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Understanding sleep for autistic and neurodivergent children

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Understanding sleep for autistic and neurodivergent children

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Joe Booker, a Sleep Practitioner at Seashell Trust ran a webinar dedicated to understanding sleep for autistic and neurodivergent children and young adults.

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Trusted digital safety advice for caregivers

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Netflix’s Adolescence: Resources for Parents

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Netflix’s Adolescence: Resources for Parents

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Packed with practical advice, conversation starters, and useful insights to help parents navigate the various challenges the series brings to light.

From setting boundaries around screen time to processing upsetting online content, the resources are designed to give parents the tools and knowledge to take the next steps in supporting their child’s digital wellbeing.

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Navigating Child Digital Safety | Insights From Netflix’s Adolescence

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Explore insights from Netflix’s Adolescence to help parents navigate their children’s digital experiences and support their mental health amidst the evolvinh online challenges.

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If your child is struggling with wee and poo issues or if they have a problem like constipation, it can be worrying, but help is at hand.

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Get ready for school

Is your child starting school soon? A new school means new loos - but it doesn't have to be scary. Hop aboard the Toilet Train with us this summer to receive helpful advice from the wee and poo experts here at ERIC - The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity, and get your child prepared for toileting at school.

Sign up here to join our Toilet Train Summer Challenge and receive helpful, easy-to-follow information to get your children toilet ready for school.

Hop aboard the Toilet Train! Sign up below.

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All aboard the Toilet Train: Get ready for school - ERIC

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Is your child starting school soon? A new school means new loos - but it doesn't have to be scary. Hop aboard the Toilet Train with us this summer to receive

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Partnered with some of the UK's most popular attractions, including Gulliver's World Theme Park, Eureka! The National Children's Museum, and many more. These partnerships allow us to provide extraordinary opportunities for the autistic community.

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The A World UK are able to offer a variety of autism friendly activities throughout the year to cater for the whole family, such as exclusive hire of Gulliver’s World - Warrington, Carer’s Events, and much more . To see our previous and future events make sure to check our events page.

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Claire

Malachy

Laura

The 2022 Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR) report, which looks at the deaths of people with a learning disability and autistic people and aims to improve health and care, has been published. We send our condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

The government has published the final report by Baroness Hollins on the Independent Care, Education and Treatment Reviews programme, which aimed to move people with a learning disability and autistic people out of long-term segregation, alongside its response to this report

Charities and organisations have written to the Prime Minister about the omission of the Draft Mental Health Bill from the King's Speech

Do you support someone with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge? We can help.

If you are involved in supporting people with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge, we can help.

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Homepage for the Challenging Behaviour Foundation

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The CBF aims to improve the life opportunities and quality of life for people with severe learning disabilities and their families.

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The websites below offer support to parents and carers. Some provide information about self-harm, whilst others offer helplines and ongoing support options.

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Stronger together: Support for Men's Mental Health (local groups)

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Physical Meetings in Stockport | For Men To Talk

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Our physical meetings in Stockport are held at The Wheatsheaf, Higher Hillgate. All meetings start at 7pm and finish at 9pm.

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Signposts you to information on a wide range of topics around autism and support that is available from Autism Central

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Parents have told us that it can be difficult to navigate the minefield of information on autism that is available online. Our resources section is designed to make this easier for you. It signposts you to information on a wide range of topics around autism and support that is available from Autism Central, our partner organisations and other trusted sources.

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Join ERIC's parent and carer webinar, led by their Helpline Advisors looking at common bowel and bladder problems that children experience and how you can help overcome and manage them.

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Talking about wee and poo - parent / carer event - ERIC

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A free event for parents and carers to find out more about bladders and bowels and what to do when things go wrong.

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Stockport Emergency Numbers and Helplines

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Stockport Emergency Numbers and Helplines

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Sensory Help Now Forum. A place to put your questions to our friendly therapists, chat with other parents and carers and share your suggestions.

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8-week courses starting in January for Parents & Carers of Neurodivergent Children & Adults. These courses are free for Stockport families with an option of face to face or online.

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As a parent you may find there are times when you need a bit of extra information and help with parenting siblings. Use these pages to get information and tips for supporting siblings with feelings, attention, and understanding disability or additional needs.

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Parents - supporting your sibling child - Sibs

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For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults

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For parents who need help supporting siblings of our children

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For parents who need help supporting siblings of our children

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Top tips for you as a parent. We know that parents of disabled children already have a lot to do and that extra time is hard to find.

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Top tips for supporting your sibling child - Sibs

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Spend time each day with siblings one to one Give your sibling child 15 minutes a day of uninterrupted time with you with doing something they enjoy Talk about disability and additional needs from an early age Be open and honest with your sibling child about their brother or sister’s condition and keep them updated … Continued

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Finding something that your child is interested in can be difficult. Here's a guide for some inspiration.

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Verify you are human by completing the action below.

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Be careful to avoid some dangerous gifts

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Be careful to avoid some dangerous gifts

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8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas

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To help you spot which gifts to avoid this Christmas we’ve highlighted some of the big risks to your child’s safety.

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Aimed at Primary aged children but some nice things that could apply to the family

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Christmas in Finland - A Book Beyond Words

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Christmas in Finland - A Book Beyond Words

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A picture story without words, helps people understand and communicate their feelings, and learn about new experiences. In this case a Festive Finland story.

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10 Tips for Managing Social Pressures and Sensory Challenges During the Festive Season

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10 Tips for Managing Social Pressures and Sensory Challenges During the Festive Season

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The holiday season brings more social gatherings, food, and family time, which can be a wonderful way to connect but can also create extra stress, especially for people with sensory processing differences.

Here are some practical ideas for managing social pressures, fine motor tasks, and movement challenges throughout the festive period to make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable.

1. Plan Ahead for the Entire Festive Period

Instead of focusing only on Christmas Day, plan for the entire season. Map out upcoming events on a calendar. Try not to overcommit to multiple social activities on consecutive days, and make room for low-key days to recover after large gatherings.

2. Stay Flexible with Event Attendance

Letting others know that you might leave early if things feel overwhelming can help relieve social pressure. Flexibility is essential; you don't have to stay until the end of every event, and it's okay to step outside and take a break. Proactive communication with friends and family members helps them understand and support your needs if you need a break or to slip out early.

3. Create a Quiet Retreat Spot

During gatherings, find a quiet room or corner you can go to if things become too stimulating. Retreating to a calm space can help reset your nervous system, allowing you to continue enjoying the event when you feel ready.

4. Prepare Friends and Family Ahead of Time

Briefing family and friends about any sensory preferences-like adjusting lighting, reducing noise, or giving extra space-can make gatherings more comfortable.

If attending with a child, introducing other guests through photos before a gathering can also ease transitions and reduce anxiety around new or infrequent faces.

