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Information about ARFID and the support available

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We are the UK's only charity dedicated to raising awareness and furthering information about ARFID. A not-for-profit, we work to provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

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Information about PICA and links to support.

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Pica involves someone eating non-food substances that have no nutritional value, such as paper, soap, paint, chalk, or ice.

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Challenging Behaviour Foundation - UK Charity focussed on the needs of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour may be described as challenging, and their families.

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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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Samaritans - support when in crisis.

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We do not tolerate behaviours that are threatening or abusive in any way. While we recognise that people who exhibit these behaviours have a right to the support they need, it's not possible for us to provide a safe and supportive space when met with threatening or abusive behaviours.

We act to prevent further contacts from callers who behave in these ways. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
Limiting or withdrawing access to our services
From time to time we may have to use the information collected about you when you contact us to make decisions about limiting access to our services. If we believe you are abusing our service or are abusive towards volunteers, we will use our system to block your calls or messages from getting through.

If you can't get through by phone, you will hear a message that explains how to contact us to discuss our decision to block you from our system.

If we take the decision to limit your access to our systems, we will make every effort to inform you as to the reason why we have restricted your access. We may ask you to give us a contact number so that a member of our Caller Support Team can call you to talk about your support needs.

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If you're going through a tough time, contact us free. We won't judge you or tell you what to do. We are here to listen so you don't have to face it alone.

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Information about school safeguarding procedures.

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New build Safeguarding | West Lancashire Community High School

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contacts for reporting concerns.

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To report a child who is at risk of immediate harm, if you have concerns for a child, or you require advice from a social worker, call 0300 123 6720 or complete the form below to request a call back. Out of hours call 0300 123 6722.

If you think a child is in immediate danger - don't delay call the police on 999.
Request a call back
To refer a child who is not at risk of immediate harm, or to request information about a child, complete a Children's Services request for support:
Make a request for support

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Tell us if you are worried about a child

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If you are concerned about a child being abused or neglected or about an adult that works with children call 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722.

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Emergency contact for reporting child abuse.

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What to do if you're worried about a child

If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, you can speak to us about your concerns. Whether you want to report child abuse and neglect or aren't sure what to do, we're here to listen, offer advice and support and can take the next steps if a child's in danger.

Our telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 10pm or 9am - 6pm at the weekends. You can contact us online or by email 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call 0808 800 5000 Report online Email help@nspcc.org.uk
It's normal to feel anxious, nervous or unsure about getting in touch with us. We're here to help and take that worry from you. Letting us know you're worried about a child could be the first step to helping protect them from a lifetime of abuse and neglect.
If you're using a mobile device/tablet and are experiencing difficulties completing our online form, please try using a computer, or call us on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk to report your concern.

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If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, you can speak to us about your concerns. Whether you want to report child abuse and neglect or aren't sure what to do, we're here to listen, offer advice and support and can take the next steps if a child's in danger.

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Childline

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Childline is here for children and young people wherever and whenever they need us. Feedback from young people has told us:

Childline helps them feel less alone with their problems

Childline helps them see their problems from a new perspective

Talking about problems with Childline helps them open up with other people.

Our Childline staff and over 1,200 volunteer counsellors around the UK delivered over 200,000 counselling sessions in 2020/21. Hear from Omar, one of our counsellors, about his experience helping children during the pandemic.

"The volunteers who contribute are exceptional people... [We] are committed to the service continuing because we want to guarantee it is there for children and young people. We realise there is a real need and we are there for them."
Gwenno Huws, Childline volunteer counsellor (Prestatyn)

Children and young people also turn to our website for support online. Our website puts young people first - with games, tools, advice and support about anything from making friends to child abuse. Young people also turn to Childline's message boards to share their worries with other young people in a safe online space, with over 58,000 posts submitted in total in 2020/21.

"I have been seeing a counsellor at school for the last few years which has helped. I only see them once a week so in between I look at the Childline website for tips on managing anger and stress."
Boy, 13, Childline website user

In 2018 we created childline.org.uk/kids specifically for children under-12, to ensure our information is accessible for young people of all ages.

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Childline is here for children and young people wherever and whenever they need us. Feedback from young people has told us: Childline helps them feel less alone with their problems Childline helps them see their problems from a new perspective Talking about problems with Childline helps them open up with other people.

