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What they offer:
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children, young people and families. Specialist bereavement services and family support.

📞 01525 863924
✉️ info@chums.uk.com
🌐 https://chums.uk.com/bedfordshire-services/

Everything OK?

What they offer:
A Central Bedfordshire website designed by and for young people, helping them access the right mental health information and support.

🌐 https://www.everything-ok.co.uk/

Young Minds

What they offer:
Mental health advice and resources for children, young people and parents.

📞 Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
🌐 https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Reflect

What they offer:
Free, confidential 24/7 text support service for young people aged 11-25.

📱 Text REFLECT to 85258
🌐 https://giveusashout.org/

Childline

What they offer:
Confidential support for children and young people under 19.

📞 0800 1111
🌐 https://www.childline.org.uk/

Bedfordshire Open Door

What they offer:
Free counselling for young people aged 13-25 experiencing anxiety, low mood, bereavement, loneliness, self-esteem difficulties and more.

📞 01234 360388
📱 07922 105200
✉️ enquiries@bedfordopendoor.org.uk
🌐 https://www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk/

Sorted Counselling

What they offer:
Free counselling for young people aged 10-25, including support for trauma, self-harm, bereavement and anxiety.

📞 01582 363040
✉️ info@sortedbedfordshire.org
🌐 https://sortedbedfordshire.org.uk/

Bedfordshire School Nursing Service

What they offer:
Support with emotional wellbeing, anxiety, healthy lifestyles and emotional health.

📞 0300 555 0606
✉️ ccs.bedsandlutonchildrenshealthhub@nhs.net
🌐 https://bedslutonchildrenshealth.nhs.uk/

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SNAP Parent Carer Forum

What they offer:
Parent-led support, information and events for families of children with SEND.

🌐 https://www.snappcf.org.uk/

SENDIASS

What they offer:
Independent advice and support regarding SEND, EHCPs and education.

🌐 https://www.sendiasscentralbedfordshire.co.uk/

Autism Bedfordshire

What they offer:
Support, information, activities and family groups for autistic children and adults.

📞 01234 350704
✉️ enquiries@autismbeds.org
🌐 https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/

ADHD Foundation

What they offer:
Resources, webinars and support for families of neurodivergent children.

📞 0151 541 9020
🌐 https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

ADDISS

What they offer:
Information and support regarding ADHD and associated needs.

📞 020 8952 2800
✉️ info@addiss.co.uk
🌐 https://www.addiss.co.uk/

PDA Society

What they offer:
Advice and support for families supporting children with a PDA profile.

🌐 https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

Family Fund

What they offer:
Grants and financial support for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

📞 01904 550055
🌐 https://www.familyfund.org.uk/

Carers in Bedfordshire

What they offer:
Support for parent carers and young carers.

📞 0300 111 1919
✉️ contact@carersinbeds.org.uk
🌐 https://www.carersinbeds.org.uk/

Bedfordshire Down's Syndrome Support Group

What they offer:
Support, information and social opportunities for families.

📞 01525 841418
✉️ support@bedsdownssyndrome.co.uk
🌐 https://www.bedsdownssyndrome.co.uk/

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Home Start Central Bedfordshire

What they offer:
Practical and emotional support for families with young children.

🌐 https://www.homestartcentralbedfordshire.org.uk/

Family Lives

What they offer:
Advice and support on parenting challenges.

📞 0808 800 2222
🌐 https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Parentline

What they offer:
Parenting advice and support.

📞 0808 800 2222
🌐 https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Children's Centres

What they offer:
Parenting groups, family support and early years services.

🌐 https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/55/childrens_centres

Supporting and Progressing Families (SPF)

What they offer:
Targeted support for families experiencing multiple challenges.

🌐 https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

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Harry's Rainbow

What they offer:
Support for children following the death of a parent or sibling.

📞 01908 061676
✉️ info@harrysrainbow.co.uk
🌐 https://harrysrainbow.co.uk/

Winston's Wish

What they offer:
National bereavement support for children and young people.