You could also let the host know about your preferences around seating, movement space, or certain activities. This can prevent surprises and help create a more inclusive environment.

5. Simplify Dress and Preparation

Choose comfortable clothing that's easy to put on and adjust as needed, like items with elastic waistbands or fewer fastenings, if this aligns with your sensory needs. Layering is also helpful for temperature sensitivity, allowing for quick adjustments to feel comfortable in different environments.

6. Bring Your Own Food and Sensory Supports

Holiday foods may include unfamiliar tastes and textures, so bringing familiar food can reduce stress around meals. Advising the host in advance that you will be bringing your own food and explaining the reasons will hopefully avoid any uncomfortable explanations at the event.

Sensory supports, like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, or weighted blankets, can also offer comfort if the environment becomes too stimulating. Having these items on hand can make a big difference in your ability to enjoy the event.

7. Choose Activities that Work for You

If you find activities that require fine motor skills or intense coordination are challenging, opt for tasks that feel more manageable. You could volunteer to take on a different task or role that is better suited to your sensory system but still enables you to join in.

8. Find a Spot with Enough Personal Space

Crowded areas can be challenging if you need extra room to move comfortably. Arriving early to secure a seat at the end of a table or in a quieter corner can reduce discomfort associated with spatial awareness challenges and allow you to enjoy the social atmosphere with more ease.

9. Incorporate Calming Activities

Schedule calming activities, like a walk in the park or some deep breathing exercises, into your holiday plan. Have a list of your favourite go-to self-regulating activities that you can easily pick from.

10. Use Visual Reminders for Steps in Tasks

For tasks that require multiple steps, like setting the table or wrapping gifts, visual guides or checklists can simplify the process and help you feel more organised. Having a step-by-step list can ease any anxiety around coordination tasks.

Final Thoughts

The festive season can be both exciting and challenging, especially if sensory sensitivities or coordination challenges add to social pressures. By planning ahead, managing expectations, and using helpful tools, you can shape a festive period that prioritises your comfort and allows you to celebrate on your own terms.

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10 Tips for Managing Social Pressures and Sensory Challenges During the Festive Season

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Here are some practical ideas for managing social pressures, fine motor tasks, and movement challenges throughout the festive period to make the experience more sensory-friendly.

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Where Do I Start If My Child Shows Self-Injury? - Cerebra

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Self-injury, or challenging behaviour, is a really important issue for children with intellectual disabilities and their parents and carers. Produced in partnership with the Cerebra Network, our new resources on ‘self-injury in children with an intellectual disability’ can help you to understand what self-injury is, what can cause self-injury and…

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Independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services.

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Independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services.

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We provide advocacy and involvement services so that people are heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing.

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Support Group for parents of children with Autism

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Support Group for parents of children with Autism

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Online courses include Autism and Sleep/ Demand Avoidance/ Emotional Regulation and more.

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North West delivered by Great Minds Together

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Our Autism Central Hubs offer guidance to families, carers and personal assistants of autistic people. All of our sessions are run by Peer Educators. These are parents or carers of autistic people, who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.

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Stockport Neurodevelopmental Support for Children & Young People (5-16)

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Stockport Neurodevelopmental Support for Children & Young People (5-16)

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Training, Support and activities for children and young people and their parents and carers living in Stockport.

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Supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities.

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NAC offers online how to guides and courses and in person training and consultancy

NAC's vision is for the emotional and mental health needs of children and adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities to be recognised and cared for using the latest evidence and neuroscience based practices.

Read more

'NAC provides guidance on how to put the NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing into practice for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities.'

Start exploring guidance on wellbeing experiences

Principles underpinning all guidance

The benefits of our guidance

Our guidance gives you step by step instructions on activities and practices that you can use to improve quality of life and which can:

Increase feelings of calm and safety

Decrease anxiety, depression and fear

Reduce distressed or challenging behaviours

Enhanced expression, social connection and reduced loneliness and isolation

Support healing from trauma

More on benefits

Who our 'how to' guidance is for

Our free 'how to' guides are on non-invasive, natural ways to support the emotional and mental wellbeing of people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities for:

Family and care-givers

Educators

Care and support staff

Psychologists

Therapists

Nurses and social workers

As well as supporting the mental health of people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities, NAC guidance may be useful for carers of people on the autism spectrum, brain injury, dementia and other communication difficulties.

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Emotional care & wellbeing for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. Guidance for emotionally enriching experiences.

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Your anti-racism learning journey

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The Hidden Meanings Behind Emojis: A Lesson From Netflix’s Adolescence Series

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The Hidden Meanings Behind Emojis: A Lesson From Netflix’s Adolescence

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Hidden meanings behind emojis used by students can be harmless, but some indicate risks like extremism. Explore a list of emojis used in harmful contexts.

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How to Overcome Bedtime Battles with your Neuro-divergent Child

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How to Overcome Bedtime Battles with your Neuro-divergent Child

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A free step-by-step guide to making bedtime easier

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How to Overcome Bedtime Battles with your Neurodivergent Child

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The online world changes so quickly it's hard to keep up. NSPCC online safety guides help you navigate online risks – whether your kids are gaming, chatting, posting or streaming.

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We won't stop until every child is safe online.

The COVID-19 pandemic means children are online more than ever. In the first year of the pandemic, our helpline saw a 45% increase in contacts from people worried about online sexual abuse.

"An increase in screen time has also resulted in a significant upward trend in online abuse."
Ofcom, December 2020

Together we can make sure it's safe for every child to go online. We're here to support parents with online safety advice, and we're here for children - to protect them and help them recover from abuse.
Help us protect children online Worried about something?

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We won't stop until every child is safe online. The COVID-19 pandemic means children are online more than ever. In the first year of the pandemic, our helpline saw a 45% increase in contacts from people worried about online sexual abuse. "An increase in screen time has also resulted in a significant upward trend in online abuse."

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3 Things Impacting Eating Skills, Apart From Food Preferences

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3 Things Impacting Eating Skills, Apart From Food Preferences

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3 Things Impacting Eating Skills, Apart From Food Preferences

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Even discounting a limited range of preferred foods, there are things impacting eating skills that you may not be aware of. Find out here…

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Top Tips for Talking about Mental Health

Remember, things have changed!

These days, talking about mental health is normalised for young people, from YouTubers and social media influencers talking about their own struggles with mental health issues, to mental health and wellbeing being taught as part of the curriculum in U.K. schools. In other words, it might feel more awkward for you to talk to young people about mental health than it does for them!