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Action for Cerebral Palsy

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"Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, there is no cure, and despite it being the most common physical disability in childhood there was little support in helping us as parents adjust to the new reality of our lives; a lifelong commitment as carers. That may now change thanks to the work and efforts of Action Cerebral Palsy; they are working hard to try to ensure that no more parents face the anxiety, loneliness and isolation that we have felt and that children and their families have the support and help that they need at every stage of their journey."

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"Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, there is no cure, and despite it being the most common physical disability in childhood there was little support in helping us as parents adjust to the new reality of our lives; a lifelong commitment as carers.

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Community Lives Matter - Luncheon Club, Dementia Bowls, Carers group, Asylum Seekers and Refugees drop in, Dementia Matters.

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Working in, with, and on behalf of our local community

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Blessing in Disguise - Wigan based charity which provides equipment, organise days out, organises events.

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Special Needs Children | Wigan, UK | Blessings in Disguise

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Blessing in Disguise is registered Childrens Charity creating a positive focus on enabling freedom to enjoy treasured memories to share. We fundraise to provide the much needed suppoort to children with special needs and life limiting illnesses. Providing free specialist equipment, organising VIP exclusive events. https://www.blessingsindisguise.co.uk/

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Ultimate Gamers - The perfect place for kids to boost social skills and make new friendships. Based at the Ecumenical Centre, Skelmersdale.

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This site uses cookies

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
GREAT!

Welcome to Ultimate Gamers, the premier gaming club in Skem! We offer an unparalleled gaming experience with access to top-of-the-line VR, Xbox and PC consoles.

BOOK NOW

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Gaming Club and Parties in Skem | Home | Ultimate Gamers

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We are Ultimate Gamers. The only computer gaming club in Skem. Book now for our Gaming Club or Parties for up to 18 children. VR - XBOX - PC's.

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West Lancashire College - various courses available for learners 16+.

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Whether you've recently left school and are deciding on your next step, an adult wanting to boost your career, an undergraduate looking to take your first step into higher education or you just want to try something new, we have a course for you!

We are delighted to offer a range of school leaver, undergraduate, Apprenticeship and professional qualifications to help you take the next step in boosting your career!

Our strategy is to work closely with the business community and offer programmes that meet local and regional job priorities. This ensures that local students have the very best opportunities for work experience leading to high quality job outcomes, and also that employers have the highly skilled workforce they need to be successful.

We are continually investing in education for the people of West Lancashire and beyond. In 2011 we invested £42.8m in a brand new campus situated in Skelmersdale town centre, which benefited from the addition of a £2.5m Construction, Engineering & Logistics Centre in 2019 and more recently the £1.3m School of Science which was officially opened by Professor Brian Cox CBE in July 2021.

Whatever your ambition, we have something for you and there has never been a better time to join us! Apply Now!

To find out more contact one of our Course Advisors on 01695 52300 or email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk

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West Lancashire College - FE | HE | Apprenticeships | Adult Courses

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Whether you've recently left school and are deciding on your next step, an adult wanting to boost your career, an undergraduate looking to take your first step into higher education or you just want to try something new, we have a course for you!

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TMP College - vocational qualifications in music, media, art, games and performing arts for learner 16+.

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TMP was originally set up as a music school. We soon realised there was a demand for creative and performing arts in the local community and we listened to our students to understand what was needed and what TMP needed to become to meet local needs.

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The Legacy Project - Supported Internships

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The Legacy Project - Supported Internships

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The Legacy Project - Supported Internships.

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The Legacy Project - Changing Lives - Divine Days Community CIC

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The Legacy Project - Supported Internships The Legacy Project Supported Internships Who we are Welcome to The Legacy Project, a national award winning, supported internship programme, which is part of the Divine Days Community CIC group, operating across Skelmersdale and [...]

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Divine Days - Creative Kids - SEND Activities.

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Divine Dance & Creative Kids - Divine Days Community CIC

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Creative Kids @DivineDays Facebook Our creative provision supports SEND children, young people and adults, providing a nurturing environment for them to express themselves, celebrate their uniqueness and strengthen their self-worth. As a physical activity and creative art form, our provision […]

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Midstream - work activity, training and day care for people with learning disabilities and other special needs.

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Special Needs Work Activity, Training & Daycare | Midstream

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PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Society

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DLA - support.