📞 08088 020 021
✉️ ask@winstonswish.org
🌐 https://winstonswish.org/

Talking Elephants

What they offer:
Free bereavement support groups across Bedfordshire.

📞 01582 499680
✉️ talkingelephants@nevillefuneralservice.com
🌐 https://www.nevillefuneralservice.com/our-bereavement-support-services/

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SHOUT

What they offer:
24/7 text crisis support.

📱 Text SHOUT to 85258
🌐 https://giveusashout.org/

CAMHS

What they offer:
Assessment and treatment for children and young people experiencing significant mental health difficulties.

📞 Bedford: 01234 893301
📞 Dunstable: 01582 708140
🌐 https://www.elft.nhs.uk/services/camhs-south-bedfordshire-and-luton

PAPYRUS

What they offer:
Suicide prevention support for young people.

📞 HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141
🌐 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

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💷 Financial Support for Families of Children with SEND or Disabilities

Caring for a child with additional needs can bring extra costs. Depending on your child's needs and your family's circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support.

Every family's situation is different, so we encourage you to explore the information below and seek advice if you're unsure what you may be eligible for.

💙 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

DLA is a non-means-tested benefit for children under 16 who need substantially more care, supervision or help with mobility than other children of the same age.

It is based on your child's care and mobility needs, not on a diagnosis or household income.

Receiving DLA can also open the door to additional financial support.

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children

👨‍👩‍👧 Carer's Allowance

If your child receives the middle or highest rate Care Component of DLA, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance if you:

✅ Care for them for at least 35 hours each week

✅ Meet the earnings rules

Carer's Allowance can affect other benefits, so it is worth checking your entitlement before claiming.

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

💷 Universal Credit – Disabled Child Addition

If you receive Universal Credit and your child is awarded DLA, you may be entitled to an additional monthly payment through the Disabled Child Addition.

Some families may qualify for the Higher Disabled Child Addition depending on the level of DLA awarded.

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

❤️ Universal Credit – Carer Element

If you provide at least 35 hours of care each week, you may also qualify for the Carer Element of Universal Credit.

You do not always need to receive Carer's Allowance to receive the Carer Element, although eligibility rules apply.

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

🚗 Blue Badge Scheme

Many children with disabilities or significant mobility needs may qualify for a Blue Badge.

A Blue Badge can help with parking closer to destinations, making everyday journeys easier.

Some children receiving higher-rate mobility DLA qualify automatically, while others may qualify following an assessment.

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

🏠 Council Tax Support & Disability Reductions

Depending on your circumstances, you may be be entitled to help with your Council Tax.

This could include:

• Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income

• A Disabled Band Reduction if your home has been adapted or has additional space because of your child's disability

• Other local discounts depending on your circumstances.

Find out more:

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

🌐 https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people

💰 Family Fund

If you're raising a disabled or seriously ill child on a low income, you may be able to apply for grants towards:

• Washing machines

• Beds

• Technology

• Family breaks

• Clothing

• Sensory equipment

• Much more

🌐 https://www.familyfund.org.uk/

🔎 Turn2Us Benefits Calculator

Many families are surprised by what they may be entitled to.

Use the free benefits calculator to check:

• Universal Credit

• Council Tax Support

• Grants

• Other benefits

🌐 https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

🤝 Contact

Contact is the UK's leading charity supporting families with disabled children.

They provide:

• Benefits advice

• DLA guidance

• Financial support

• EHCP advice

• Parent guides

🌐 https://contact.org.uk/

🧮 Citizens Advice

Free independent advice on:

• Benefits

• Debt

• Housing

• Employment

• Disability rights

🌐 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

✔️ Did You Know?