One of the first factors to consider when engaging in a difficult topic is choosing your timing. Finding a moment in which they feel open to talking is key. Don't pick a time in which they might feel rushed, 'on the spot' or distracted. It may feel logical to ask a young person to come sit on the sofa or at the dining room table, but this could create an atmosphere of intensity - or, even worse, like they're in trouble! Instead, try to open a conversation when you're in a more casual setting and with perhaps less intense eye contact. For example, when on a walk, out for dinner or in the car.

Use open-ended questions

Ask open questions that don't have a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Open questions allow space for the person answering to talk, rather than just giving a short response that could 'kill' the conversation. It gives them the chance to air any problems, worries or stresses they have.

Some examples of questions you could use:

This means listening beyond what is simply being said. It involves being aware of what the meaning and intention is behind the words. Pay attention to the body language of the young person you're speaking to whilst also making sure your body language shows you're present and listening. After they've finished saying something, paraphrase it back to them to show you heard and understood. Your response is important - be empathetic and let them know you hear them.

Some examples of responses you can use:

By educating yourself on mental health, you'll feel more confident in conversing on the topic, which will in turn be reassuring to the child or young person you're talking to. There is no better time to learn about mental health than Mental Health Awareness Week!

Emotionally and mentally prepare

When you're talking to a child or young person about mental health or any difficult subject, whether that's mental health issues, bullying, relationships and sex education, it is important to remember it only works well when it's a two-way conversation. You want them to feel like they can be open and honest - that means you might hear things you weren't prepared to hear, or even things you don't like. It's extremely important that you don't overreact, panic or react negatively, otherwise they will likely feel discouraged to engage with you on that topic or similarly difficult subjects again.

Know your strengths and limitations

Know where and when to seek further support if you feel overwhelmed, underequipped or just need further assurance on what to do or say. See our Further Support section below for suggested support and advice organisations and charities.

Mental health isn't always a crisis!

Although often correlated, talking about mental health doesn't always mean there's something very wrong, the same way the term 'physical health' doesn't immediately imply there's an illness or other health problem. Having an open dialogue about emotions provides a healthy avenue for a young person to express what they're feeling - good or bad.

Not everyone's a talker

For some children and young people, talking about mental health won't be the best option. Many people prefer to express their feelings through other means, such as by writing in a journal, artistic activities like painting, drawing or writing poetry. You'll find some examples of alternative options for expression in our resources below, such as our Emotions Journal.

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Mental Health Awareness Week: Talking to Young People about Mental Health - Ineqe Safeguarding Group

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Your Content Goes Here Your Content Goes Here For Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, we have compiled our best resources on mental health, along with some top tips for talking to young people about mental health. This year's theme is "Movement: Moving more for our mental

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Online spaces, games and media form a large part of life for young people growing up today. It offers a platform to connect with others, connect with others and to learn. If you understand the situations they encounter you'll be better placed to offer them advice on how to deal with them.

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Designed and Developed by Will Earp, South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd

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Online spaces, games and media form a large part of life for young people growing up today. It offers a platform to connect with others, connect with others and to learn. If you understand the situations they encounter you'll be better placed to offer them advice on how to deal with them.

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Dad's, babies and toddlers group

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Why should the mums have all the fun? Join us at 'Who Let The Dads Out' - the ultimate babies and toddlers group designed exclusively for dads. As a father of three, I've been to countless groups, and let's face it, as dads, we often feel like the odd ones out. It can be a little intimidating and awkward.

But fear not! 'Who Let The Dads Out' is here to change that. It's a fantastic space where dads and their little ones, aged 0 to 8, can come together, bond, and have an absolute blast. No overwhelming mom circles to navigate, just a laid-back atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. You deserve this special time with your children, surrounded by like-minded dads who understand the joys and challenges of fatherhood.

And the cherry on top? It's all completely free, including a delicious breakfast barm to kickstart your day! Who doesn't love a free breakfast?

Join us at the Cale Green Life Centre every third Saturday of the month, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. You'll be greeted with warmth and refreshing beverages like tea, coffee, and juice, and a wide array of toys and activities to keep your children engaged and entertained.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey of fatherhood. We understand the importance of fatherhood and want to provide a supportive community just for you.

Take the plunge and be a part of 'Who Let The Dads Out.' Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity for dads to connect, relax, and create lasting memories with their little ones.

See you there!

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Why should the mums have all the fun? Join us at 'Who Let The Dads Out' - the ultimate babies and toddlers group designed exclusively for dads. As a father of three, I've been to countless groups, and let's face it, as dads, we often feel like the odd ones out.

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Talk and exercise, peer to peer group

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BOOST works with a large number of statutory services across Stockport as well as charities and voluntary and community groups to identify and support people with mental ill health, who might benefit from participating in regular exercise and activity.

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Men's Music For Wellbeing in Stockport is aimed at men experiencing mental health issues who are interested in songwriting.

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What we do

Directions For Men provides groups for men to come and talk about whatever it is that is affecting their mental health. We support each other through difficult times and we help each other by talking about what worked for us when we were going through difficult times.

Directions For Men want to get men doing things they enjoy so we also get activities and events off the ground for you to attend and participate in and meet a new bunch of mates.

What we do is called peer support. That is people with similar backgrounds and experiences looking out for each other.

When you arrive to see us you will be greeted by a smile and handshake and the offer of a brew to help settle any nerves or anxiety you have, we dont shine spotlights on people and you are free to talk as much or as little as you want.

Information & Communication

Including ongoing support for emotional wellbeing with preventative check-ins and longer term follow-up.

Personalised Care

Including as many mental health care options as possible, talking therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness.

Peer Support

Including casual meet-ups with others who have a mental health condition, where they can help each other and talk about their issues.

When should I seek help?

Reach Out

Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. It's common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own. But it's always ok to ask for help – even if you're not sure you are experiencing a specific mental health problem.

READ MORE ...

5 ways To wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

1. Connect

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.

1. Connect

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.

2. Be active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness.

2. Be active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness.

3. Learn

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

3. Learn

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

4. Take notice

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing.

4. Take notice

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing.

5. Give back

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

5. Give back

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

Reach out

Contact Directions For Men

Reach out

Contact Directions For Men

MOTIVATE FOR CHANGE Goals and Targets

Create goals that focus on your mental health. Remember, being the healthiest version of you means taking care of your body and mind which will, in turn, promote mental wellness and happiness.

Take care of your body & mind.

How you treat your body has a tremendous effect on your mental health, so make sure you’re taking care of it. Eat nutritious meals, drink lots of water, try and get enough sleep, and incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Learn to say both Yes and No.

Pretending that something isn’t happening won’t make it go away. So, if you are feeling sad, anxious, angry, or depressed, try getting to the cause of your feelings rather than ignoring them.

Set Boundaries and use them.

Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone, start saying yes more often to things that interest you and that you want to try and discover a whole new side to yourself. On the flip side, knowing when to say “no” is just as important.