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In this article

Read more about claiming DLA for babies

Three months is usually the earliest you can get the DLA care component (unless your child has a terminal condition).

All very young children need a lot of care and attention, so the younger your child, the harder it can be to show they need more help than other babies of the same age. But you can still get DLA if you show that your baby needs a different type of care than other babies, or if that care has to be provided more frequently, or over a longer period.

For example, all babies need help feeding but if your baby takes longer to feed, has feeding problems or needs feeding by a tube or drip then they are likely to qualify for the care component.

Other common situations where a baby is likely to qualify include:

Babies with severe visual or hearing impairments.

Those who have seizures.

Those with renal failure.

Babies with severe multiple disabilities.

Babies who are born very prematurely.

Babies who need suctioning, oxygen treatment, or who have had a surgical procedure, such as a tracheotomy or colostomy, are also likely to qualify.

This list is not exhaustive, and other babies may qualify. Because of the difficulties getting DLA for babies, get specialist help to fill in the form.

Read more about claiming DLA for babies

Three months is usually the earliest you can get the DLA care component (unless your child has a terminal condition).

All very young children need a lot of care and attention, so the younger your child, the harder it can be to show they need more help than other babies of the same age. But you can still get DLA if you show that your baby needs a different type of care than other babies, or if that care has to be provided more frequently, or over a longer period.

For example, all babies need help feeding but if your baby takes longer to feed, has feeding problems or needs feeding by a tube or drip then they are likely to qualify for the care component.

Other common situations where a baby is likely to qualify include:

Babies with severe visual or hearing impairments.

Those who have seizures.

Those with renal failure.

Babies with severe multiple disabilities.

Babies who are born very prematurely.

Babies who need suctioning, oxygen treatment, or who have had a surgical procedure, such as a tracheotomy or colostomy, are also likely to qualify.

This list is not exhaustive, and other babies may qualify. Because of the difficulties getting DLA for babies, get specialist help to fill in the form.

Words used in the DLA rules

To assess what rate of DLA should be paid, some of the words in the rules have a specific meaning:
Bodily functions
Includes anything to do with how the body works, like breathing, eating, drinking, hearing, seeing, walking, sitting, dressing, undressing, washing, bathing, toileting and sleeping. If the help can be done in another room, away from the child, it is unlikely to count unless it is closely connected to something personal, for example changing bedding after a child has wet the bed.
Supervision
Someone present to prevent any accidents or harm to your child or others.
Substantial danger
There must be a realistic possibility that without supervision your child could seriously risk harming themselves or others. This situation may arise infrequently or be a one-off.
Night
Starts from when the whole household goes to bed and ends when everyone gets up. Normally it is assumed to start around 11pm and end around 7am.

Words used in the DLA rules

To assess what rate of DLA should be paid, some of the words in the rules have a specific meaning:
Bodily functions
Includes anything to do with how the body works, like breathing, eating, drinking, hearing, seeing, walking, sitting, dressing, undressing, washing, bathing, toileting and sleeping. If the help can be done in another room, away from the child, it is unlikely to count unless it is closely connected to something personal, for example changing bedding after a child has wet the bed.
Supervision
Someone present to prevent any accidents or harm to your child or others.
Substantial danger
There must be a realistic possibility that without supervision your child could seriously risk harming themselves or others. This situation may arise infrequently or be a one-off.
Night
Starts from when the whole household goes to bed and ends when everyone gets up. Normally it is assumed to start around 11pm and end around 7am.

Read more about the DLA care component

The lowest rate care component
This is paid if your child needs help with personal care for a 'significant portion of the day'. This is usually taken to mean for at least an hour on most days - for example, help with washing and getting dressed in the morning. This help may be given all at once or be spread out through the day.

Sometimes less than an hour's care will be sufficient to meet this test - for example if the help is spread over a number of short periods or is particularly intensive in nature.
The middle rate care component
This is paid if your child has either 'day-time needs' or 'night-time needs'. Day-time needs means they need either:

'Frequent' help with personal care, in connection with their bodily functions. This means several times throughout the day, or

Continual supervision throughout the day to avoid substantial danger to themselves or others. Continual supervision means frequent or regular supervision, rather than non-stop supervision.

