but they have moved to Scotland, you'll need to report this change so they can get Child Disability Payment instead.

If your child moves from Scotland to England or Wales

If your child gets Child Disability Payment, you must:

Your Child Disability Payment will stop 13 weeks after your child moves - apply for DLA as soon as possible after moving or your payments could be affected.

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

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Help for children under 16 with disabilities - DLA rate, eligibility, how to apply, claim form.

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That Bread and Butter Thing - Old Trafford

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That Bread and Butter Thing - Old Trafford

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The Bread and Butter Thing is now at St John's Centre every Monday afternoon, providing weekly groceries at a low price.

They get supplies from the stuff you hear about in the news going to waste - perfectly good food that just isn't needed by supermarkets, factories or farms.

This means that you don't get a choice about what you are given - but you do get three bags of shopping (one fresh fruit and veg, one fridge goods, one store-cupboard goods) for £7. You can also get a larger or smaller order to suit your household.

You don't have to take food every week - and if you're not sure if it's for you, you can sign up and get your first order for free just to try it out. The scheme is open to anyone, from any area (but if you're a long way from us, you can call 07545208264 to check if there's a TBBT hub nearer to you).
How to sign up to The Bread and Butter Thing
Step 1 - Send a text to 07860 063304 with your full name, your postcode and the hub name (St John's). If you want a vegetarian order, add "vegetarian" to the end of your text.

Step 2 - TBBT will send you a text every Saturday to see if you want an order on the following Monday. Reply "YES" to the text by 10:00 Sunday, and say which size of order you would like:

Single (one bag, £5.00)

Family (three bags, £8.50)

Extra Large (six bags, £17)

Step 3 - Collect and pay for your order at St John's Centre on Monday between 1.30-2pm. You can pay by cash or card.

For more information about TBBT, visit their website or contact the Centre.
Warm Hubs
The Bread and Butter thing have launched their new 'Warm Hub' scheme in an effort to support members and communities struggling with rising fuel costs during the cost of living crisis. Find out more here.

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Trafford Directory | The Bread and Butter Thing - Old Trafford

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The Bread and Butter Thing is now at St John's Centre every Monday afternoon, providing weekly groceries at a low price.

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FB_IMG_1674635936159

Partington Town Clock

Partington town clock

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The Hope Centre Partington is our community hub - a place for people, community and services to come together. It's a place to find friends, a place to find support, a place to be heard and a starting point to make things better for us all. We operate from our dedicated base on Wood Lane in Partington.

The Hope Centre Partington has been providing for the local community throughout the covid-19 pandemic. Headed up by the Hideaway, the Hope Centre is a partnership between our residents and community - and dozens of local groups and organisations including churches, schools, housing associations and businesses who are all working together like never before.

​

Membership of the Hope Centre is through the Hope membership which is open to all Trafford residents who are struggling financially. By coming together as a community we're able to ensure that no one goes hungry or lacks what they really need.

Thanks to our supporters, friends and partners

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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FB_IMG_1674635936159 20211206_100127_resized_edited 20210428_164109_edited The Hope Centre Partington is our community hub - a place for people, community and services to come together. It's a place to find friends, a place to find support, a place to be heard and a starting point to make things better for us all.

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Abuse costs us all. But it shouldn't cost this much.Take action today Abuse costs us all. But it shouldn't cost this much.Take action today We're working together against domestic abuse until wo...

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Working to end honour based abuse in the UK

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Our goal is to end Honour Based Abuse in the UK. We run a national helpline, offer training to professionals, gather data to inform policies and services, and campaign for change.

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Home | tdas | Trafford Domestic Abuse Services | Stretford, Manchester

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Our core value of being 'Inclusive' means we support all victims of domestic abuse with our female and male accommodation and group work services delivered separately. We provide safe women only spaces in both our accommodation and group work programmes and safe male only spaces in our accommodation and group work programmes.

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Home | tdas | Trafford Domestic Abuse Services | Stretford, Manchester

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Domestic Abuse Support for adults, children and young people living or working in Trafford; including community outreach, advice, emotional and practical support. Accommodation services including refuge. Work with children and young people including prevention work with schools.