Practice forgiveness.

Boundaries are crucial to your mental well-being, but establishing them is not always easy to do, especially if you have difficulty saying no to others.

Get Men Active

SURVEY Activities That Help

We asked some of our members to let us know what physical activities helped improve their mental health.

Walking 64%

Cycling 19%

Going to the gym 17%

OUR TEAM Here To Help

We're a group for men who are struggling. Whether its physical or mental health, debt, relationships or just not feeling themselves. We meet we talk about it and we help each other through.

Chris Judge

Founder/Managing Director

GET IN TOUCH Time to move forward?

As the saying goes:

The longest journey starts with a single step

Contact us today.

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Directions For Men - Support groups for men

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ANDYSMANCLUB are a men's suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups

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Find your nearest Andy's man club. We have over 100 free support groups nationwide, running every Monday from 7PM except bank holidays.

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Heatons Men in Sheds - Tackling Social Isolation in Stockport

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Heatons Men in Sheds is a voluntary group that aims to tackle social isolation in older members of the community. It provides a setting where people can socialise, work together, learn new skills and share their own skills.

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Support group for loss/grief

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A charity based football team fielding players who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Sands United Stockport FC exists as a support network for dads who have suffered the loss of a child through either stillbirth, neonatal death or miscarriage.

They heard about the Stockport Local Fund through their local Sands group who recommended they apply for it.

Joel, the chair of Sands United Stockport FC said that "it's been a massive kickstart to get people moving forward. It takes a lot of money to get a football team going which we didn't quite realise. We'd struggle without the Stockport Local Fund which has just been amazing."

"The application was really straightforward, it was just questions about our group with a simple budget outline."

The money from the Stockport Local Fund has allowed Sands United Stockport FC to provide the team with a safe training facility, football kits, footballs, corner flags and referees. It will also go towards social events to bring men and their families together.

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A charity based football team fielding players who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. Sands United Stockport FC exists as a support network for dads who have suffered the loss of a child through either stillbirth, neonatal death or miscarriage.

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Stockport County's Social Wellbeing Programme

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Stockport County's Social Wellbeing Programme

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What's Involved
County's Social Well-being Group project is a weekly drop-in on Wednesday morning (10.00am to12.00pm) at the Stockport County ground at Edgeley Park, a well-known venue to the community that is warm, welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing. The project provides opportunities for vulnerable people and senior citizens to meet up and socialise with friendly staff and volunteers, make new friends, swap stories, and reminisce about their present and past life experiences and memories. Members can take part in therapeutic interventions by enjoying stress-relieving activities such as gentle yoga, relaxation & body movement and art therapy delivered by trained qualified professional therapists, helping to make long-term lifestyle changes improving their quality of life. Members can socialise over refreshments, play bingo, and take part in a quiz, a ground tour and gentle exercise walking around the pitch.

The overall impact of the project is that it brings together vulnerable individuals, their families, carers and friends reducing stigma and raising awareness in the community. The benefits of the project are that it extends opportunity and choice, promotes health and wellbeing, improves self-esteem and confidence, builds new and existing life skills and reduces social isolation. It enables social networking, builds supportive friendships and strong relationships and volunteering opportunities, offers a safe/supported space for personal expression, exploration and reflection, reduces negative habits and develops a meaningful routine. We offer respite from the carer's role and those looking after loved ones with complex needs.

Through this provision to a variety of groups, with a range of needs, we aim to make a positive difference to people's lives promoting health and wellbeing, extending opportunity, choice and control benefitting attendees physically, socially, and emotionally.
When and Where
County's Social Well-being Group project is a weekly drop-in on Wednesday morning (10.00am to12.00pm) at the Stockport County ground at Edgeley Park.
Our Aim
We aim to reach out and support people in the community living with long-term health and mental health conditions, maybe experiencing loneliness, and living in social isolation, living with physical and learning disabilities, complex needs, and dementia by providing opportunities making positive difference to their lives, improving health and mental wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem. The overall impact of the project is that it brings together vulnerable individuals, their families, carers, and friends reducing stigma and raising awareness in the community.
Our Partners
We work in partnership with local agencies and organisations including Mental Health Carers Group Stockport (MHCGS), Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport Homes; Greater Places; Stockport's Targeted Prevention Alliance (TPA), Stockport Viaduct Care (GP Surgeries), and Dementia Friends. We are very grateful to our volunteers who help run the project each week (helping with serving refreshments, mentoring, chatting to people to make them welcome and helping to deliver the different activities).
How to get involved
For further information please contact our Health & Well-Being Manager, Adrian Rigby-Bates at [email protected] or phone the Trust on 0161 266 2700.

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County's Social Well-Being Programme - Stockport County

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County Community Trust - County's Social Well-Being Group What's Involved County's Social Well-being Group project is a weekly drop-in on...

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For Men To Talk | A chance for men suffering with anxiety, depression and grief to talk with other fellow sufferers.

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To promote physical and mental well-being across Reddish by helping people access health and well-being activities.

Every Tuesday we host Banter and Brews (a partner organisation) This groups offers male members a safe and relaxing space for socialising and support, while having a brew and a biscuit.

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The group meets every Tuesday 12pm-2pm at the Re:dish Hub (above the Re:dish charity shop) but meet weekly at other locations. Follow Banter And Brews Men's Support Group on Facebook for more information on their groups and outings.

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There is no charge for attending although donations are welcome.

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Mentell is a UK charity that provides men's groups for males aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement.

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Mentell provides circles for men aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement.

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What's On at Stockport community rooms SK1 SK2 SK3 SK5 SK6

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Here you can find out about classes and events available at the Stockport community rooms for both children and adults in the Stockport community.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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With the families we have worked with, we have noticed that a lot of typical sleep hygiene strategies don't work for some autistic young people, so we have coproduced a guide to autism and sleep with young people and The Sleep Charity

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Our dedicated sleep service is here to help.

Alongside our Sleep Tips booklet and relevant guides, we also offer one-to-one support. This involves completing an application form for your child and two weeks' worth of sleep diaries which we'll send out to you as long as you come under our criteria for support.

If you need one-to-one support and are a parent/carer or a professional referring a family with their consent to having sleep support, please click the button below to contact the sleep service.

If you have a question or query about our services please email us at [email protected].

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Sleep tips Our Sleep Tips booklet introduces and explains different techniques for you to try that may improve your child's sleep. It covers ten main topics including bedtime routines, daytime napping, comfort objects and moving bedtime backwards or forwards. It gives lots of illustrated hints and tips for putting the...