Night-time needs means that during the night your child requires either:

'Prolonged' help with their personal care. This means for at least 20 minutes, or

'Repeated' help with personal care during the night. This means at least twice, or

To avoid danger to themselves, or others, another person needs to be awake and watching over them for either a 'prolonged' period or at 'frequent intervals' (this means more than twice).

The highest rate care component
Paid if your child has day-time and night-time care needs, or if they qualify under the 'special rules' (see page 13).

To qualify for the DLA care component, your child's care needs must ultimately stem from a disability. And they must need substantially more help than a child of the same age without a disability.

Read more about the DLA care component

The lowest rate care component
This is paid if your child needs help with personal care for a 'significant portion of the day'. This is usually taken to mean for at least an hour on most days - for example, help with washing and getting dressed in the morning. This help may be given all at once or be spread out through the day.

Sometimes less than an hour's care will be sufficient to meet this test - for example if the help is spread over a number of short periods or is particularly intensive in nature.
The middle rate care component
This is paid if your child has either 'day-time needs' or 'night-time needs'. Day-time needs means they need either:

'Frequent' help with personal care, in connection with their bodily functions. This means several times throughout the day, or

Continual supervision throughout the day to avoid substantial danger to themselves or others. Continual supervision means frequent or regular supervision, rather than non-stop supervision.

Night-time needs means that during the night your child requires either:

'Prolonged' help with their personal care. This means for at least 20 minutes, or

'Repeated' help with personal care during the night. This means at least twice, or

To avoid danger to themselves, or others, another person needs to be awake and watching over them for either a 'prolonged' period or at 'frequent intervals' (this means more than twice).

The highest rate care component
Paid if your child has day-time and night-time care needs, or if they qualify under the 'special rules' (see page 13).

To qualify for the DLA care component, your child's care needs must ultimately stem from a disability. And they must need substantially more help than a child of the same age without a disability.

Benefits you might be entitled to

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit for children under 16 with a condition or disability.

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One Vision Studios

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Ann Craft Trust - Safeguarding Advice and helplines.

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Get safeguarding advice for you, a friend or a relative - Ann Craft Trust

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Supportline Support for children, young adults and adults including those affected by sexual, emotional and physical abuse. 01708 765200 www.supportline.org.uk NSPCC Help for adults concerned about a child. 0808 800 5000 Childline Line for children to talk about anything. No problem is too big or too small. 0800 1111 Stop It Now! Confidential helpline for […]

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Blue Badge Application

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Helping people with severe mobility problems park close to their destination. Eligibility and how to apply.

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Family Fund - helping disabled children. There are grants available for things like kitchen appliances, clothing, days out, games consoles, and furniture.

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

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Council Directory of Services

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Directory of Services - West Lancashire Borough Council

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Home page of West Lancashire borough council. Council services online 24/7.

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Offering impartial support and guidance to navigate the SEND system.

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More information

Lancashire SEND Information, Advice and Support Service is a statutory service which is run at 'arm's length' from the Local Authority and provides free, confidential, impartial advice, guidance and support to parents of children with special educational needs and children and young people with SEND

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Contact links for information linked to SEND.

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SEND Information, Advice and Support Services Network | SEND Local Offer Directory

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SEND - Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service.

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Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service

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Home - Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service

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Young People and Families Health Care Service

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SEND Local Offer

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Special educational needs and disabilities - local offer

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The local offer brings together information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

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SEND Newsletters

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Directory of local and national service providers, sign up to the FIND service to receive newsletters and information.

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Social Care Support

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Children's social care support can provide help to children and their parents if the child:

needs support with maintaining their health or development

has a disability

is in need of protection

is fostered, adopted or lives in residential care

A social care professional can provide practical advice and information to help the family. They might:

do an assessment of your child's and family's needs

provide immediate help

give you information about other support organisations that could help

involve other professionals when assessing the help your child or you may need

How to ask for support

Call 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722.

Your child's health visitor, doctor or school staff may also suggest a referral or may refer to social care, with your permission.

The team will ask you about the difficulty you're having and how it's affecting your child and family. They'll offer immediate advice about which services might be able to help you.

In some cases, a social care worker needs to support you and other times they'll do an assessment so that we can look at what your child and family needs.