If your child receives DLA, you may also become eligible for:

✅ Universal Credit Disabled Child Addition

✅ Universal Credit Carer Element

✅ Carer's Allowance

✅ Blue Badge

✅ Vehicle tax reductions or exemptions (depending on the DLA mobility award)

✅ Family Fund grants

✅ Council Tax Support or disability-related reductions

Eligibility depends on your family's individual circumstances, so it is always worth checking what support is available. Receiving DLA does not reduce the amount of other benefits you receive and can increase your entitlement to additional support.

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PEGS

What they offer:
Support for parents experiencing child-to-parent abuse.

🌐 https://www.pegsupport.com/

Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership

What they offer:
Information and support for domestic abuse victims.

🌐 https://www.bedsdv.org.uk/

Women's Aid in Luton

What they offer:
Support and refuge services for women and children.

📞 01582 391856
🌐 https://www.wailuk.org.uk/

ManKind Initiative

What they offer:
Support for male victims of domestic abuse.

📞 01823 334244
🌐 https://www.mankind.org.uk/

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Life Hacks

What they offer:
Social prescribing and wellbeing activities for young people aged 11-19.

✉️ active.luton@nhs.net

Keysoe Therapy & Wellbeing Centre

What they offer:
Animal-assisted therapy and alternative education.

📞 01234 708400
✉️ info@keysoetherapycentre.com
🌐 https://www.keysoe.com/therapy-and-wellbeing-centre/

Stable & Wild

What they offer:
Animal-assisted learning and wellbeing support.

📞 01234 881871
✉️ info@stableandwild.co.uk
🌐 https://www.stableandwild.co.uk/

Wild for Life

What they offer:
Nature-based wellbeing programmes for families.

📞 01234 881871
🌐 https://www.wildforlife.co.uk/

Hear 2 Listen

What they offer:
Counselling and emotional wellbeing services.

📞 01767 319505
✉️ contact@hear2listen.org.uk
🌐 https://www.hear2listen.org.uk/

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Anxiety & Worries

Try:

Regular routines

Predictable bedtimes

Worry time/worry boxes

Emotion coaching

MHST Parent Padlet - https://padlet.com/camhsmhstdunstable/mental-health-support-team-padlets-ktb3dmi5hllyejvn

Young Minds parent resources

School can help with anxiety in school, but anxiety is often best supported through a joined-up approach between home, school and where needed external services. School can refer to the MHST, however they work directly with you as parents first.

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Many behaviour difficulties can improve through consistency, routines and support at home.

You may wish to try:

✅ Consistent boundaries and expectations

✅ Predictable daily routines

✅ Positive praise and encouragement

✅ Limiting screen time before bedtime

✅ Accessing parenting advice and courses

Useful Links

Family Lives
Parenting advice, behaviour support and family guidance.
https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Triple P Positive Parenting Programme
Evidence-based parenting support and practical strategies.
https://www.triplep-parenting.uk.net/

BBC Tiny Happy People
Practical ideas to support behaviour, communication and emotional development.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people

School-based behaviour support is most effective when home and school work together using consistent approaches.

Whilst school can advise and share successful strategies, we are not able to provide intensive support for behaviours that occur only at home. Where concerns are primarily experienced outside of school, families are encouraged to access parenting support, community services, GP advice and the resources within this Padlet. Building understanding of your child's individual needs and understanding their neurodivergence will impact their understanding, processing and emotional regulation, alongside clear boundaries, predictable routines and consistent responses, is often the most effective way to support positive change at home.

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Parent Emotion Coaching Session 19.11.24

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Why not learn from the experts? These organisations offer free webinars, workshops and training for parents and carers:

ADHD Foundation

https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

Autism Bedfordshire

https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/

SNAP Parent Carer Forum

https://www.snappcf.org.uk/

Brook Parent Webinars

https://www.brook.org.uk/

Family Lives Parenting Courses

https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Accessing these resources can often provide immediate advice and practical strategies while helping families build confidence and understanding at home.

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Internet Matters

Advice for parents on online safety, gaming, social media and screen time.

🌐 https://www.internetmatters.org/

NSPCC Online Safety

Guidance and resources to help keep children safe online.