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Free advice/ guidance from trained sleep advisors

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Huge thanks to our corporate partner, Furniture Village, who has helped us to launch a brand new National Sleep Helpline to ensure that everyone has access to high quality, evidence-based advice regardless of age, ethnicity, background or income.
"We've always believed that sleep is equally as important as diet and exercise yet we know the UK is really struggling to sleep, particularly with the ongoing effects of the pandemic" says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village Commercial Director. "From my work as a doctor, I know how great the need for a National Sleep Helpline is. It will make a huge difference to so many people." Dr Ranj, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Advisor
Working together to improve the nation's sleep.

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National Sleep Helpline - The Sleep Charity

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Who do I talk to if I can't sleep? The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems, 7pm-9pm, Sunday to Thursday, 03303 530 541.

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A Guide to using Whatsapp (as a parent & carer)

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A Guide to using Whatsapp (as a parent & carer)

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Interactive Online Music Sessions (Free)

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Interactive Online Music Sessions (Free)

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We provide access to weekly interactive online music sessions - free to all for 12 hours on YouTube

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Home | Songs Signs & Sounds | Interactive Music Sessions

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Songs, Signs & Sounds is a social enterprise offering free, interactive, weekly music sessions for young people with special educational needs (SEND) and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)

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Help children to master emotional self-regulation and improve wellbeing with these activities.

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Help children to master emotional self-regulation and improve wellbeing with these activities. Based on traditional yoga breath and mindfulness exercises, each activity is adaptable for a range of abilities and they are also ideal for working with children with autism and other special needs.

The book explains how being conscious of the breath is the key to unlocking calm during busy moments, and shows how this can be taught in a child-friendly way. Including activities such as lion breathing, bubble breathing, and sensory yoga games, children will love to learn self-regulatory techniques they can carry with them for life. Suitable for one-on-one and group work with children aged 4+.

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Mindful Little Yogis: Self-Regulation Tools to Empower Kids with Special Needs to Breathe and Relax

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Buy Mindful Little Yogis: Self-Regulation Tools to Empower Kids with Special Needs to Breathe and Relax Illustrated by Nicola Harvey (ISBN: 9781848194045) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

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Sensory-Being for Sensory Beings: Creating Entrancing Sensory Experiences

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Sensory-Being for Sensory Beings: Creating Entrancing Sensory Experiences

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The book Sensory-being for Sensory Beings that describes how to create stimuli for sensory-being and how to facilitate moments of sensory-being for everyone

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"Her years of experience combined with intuition and learning have brought Jo, I think, as close as anyone can, to being able to 'get' what the world is like for sensory beings.

The book starts with 'introducing sensory beings'. This is full of theory with explanations pitched at the less scholarly (like me) but without at any point a single note of condescension. There are sublimely mind-opening explanations, such as in chapter 2, taking us through the 'getting wired group'; 'the 'search & discover group'; the 'explore and connect group' through to the 'specialising group'. They really make sense and ring true. And she's managed to slip in a load of real science of how the brain works without frightening me away!

She enables (for me anyway) a new and different kind of respect for sensory beings, through describing their world. Her analogies (learning the properties of metal; learning the useful sounds for a language) helped my understanding - and that's just two from one page! It's not that I didn't have respect for sensory beings, but this book has given me a better lens through which to see them.

Jo brings many insights into the best practice that should be out there - explaining why I am seeing what I'm seeing when I encounter the very best practice. I got a lot from the 'practitioner insight' boxes which are scattered throughout, as well as the many short case studies - some of them so inspiring!

She uses wonderful phrases and descriptions which made me stop and think. 'Parked time' as an example - something that has long bothered me - but now I have the language for it and more ideas of what to do about it.

Along with the glow I felt, reading Jo's book, the satisfaction of learning and understanding more, there's also the feeling of being pulled up sharply sometimes. She doesn't pull her punches when questioning practice. And this is great too. At my school we have 'The WHY imperative', and Jo's book supports this - asking why we are doing what we are doing at every point. Except Jo knows so much more than me about what works and why it does, and there are pearls of (hard-earned) wisdom throughout.

Chapters 3 to 8 on stimuli for the senses are just astonishing - so many things to think about! However, Jo has made this digestible with a very clever and perceptive way of laying out all the ideas. (My feeling is that she has used her knowledge of the brain to work out what's best for her readers!) Her idea works - there is an order - but, and this is close to my heart - it's 'not that you should seek to push people forwards'. It is that 'in locating one experience tht appeals to an individual, you can look nearby in the sequence to find others also likely to appeal'. Typical Jo, common sense but brilliantly well thought-out common sense!

As you'd expect, the chapters on making resources and facilitating time with sensory beings are creative and insightful - and cheap!!

This book is written by someone with an outstanding intuition - but it's more than that, it's intuition with years of research, experience and a highly developed intelligence behind it. It's a thoroughly human book, personal and thoughtful throughout. It's also, without feeling like it is, a scholarly book, based on research. I feel a better practitioner already just for having read it. Congratulations, Jo." - Simon Yates, Leading Special School Practitioner

"It's an inspired book written by someone who really "gets" it and is also able to share it. The respect she has for all humankind is so evident. I particularly loved Jo's use of language and her terminology. As a linguistic being, she has given me the tools to enable me to develop my thoughts and understanding" - Gill Warren, Special School Teacher

" I enjoyed reading 'Sensory-Being for Sensory Beings' so much it was hard to put down! I read with delight that I, who have spent 30 years in a special school, have read something which puts into words all I believe in when it comes to planning and delivering sensory experiences. Words that can be used when justifying what I want to do, words that can be used to explain to why?, how? when others look at you as if you are from a different planet!

It is a book I will definitely recommend to new staff, particularly those that have little or no experience of SEN or in deed PMLD." - Janet O'Sullivan Special School Teacher

"Sensory Being for Sensory Beings outlines one technique amongst many which might help our learners connect with, learn and feel safe within their environments. It shows the importance of sensory stimulation, using and engaging the senses and being respectful and responsive to our learners' independence and time." - Katherine Shearer, the SLD experience

" With clear boundaries and well-placed words of encouragement, this book is as much a soothing massage for the brain (and the senses!) as it is a brilliant handbook for the classroom or home. Every EYFS setting should be using this daily." - EarlyArts

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Sensory-Being for Sensory Beings: Creating Entrancing Sensory Experiences

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Sensory-Being for Sensory Beings: Creating Entrancing Sensory Experiences : Grace, Joanna: Amazon.co.uk: Books

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It aims to provide parents or carers and professionals with the knowledge and strategies to help them support the development of their child or young person’s sensory processing.

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The resources on this webpage have been developed by our occupational therapy team to support you to have a greater understanding of the child's sensory processing needs. They will provide you with a reference tool for beginning to implement sensory strategies and make changes to the environment to support the child's participation in everyday activities.

The 'action plan' resource is designed to guide you in your understanding of the child's sensory processing needs. It encourages you to reflect on your learning from the sensory processing training video to consider which sensory system may be causing difficulties, and how it impacts the child's daily life.