If your child has special educational needs or a disability (SEND)

Disabled children are considered 'children in need' under the Children Act 1989. If your child has a disability you are entitled to an assessment of need by children's services. Your child's social care needs will be considered as part of a education, health and care needs assessment by the Inclusion Service and you may wish to ask for a social care assessment of your child's needs as part of this.

An assessment of your child should take into account your needs as a parent carer as well as the needs of your whole family. However parent carers of disabled children also have a right to ask for a parent carer needs assessment which focuses on your needs as a parent carer.

More information about assessments of disabled children and their families is available on the SEND local offer or the website, Contact - the charity for families with disabled children.

Assessment and support

An assessment is a way of finding out about you and your family and to identify the support that you may need.

A social worker will complete an assessment. The assessment involves collecting information about your child and family. We may ask other professionals who know you and your child well, for information about your child and family. This may include:

After an assessment

The assessment needs to be carried out within 45 days from the point of referral.

The social worker will, with your help, agree a plan of action. This may be:

providing some advice

recommending other services

agreeing a plan of support

The child in need plan

The social worker will arrange a family meeting, which includes you, your child and any other professionals that need to be involved. Everyone involved with your family agrees a Child in Need plan, which gives details of:

what services will be provided

how long the services are needed

what we hope to achieve by providing the services

the date the plan will be reviewed

Early help

If needs can be met through providing support without a social worker involved then early help will be offered. This may be through the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, a school or other local organisation.

Family group conference

A social worker may refer a family for a family group conference - a meeting of family members, and sometimes family friends, to make a plan or a decision to resolve issues that affect a child or young person.

Family safeguarding

Our family safeguarding teams can provide support when a more formal plan of support is required. Our family safeguarding social workers will provide ongoing support and advice to families they work with.

Initial child protection conferences

When professionals have concerns about a child's safety an initial child protection conference (ICPC) is held to discuss how to ensure that children are kept safe. An ICPC is a meeting where parents, carers, children and professionals who have worked with the family discuss the concerns and needs of the family. The meeting will decide what type of plan the family needs, that is, a child in need plan or a child protection plan. You can watch a series of videos that show you what happens, before, during and after an initial child protection conference.

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Social care support for children and families

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What social care support is, how we assess needs and how we provide help.

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Break Time

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Break Time short break activities provide a range of activities and groups for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities who meet the criteria to attend and who do not receive short breaks following a social care assessment of need.

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Nimbus Access Card - Identifies the support a disabled person needs and can give access to free or reduced tickets in places like the cinema, theatres, Knowsley Safari Park.

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Read about the Queen's Award for Innovation winning platform - serving box offices and more across the UK and beyond - how Nimbus changed access registration schemes for businesses and customers alike

We developed the Access Card in response to frustrations shared by disabled people and live music promoters in how disability was evidenced, and how needs for reasonable adjustments were communicated.
For disabled people, the frustration was in repeatedly sending in personal documents which bore no direct relation to the needs of the individual.

For the venues, it was frustration in interpreting these documents and the additional admin burden it placed on their staff.

Our goal was to produce a single consistent method of communication between customer and provider; therefore simplifying the process for both.

Since its initial development, the card is now wideley accepted at major event venues across the UK And beyond, and even more widely taken simply at face value.

a literal godsend from all angles - the team's, customers and the business in general.
The Ticket Factory

The technological development behind the card now means that an unprecedented technical response to disabled peoples' needs is now possible and a live API allows for online ticket sales to be genuinely achievable for the first time for disabled people.

The Access Card scheme continues to evolve and I hope that once you have read this document you will join us in communicating how your services can meet the needs of Access Card holders.
We operate a number of third-party access registration schemes which are based on the software created to run the Access Card platform.
Dubbed "NOS", The Nimbus Operating System, managed by our expert team of disabled people, is able to simplify and speed up a robust access registration process, which highlights the legal rights disabled people have when using your business. In turn, giving your team the unrivalled ability to seamlessly ensure that these needs are met.

Where the Access Card has become popular is when businesses want to streamline their customer access registration scheme and offer a free alternative to having an Access Card. Nimbus are subcontracted to run these access schemes on their behalf.

Currently, we operate free-to-register access schemes on behalf of providers from Ticketing companies, West End Theatre and Theme Parks, to Leicester Square's famous Hippodrome Casino.