🌐 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety

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The Sleep Charity

Practical advice and support for children's sleep difficulties.

🌐 https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/

NHS Children's Sleep Advice

Helpful information on establishing healthy sleep routines.

🌐 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/

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Parent Learning Hub – Understanding Your Child

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Parent Learning Hub – Understanding Your Child

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BBC Tiny Happy People

https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people

Excellent resources for:
• Language development
• Emotional regulation
• Behaviour
• Routines
• Play and communication

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

https://www.annafreud.org/

Helpful information on:
• Anxiety
• Emotional wellbeing
• School avoidance
• Resilience
• Friendships
• Supporting children through change

NHS Every Mind Matters

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

Practical wellbeing advice for adults and children, including:
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep
• Mental wellbeing

Internet Matters

https://www.internetmatters.org/

Support and guidance on:
• Screen time
• Gaming
• Social media
• Online safety
• Parental controls

🎥 Free Parent Training & Webinars

Why not learn from the experts? These organisations offer free webinars, workshops and training for parents and carers:

ADHD Foundation

https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

Autism Bedfordshire

https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/

SNAP Parent Carer Forum

https://www.snappcf.org.uk/

Brook Parent Webinars

https://www.brook.org.uk/

Family Lives Parenting Courses

https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Accessing these resources can often provide immediate advice and practical strategies while helping families build confidence and understanding at home.

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Bedfordshire and Luton Speech and Language Therapy

https://bedslutonchildrenshealth.nhs.uk/services/bedfordshire-and-luton-childrens-speech-and-language-therapy-service/

ICAN

Support and information about children's speech, language and communication needs.

🌐 https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/

Speech and Language UK

Advice and resources to help children develop communication skills.

🌐 https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/

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Many children find reading, spelling, writing or remembering information challenging at different points in their development. Difficulties with literacy do not always mean a child is dyslexic, but early support can make a significant difference.

Things You Can Try

✅ Read together regularly, even for 10 minutes a day

✅ Listen to your child read and discuss the story

✅ Use audiobooks alongside printed books

✅ Practise high-frequency and common exception words

✅ Play games involving rhyming, sounds and memory

✅ Encourage writing little and often (shopping lists, cards, labels, notes)

✅ Celebrate effort and progress rather than focusing on mistakes

Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling.

Children with dyslexia may experience difficulties with:

• Reading fluency

• Spelling

• Phonics and word recognition

• Working memory

• Sequencing and organisation

• Processing information quickly

Many children with dyslexia are also highly creative, imaginative and strong problem-solvers.

Important Information

Central Bedfordshire Council does not provide dyslexia diagnoses.

Schools in CBC cannot refer children for a dyslexia diagnosis.

Schools identify literacy needs through ongoing assessment and provide support based on a child's individual needs, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis is in place.

If literacy difficulties continue despite appropriate support, families may wish to seek advice from an independent specialist teacher or assessor.

Useful Links

British Dyslexia Association

Information, advice and practical strategies for parents and carers.

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Dyslexia Action

Resources, advice and support for families.

https://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity

Information, webinars and practical support.

https://helenarkell.org.uk/

Made By Dyslexia

Positive information about dyslexia and dyslexic strengths.

https://www.madebydyslexia.org/

Oxford Owl

Free reading resources, eBooks and literacy activities.

https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/

BBC Bitesize

Literacy support and learning activities.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Nessy

Free information and literacy resources for families.

https://www.nessy.com/en-gb/parents

💡 How School Can Help

Schools can:

✅ Assess literacy skills

✅ Monitor progress

✅ Provide reading and spelling interventions

✅ Make reasonable adjustments where appropriate

✅ Identify and support specific barriers to learning

Schools cannot:

❌ Diagnose dyslexia

❌ Refer for a dyslexia diagnosis

❌ Guarantee access to specialist assessments through the Local Authority

Our focus is on understanding each child's needs and putting support in place to help them succeed, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis is present.

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What is normal speech development per age range ?

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What skills are children developing in line with their age ?