By taking the time to complete the action plan and consider the child's sensory processing needs in more detail, you will have a much better understanding of the most appropriate strategies to try with them, and crucially, how to know whether or not the strategies are working!

Remember, that 'Sensory' isn't generally a stand-alone difficulty; it forms part of a bigger picture. When a child shows distress within a particular task or activity, this is generally the tip of the iceberg. We encourage you to spend time observing and reflecting on the child's difficulties as well as paying attention to their environment, the demands placed on them, their motor skills to complete tasks, their mood on the day, how much sleep they've had, as well as their communication abilities.

The action plan is designed to be used with both the early years setting or school and home and we strongly advise you to work together to complete this document. Working together will ensure you are working towards the same shared goals and outcomes for the child, with a sound basic knowledge of the current difficulties that are impacting the child/young person's independence or engagement in tasks at this time.

The resource pack for the early years setting/school and home have been designed to support your knowledge in relation to some of the common challenges experienced by children who have differences in their sensory processing. The pack should be used alongside the online training video to help deepen your knowledge and act as a reference point.

The advice for the home and early years setting/school resource packs vary slightly in order to suit the setting and environment; however, the outline of the difficulties remains the same.

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The resources on this webpage have been developed by our occupational therapy team to support you to have a greater understanding of the child's sensory processing needs. They will provide you with a reference tool for beginning to implement sensory strategies and make changes to the environment to support the child's participation in everyday activities.

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Top Tips: Toileting and Autistic Children from NAS

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Top Tips: Toileting and Autistic Children

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Navigating toileting can be a complex journey for autistic children and their families. Lorraine MacAlister, an autism training consultant for The National Autistic Society and co-author of “Toilet Training and the Autism Spectrum,” offers valuable insights into supporting autistic children

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Free Talking Therapies service for adults registered with a G.P in Stockport

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How does it work? We’re proud to work in partnership with Stockport Progress and Recovery Centre, Your Support and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to offer our Talking Therapies service…

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The space includes a range of bespoke equipment to create both a calming and interactive atmosphere. We have a bubble tube, interactive LED panels, a vibro-acoustic system, a nurture den and much more.

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We recommend that the space is suitable for up to 6 people within each booking.

We're located within the Brockbank Centre at Ladybridge Connect, Off Meadway Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, SK8 5NZ.
Booking Terms and Conditions
To book your slot, please check our availability calendar below and follow the booking prompts. If you need any more information, have a query before you book or are a professional looking to hire the space, please contact Chris Jackson sensoryspace@ivychurch.org

The space is available free of charge to use, although if you would like to make a donation, you are able to do so here.

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Our Sensory Space is a safe haven for those with additional needs, their parents, carers and support workers. This place of wellbeing is accessible to all in a safe and welcoming environment.

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Can I get financial support for my child?

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Can I get financial support for my child?

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Low-income families who receive free school meals.

Children who are looked after or previously looked after by the local authority.

It's up to the school to decide how they use the pupil premium to support your child and other vulnerable children. You can ask the school how they use the pupil premium, it could help to pay for things like:

Breakfast clubs.

School trips.

Learning resources such as laptops or tablets.

Extra lessons, sports or music clubs.

English lessons for children who speak another language at home.

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Can I get financial support for my child? - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Low-income families who receive free school meals. Children who are looked after or previously looked after by the local authority. It's up to the school to decide how they use the pupil premium to support your child and other vulnerable children.

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Lightning Reach - quick and secure financial support - all in one place

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Lightning Reach - quick and secure financial support - all in one place

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Lightning Reach is a free online portal that connects you to financial support available from various sources, quickly and securely - all in one place

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Stockport based Westfield Minibuses are once again demonstrating their commitment to helping the community with the launch a new sensory bus.

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Westfield Minibuses set to launch new innovative sensory bus - One Stockport

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Stockport based Westfield Minibuses are once again demonstrating their commitment to helping the community with the launch a new sensory bus.

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Bedtime, naps, and the questions that keep us awake at night. Get sleep advice from our parenting coaches.

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Sleep - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Bedtime, naps, and the questions that keep us awake at night. Get sleep advice from our parenting coaches.

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Pantries soften the blow of high living costs and help communities to grow and thrive, by bringing people together around food. Pantries are strengthening communities, and contributing to healthier, happier lives.

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My child won’t eat properly and has additional needs

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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My child won’t eat properly and has additional needs - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Any child can be a fussy eater. But refusing foods is common if your child has special educational needs or additional learning needs.

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Advice for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional needs. Information on getting a diagnosis and support for your child.

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Additional needs and disabilities - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Advice for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional needs. Information on getting a diagnosis and support for your child.

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If a child in your family has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, family members may need additional support, both from family and friends and also from professionals.

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Family Support - Francis House Children's Hospice

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Family is at the centre of all that we do.

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Counselling For adults and young people

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Alex, Adult Services

The counsellor gave me the confidence to face work and take control of a very difficult situation I was facing at work. The counsellor helped me immensely to face the challenges I had to overcome at work. The counsellor gave me the mechanism so I had the ability to cope on a day to day basis

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Register for an appointment with our Adults Counselling Service. Our counsellors listen, respect your views, they never judge. One to One Counselling offers an opportunity to discover more about yourself, your inner strengths, and helps to understand current problems and challenges then find ways to remove or overcome them.

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Emotional care is important for all of us and your mental health is vital for your wellbeing and for the person or people who you care for, support.

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Emotional care is important for all of us and your mental health is vital for your wellbeing and for the person or people who you care for, support or teach. If you are happy and well you are better able to care for and support others. Your emotional and mental state can impact on the people around you, including the people you support.

Your mental wellbeing is important for you and for the people you care for. NAC recognises that most people have busy lives with responsibilities that can make finding time and energy for yourself difficult. It does not have to take a lot of time, and there are some strategies that can be integrated into daily life.

The 'how to' guides you will find on this website are intended to highlight the value of what is so often being done intuitively by family and to provide explicit guidance to those who may be newer to care or education.

NAC promotes the importance of carrying out natural, non-invasive daily emotional wellbeing practices and techniques for everyone. The guidance that NAC provides is designed to be used with people who do not use words to communicate, however, many of the experiences are suitable for anyone and everyone. So please do give them a try and see what works for both you and your loved one.

There are many different ways that we can take care of our mental wellbeing and here are some links to organisations and sources of information, support and advice on a variety of approaches that you can explore to see what is helpful and works for you.

If you are in any way concerned about your or anyone else's mental health, please seek sources of help and support by seeing your GP. You can find more information at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/Shout offer a free 24 hour telephone text response service. Go to http://giveusashout.org/ for more information

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Emotional Wellbeing for Carers - NAC Wellbeing

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NAC cares equally for your emotional wellbeing as a carer.