At all of these venues and events, and many more, an Access Card is recognised and no further registration is required. Customers are offered the opportunity to upgrade to a full Access Card.

Speak to us

Get in touch today if you're interested in finding out more about integrating NOS into your business.
Contact us

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We developed the Access Card in response to frustrations shared by disabled people and live music promoters in how disability was evidenced, and how needs for reasonable adjustments were communicated. For disabled people, the frustration was in repeatedly sending in personal documents which bore no direct relation to the needs of the individual.

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Contact - Advice and support for families with disabled children. You can book a 45 minute telephone support conversation.

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Contact - for families with disabled children | Contact

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We are Contact, the charity for families with disabled children. We support families, bring families together and help families take action for others.

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Disability Grants - access to grants that you can apply for.

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Do you have a Disability? Are you a parent or carer of a Disabled child or adult?
If so, use this website to save time finding Disability Grants.

Charities and Trusts provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out.........in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living.
Searching for extra funds takes time - in between work, hospital appointments, caring, therapies........
And the hundred and one other things we all have to juggle every day!

That's why Disability Grants is here to help YOU, your family or anyone you're supporting with a disability.
Discover what's available nationally and in your local area by searching the individual sections.
Here are some tips to get you started...

If you still can't find what you are looking for use the Site Search Box below or in the top right hand corner of every page in "Full Site" view.
This will search every page on the website for your keywords.
Popular Pages

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Disability Grants - Charitable Funding for the Disabled

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Do you have a Disability? Are you a parent or carer of a Disabled child or adult? If so, use this website to save time finding Disability Grants. Charities and Trusts provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out.........in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living.

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Witherslack Group - Online advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEN.

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Special Educational Needs Schools & SEND Support - Witherslack Group

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Witherslack Group is the leading provider of specialist education for young people with special educational needs. Also providing SEND advice and support.

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SEND Directory - Support for families. Find local services that are available in West Lancashire that SEND children can take part in.

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This site uses cookies to store any chosen accessibility settings and to anonymously track usage patterns.By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more about cookies

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Domestic Violence support.

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Children and Young People's Services

We provide a positive environment where children and young people feel safe and live free from abuse, helping them to thrive in all areas of their development.

Jane's Place Recovery Refuge

We recognise that there are situations where survivors need extra help and much higher levels of support, often over a longer period beyond.

Refuge services for women and children

Our refuges are open to women and children 365 days a year. We are staffed 24/7 to ensure we can respond effectively to emergency referrals to help those in crisis or in immediate need, and also to maintain security and safety for all our residents throughout the day and night.

Connect & Respect

SafeNet are delivering our Healthy Relationships programme 'Connect & Respect' to Secondary schools across Lancashire. These sessions are delivered by our domestic abuse specialists and partner agencies.

Bury Services

Our specialist Community Outreach Services in Bury offer confidential, emotional and practical support in the community, helping those experiencing domestic abuse to stay safe and receive professional support with housing-related issues.

Men's Services

We deliver a dedicated safe-house for men who are escaping domestic and interpersonal abuse. We also offer emotional and practical support whilst recognising and addressing the gendered differences in the nature of abuse experienced.

SafeNet Safe Houses

In addition to refuges, we also offer safe-houses in the North West. These residential properties are a stepping stone to independent living and are situated in confidential locations.

Lancashire Safe At Home

Domestic abuse causes significant trauma to the victim-survivor. Children often also experience abuse. Domestic abuse is a crime.

We can support you with information, support & safe accommodation for anyone affected by domestic abuse, stalking & honour-based abuse in Burnley, Preston & Lancaster.

Rochdale Services

Our community Outreach Services in Rochdale offer confidential, emotional and practical support in the community, helping those experiencing domestic abuse to stay safe and receive professional support with housing-related issues.

Lancashire Refuges

You deserve to be safe, happy and healthy in your relationships with your family, friends and community. Domestic abuse affects many people, regardless of age, gender, financial status, location, religion or sexuality.

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Domestic Abuse Services and Refuge in the North West - Safenet

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Keeping women and children safe from domestic abuse throughout the North West for forty years.

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Domestic Abuse support and support for other challenges being faced.

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We are a registered charity that helps people build better lives by preventing homelessness, strengthening families & supporting people to reach their potential

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Support for young people who are victims of crime.