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🚽 Toileting, Constipation & Toilet Withholding

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🚽 Toileting, Constipation & Toilet Withholding

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Toilet training and toileting difficulties are common, particularly in younger children and children with additional needs. Some children may withhold poo or wee due to anxiety, fear, sensory differences, previous painful experiences, or because using the toilet is one of the few things they feel they can control.

With the right support, patience and consistency, most children can make good progress.

💙 Understanding Toilet Withholding

Children may withhold poo or wee because they:

✅ Are worried it will hurt

✅ Have experienced constipation previously

✅ Dislike the feeling or sound of the toilet

✅ Find transitions difficult

✅ Have sensory differences (e.g. dislike sitting on the toilet, flushing or hand dryers)

✅ Are anxious or need more control over situations

✅ Are neurodivergent and process body sensations differently

It is important to remember that withholding is rarely deliberate "naughty" behaviour. Instead, it is often a sign that a child is finding something difficult.

🌈 Neurodiversity & Toileting

Many autistic children and children with ADHD experience toileting differently.

They may:

• Not recognise body signals until the last minute

• Hyperfocus and ignore the urge to go

• Find toilets overwhelming due to smells, noises or lighting

• Need routines to feel safe

• Feel anxious about change

• Experience constipation more frequently

Supporting these children often requires patience, predictable routines and understanding how their brain processes information differently.

🏡 Things You Can Try at Home

✅ Stay calm and avoid punishment or shame

✅ Keep a predictable toileting routine (especially after meals)

✅ Encourage sitting on the toilet for 5–10 minutes after meals without pressure

✅ Use praise for trying rather than just success

✅ Ensure your child drinks enough water

✅ Offer a fibre-rich diet where appropriate

✅ Use foot support so knees are above hips

✅ Read books or use stories to reduce anxiety

✅ Consider visual timetables or toilet schedules

✅ Celebrate small successes

⚠️ When to Seek Medical Advice

Speak to your GP if your child:

• Is regularly withholding poo or wee

• Has painful bowel movements

• Has frequent accidents after previously being dry

• Passes very large stools

• Has constipation lasting more than a few weeks

• Complains of tummy pain

• Has blood in their poo

Constipation is extremely common and often requires medical treatment alongside behavioural strategies.

🏫 How School Can Help

School can:

✅ Provide regular toilet reminders where appropriate

✅ Encourage consistent toileting routines during the school day

✅ Make reasonable adjustments for children with SEND

✅ Work alongside families using agreed strategies

✅ Support children sensitively and maintain dignity

However, successful toileting develops through consistency between home and school.

If toileting difficulties occur primarily at home, families are encouraged to work closely with their GP and access specialist toileting advice. School is unable to toilet train children on behalf of parents, but we are happy to support agreed strategies during the school day where appropriate.

📚 Useful Resources

ERIC – The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity

Expert advice on constipation, toilet training, soiling, wetting and toilet withholding.

https://eric.org.uk/

National Autistic Society – Toileting Support

Practical guidance on supporting autistic children with toileting.

https://www.autism.org.uk/learn/knowledge-hub/professional-practice/toileting

STAR Institute – Toileting and Sensory Processing

Information about how sensory processing differences can affect toileting.

https://sensoryhealth.org/node/2065

Toddington St George Early Help, SEND & Wellbeing Padlet

📖 Helpful Books

Little Miu, Don't Poop Your Pants!

A gentle, child-friendly story to encourage positive toileting habits.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Miu-Poop-Your-Pants/dp/B0GTPFZNT2/

Come Out, Mr Poo!

A fun story designed to reduce anxiety around pooing and encourage children who withhold stools.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Come-Out-Mr-Poo-Training/dp/0645964530/

❤️ Remember

Toileting can be a sensitive topic for children and families. Progress is rarely linear, and setbacks are common, particularly during times of change or increased anxiety.

By working together with patience, consistency and understanding, most children develop confidence and independence with toileting over time.