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ERIC - Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity

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ERIC - Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity

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Caring for a child with a continence condition can have a big impact on all areas of a young person's life.

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Caring for a child with a continence condition can have a big impact on all areas of a young person's life.

Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, the following pages are full of information and resources to help you manage and cope with the day to day.

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Did you know that DigiKnow Starting Point can offer free data and sim cards via the Databank, provided by Good Things Foundation?

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We all have times when we need some parenting support. With My Family Coach, you get all the help you need with advice‌ ‌to support ‌every‌ ‌stage‌ ‌of‌ ‌your‌ ‌child's‌ ‌development.

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Open Door 24/7 helpline provides emotional
support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calling the helpline on 0800 138 7276

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Some aspects of this could be useful to your child when preparing for September.

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The FREE hub designed to be your primary destination for user-friendly online safety guidance and advice.

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Caudwell Children will provide eligible families with 80% towards the cost of each Autism Sensory Pack, the full pack is worth £112.80. You will be asked to contribute 20% of the cost, which is £22.

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Autism Sensory Packs - Caudwell Children
Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

✔ You can apply for packs directly.

✔ You must have a child who has been diagnosed with autism who 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).

✔ There can only be one application per household.

✔ Caudwell Children will provide eligible families with 80% towards the cost of each Autism Sensory Pack, the full pack is worth £112.80. You will be asked to contribute 20% of the cost, which is £22.

✔ 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.

What does each Autism Sensory Pack include?

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Autism Sensory Packs - Caudwell Children

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Available with up to 80% charity funding support, our specialist sensory equipment for autism help soothe and simulate your child.

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For children and young people with Special Educational Needs - choosing a new school (From Together Trust / Stockport SENDIASS)

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Moving on to a new school or college - Stockport Nov 2022 1

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The Stockport Local Offer is for children and young people, their parents/carers, as well as being a resource for professionals, groups or organisations to highlight other resources, services or guidance that may be accessed.

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Some of the services are part of Stockport Family - such as the Autism Team, SEN, Aiming High and the Children With Disabilities Social Care team. You will also find information and advice from other specialist health/Therapy services, all working together to support children and families with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

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The law on SEND, Health and Social Care where they link to education

SEN Support (including quality first teaching) and the Graduated Approach

Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Moving through stages of education, this is called transition.

And much more

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The Together Trust run two SENDIASS services which seperatly cover the Tameside area and the Stockport area. This page contains general information about our two SENDIASS services, if you live in the Tameside or Stockport areas and would like to get in touch or enquire about the service, fill in our contact form or scroll down for further contact information.

Our experienced team are here to offer free, confidential and impartial support to parents and carers of children and young people aged between 0 and 25 who have or may have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We also provide independent advice and support directly to young people aged between 16 and 25 who have or may have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Young people can access the service in their own right or with the support of their parents.

If you are a young person looking for information about our SENDIASS service, click the button below:

I live in Stockport

Our expert team at the Together Trust will do everything they can to support you and your family. Contact details can be found below or you can get in touch by filling in our online contact form:

Telephone: 0161 240 6168
Email: stockportsendiass@togethertrust.org.uk Facebook: Follow our Facebook page
Post: SENDIASS Service, Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1JE

I live in Tameside
Email: tamesidesendiass@togethertrust.org.uk
Our expert team at the Together Trust will do everything they can to support you and your family. Contact details can be found below or you can get in touch by filling in our online contact form:

Telephone: 0161 359 8005

Post: SENDIASS Service, Newbridge Centre, Cromer Street, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 2NY

Information on:

The law on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), Health and Social Care where they link to education

SEN Support (including quality first teaching) and the Graduated Approach

Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Moving through stages of education, this is called transition

Mediation and dispute resolution, appealing to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal Service and complaints procedures

Local policy and practice

Personal budgets and working together (personalisation)

The Local Offer

Advice about:

Gathering, understanding and interpreting information and applying it to your own situation

Signposting to other services for information, advice and support

What to do when things go wrong

How to get the best from a meeting

Support with:

Preparing for and attending meetings

Writing letters

Understanding reports

The EHC Plan process and annual reviews

Admissions and Exclusions

Post 16 provision

Transport

Working in partnership with schools and the local authority to develop positive relationships

Complaints, mediation & disagreement resolution meetings and appeals to the SEND Tribunal Service

What we are unable to do:

Give personal opinions

Solve problems and make decisions for you

Do things that you can do for yourself or could do with encouragement/support

Jointly support you whilst a solicitor or another support organisation is involved

You might be interested in...

Helping families

We've helped a lot of families over the years, and we know that every family is different. That's why we tailor our support, shaping services around not just the individual but the whole family.

Read more "

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Together Trust Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

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The Together Trust run two SENDIASS services which seperatly cover the Tameside area and the Stockport area. This page contains general information about our two SENDIASS services, if you live in the Tameside or Stockport areas and would like to get in touch or enquire about the service, fill in our contact form or scroll down for further contact information.

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Oily Cart imagines the impossible and rips up the rule book of theatre to make it more accessible. We create highly crafted, interactive, sensory shows that tour across the UK.

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Oily Cart creates sensory theatre shows for disabled children of all ages who experience multiple barriers to access.

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The Hunrosa Sleep Wise app has been co-produced with Education and Health professionals. Here is Jan Jenner to explain the background behind the app:

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Sleep Wise App | Download on the App Store & Google Play Now!

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Sleep Wise App. This app has been co-produced with Education and Health professionals. The Sleep wise app has been developed for anyone who is helping a young person resolve their sleep problem.

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Everything Sensory is an easy-to-use directory for families looking for sensory-related products, equipment and services.

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Organisations Directory - Find Organisations - Everything Sensory

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Search the most complete organisations database. Find Organisations.

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How to set up You Tube safely including Restricted Mode

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How to set up You Tube safely including Restricted Mode

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Keeping Disney + Video safe for children (settings)

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Keeping Disney + Video safe for children (settings)

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Keeping Amazon Prime Video safe for children (settings)

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Keeping Amazon Prime Video safe for children (settings)

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How to set safety features You Tube Kids including Parental Controls

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How to set safety features You Tube Kids including Parental Controls

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Positive Looking To Go is a comprehensive collection of skills, activities and resources for teachers, teaching assistants and parents to help educate and develop children and young learners with SEND and VI.

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We are very excited to launch our very first app!

Positive Looking To Go is a comprehensive collection of skills, activities and resources for teachers, teaching assistants and parents to help educate and develop children and young learners with SEND and VI. The App is packed with ideas and information to help in the class room or at home.

We will be updating our app regularly with new resources, activities and Marvin Adventures so keep an eye up for updates.

You can find us in the App store for iPhone or on Google Play for Android.

Find out more about Positive Looking here

Attend the next online practical training on the Positive Looking Visual Skills Programme - starts Jan 30th 2023

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Positive Looking to go app for iOS and Android

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Positive Looking to go is our new app available free from the App Store and Google Play full of activites and learning resources

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Introduction to Cerebral Visual Impairment

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Introduction to Cerebral Visual Impairment

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"A simple way to describe CVI

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Tale of the Curious Mechanic. Prof Rachel Pilling

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A simple way to describe CVI, using the driver and car to represent the different roles of the eye and the brain in vision.  A model to encourage curiosity about both what a child sees and how a child sees.

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Positive Looking Everyday by Everyone Toolkit

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Positive Looking Everyday by Everyone Toolkit

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Ideas and suggested activities

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Sharing and developing understanding of Cerebral Visual Impairments

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Quiet Sundays for Multi-sensory children

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Quiet Sundays for Multi-sensory children

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Multi-sensory, open-ended play for families with additional needs.

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Multi-sensory, open-ended play for families with additional needs.

These multi-sensory play sessions are specially designed for families with additional needs who may prefer a quieter, calmer environment. Taking place in our School of Creativity space there will be open-ended play objects to explore, created by @TheSensoryToolkit, as well as a creative 'making' activity. The sessions are designed so that children lead the way, and move around in their own time and at their own pace.
Times: 10.30am to 12.30pm, FREE, drop-in, no need to book
Session dates:

Multi-sensory, open-ended play for families with additional needs.

These multi-sensory play sessions are specially designed for families with additional needs who may prefer a quieter, calmer environment. Taking place in our School of Creativity space there will be open-ended play objects to explore, created by @TheSensoryToolkit, as well as a creative 'making' activity. The sessions are designed so that children lead the way, and move around in their own time and at their own pace.
Times: 10.30am to 12.30pm, FREE, drop-in, no need to book
Session dates:

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Multi-sensory, open-ended play for families with additional needs. These multi-sensory play sessions are specially designed for families with additional needs who may prefer a quieter, calmer environment. Taking place in our School of Creativity space there will be open-ended play objects to explore, created by @TheSensoryToolkit, as well as a creative 'making' activity.

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The Lowry Theatre, Salford, has installed a specialist Changing Places toilet for disabled people and their carers to use.

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The Lowry, Salford, has installed a specialist Changing Places toilet for disabled people and their carers to use.

Changing Places toilet and changing facilities are designed to meet the needs of those who have profound and complex disabilities. Larger than a standard accessible toilet and open to the public, the facilities will make The Lowry and The Quays accessible to even more people.

The new Changing Places facility is now open at the Salford Quays arts centre and has been made possible thanks to a joint application with Salford City Council for grant funding provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK.

It is accessed by a RADAR key and features height adjustable, adult sized changing bench, ceiling track hoist system, space for up to two assistants, toilet with grab rails, privacy screen, and a height adjustable washbasin.

Tony Smith, Commercial Director at The Lowry said: "We want to make visiting The Lowry as easy and comfortable as we can for all of our visitors and this new facility will enable more people the freedom to take part in and enjoy everything that we have to have to offer. We are delighted that our joint bid with Salford City Council was successful and has resulted in the opening of this new Changing Places toilet."

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The Lowry, Salford, has installed a specialist Changing Places toilet for disabled people and their carers to use. Changing Places toilet and changing facilities are designed to meet the needs of those who have profound and complex disabilities.

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You can apply to Support Funds for help.

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1. Support Funds

If you're a Stockport resident, you can apply for Support Funds to:

help you when you're at your most vulnerable

provide you with a safety net in an emergency, when there's an immediate threat to your health or safety

support you to live independently in your own home

link you to other services that will help and support you

make sure that support is joined up

give more flexibility about how we meet the needs of Stockport residents

We'll assess your application and work with you to access a range of support to meet your needs. This support will often be goods and services. For example:

a food bank referral

gas and electricity top up for prepaid meters

help paying your Council Tax

payment of a shortfall in rent

help to apply to a charity or trust fund

advice on where to find items you might need for your home for example: cooker, fridge, washing machine

There are many options to help you furnish your home at a low cost such as local charity shops, social media marketplaces and freecycle websites.

Eligibility

Support Funds

To be eligible for Support Funds we'll look at:

your household income and expenses

if you or your family have any special circumstances. For example; disabilities or health conditions

your local connection to Stockport

what steps you've taken to resolve the situation yourself

how quickly you need help

Help with your rent

To be eligible for help with rent we'll also look at:

the difference between your rent and your Housing Benefit or Housing Element award

Find out more about getting support with your rent.

Help with your Council Tax

To be eligible for help with Council Tax we'll also look at whether:

you've been affected by some aspect of Stockport's Local Council Tax Support Scheme, which has reduced your award or stopped you from qualifying

coronavirus has affected the amount of money you have

Find out more about getting support with your Council Tax.
Apply for support

1. Support Funds

If you're a Stockport resident, you can apply for Support Funds to:

help you when you're at your most vulnerable

provide you with a safety net in an emergency, when there's an immediate threat to your health or safety

support you to live independently in your own home

link you to other services that will help and support you

make sure that support is joined up

give more flexibility about how we meet the needs of Stockport residents

We'll assess your application and work with you to access a range of support to meet your needs. This support will often be goods and services. For example:

a food bank referral

gas and electricity top up for prepaid meters

help paying your Council Tax

payment of a shortfall in rent

help to apply to a charity or trust fund

advice on where to find items you might need for your home for example: cooker, fridge, washing machine

There are many options to help you furnish your home at a low cost such as local charity shops, social media marketplaces and freecycle websites.

Eligibility

Support Funds

To be eligible for Support Funds we'll look at:

your household income and expenses

if you or your family have any special circumstances. For example; disabilities or health conditions

your local connection to Stockport

what steps you've taken to resolve the situation yourself

how quickly you need help

Help with your rent

To be eligible for help with rent we'll also look at:

the difference between your rent and your Housing Benefit or Housing Element award

Find out more about getting support with your rent.

Help with your Council Tax

To be eligible for help with Council Tax we'll also look at whether:

you've been affected by some aspect of Stockport's Local Council Tax Support Scheme, which has reduced your award or stopped you from qualifying

coronavirus has affected the amount of money you have

Find out more about getting support with your Council Tax.
Apply for support

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If you're a Stockport resident, you can apply for Support Funds to: help you when you're at your most vulnerable provide you with a safety net in an emergency, when there's an immediate threat to your health or safety support you to live independently in your own home link you to other services that will help and support you make sure that support is joined up give more flexibility about how we meet the needs of Stockport residents We'll assess your application and work with you to access a range of support to meet your needs.