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Nest Lancashire - Supporting young victims

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Nest Lancashire has been set up to support young people aged 8 to 18 who have been affected by crime or subjected to threats or harassment.

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Inspire

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Welcome to Inspire Lancashire – Inspire services are designed to encourage individuals to find the strength and resources within themselves to achieve and sustain the life and behavioural changes they seek.

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Inspire services are designed to encourage individuals to find the strength and resources within themselves to achieve and sustain the life and behavioural changes they seek.

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Barnardo's Thrive Services offer mental health advice and support. This links leads to referral points for both young people and parents to complete.

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Lancashire and South Cumbria Thrive Service | Barnardo’s

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The service offers therapeutic one-to-one, group work and counselling support to children and young people aged 5 to 18 (extending to 25 years based on need)

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Information and links to the Family Hub Network.

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Support is available for all stages of family life, from pregnancy through to 19 years old or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

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Citizens Advice - free help and advice.

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Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

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Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.

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Priority Services Register - Free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there's an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.

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The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks like us to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps us tailor our services to support households who need extra help with everyday energy matters like bills, and also in the unlikely event of a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.

We're working together to make sure that your property receives all the support services covered by the Priority Services Register. By telling us once, we update your PSR request with your energy supplier (the company you pay your bills to) and your regional network companies including electricity, gas and water.

The PSR promise is made by all participating energy companies in England, Wales and Scotland. We will always follow privacy laws and your PSR information will never be used for marketing.

If you already know which company delivers your electricity or gas, just click on the links below for extra information and to register.

Or if you are unsure, just enter your postcode above to find out and be directed to your electricity and gas company.

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The PSR - The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there's an interruption to your electricity or gas supply - PSR

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The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there's an interruption to your electricity or gas supply.

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Warm Home Discount - A scheme that gives a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.

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You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it's a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

You'll usually get the discount automatically if you're eligible. You only need to apply if you're on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply.

If you might be eligible, you'll get a letter by early January 2024.

If you do not get a letter and you think you're eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 2024.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you're eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

Eligibility

There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live.

If you live in England and Wales

You qualify if you either:

If you live in Scotland

You qualify if you either:

Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters

You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you'll get the discount if you're eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

Park (mobile) homes

You apply a different way if you live in a park home.

Apply for the Park Homes Warm Home Discount.

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The Warm Home Discount Scheme could take £150 off your winter electricity bill - eligibility, how to get your discount, deadlines.

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SWLICAN - Free Independent Advice Service - debt, welfare, DLA, training courses, employment law, claiming benefits, appeals, PIP, ESA, AA.

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Family Action Line - First line of support for every family and any family issues. If you feel overwhelmed, worried or upset, they offer free emotional support, information and guidance.

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If you’re worried about any aspect of family life, FamilyLine offers free support on relationships, parenting, financial worries and more.

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West Lancs Ark - Support and advice on ex-forces, housing, training, ex-offenders, homelessness, drug support, alcohol support, foodbank vouchers.

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Child Action North West

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We believe that everybody deserves the chance to reach their potential, achieve their dreams and fulfil their aspirations.

The inequality that exists up and down the country means that many communities face complex challenges - simply getting by is tough.

Our mission is to support children, adults and families across the country, ensuring that when life presents difficult circumstances we're there every step of the way to make sure they get the support they need.
Inspiring lives, changing futures.

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The inequality that exists up and down the country means that many communities face complex challenges - simply getting by is tough. Our mission is to support children, adults and families across the country, ensuring that when life presents difficult circumstances we're there every step of the way to make sure they get the support they need.

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Home Start North West

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Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. We are there for parents when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait.

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Twinkle House Support Centre

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In order for Twinkle House to both survive and thrive so that we can continue to support to support and reach as many families, groups and individuals as we can we will always need your support. We want to ensure that we can continue to welcome you to Twinkle House and to safe space for all our visitors.

To see how you can support us go to our Support Us page.

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Sensory & Wellness Centre | All Inclusive | Twinkle House

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In order for Twinkle House to both survive and thrive so that we can continue to support to support and reach as many families, groups and individuals as we can we will always need your support. We want to ensure that we can continue to welcome you to Twinkle House and to safe space for all our visitors.

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Support for young carers

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Carers Link Lancashire is an independent registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee whose aim is to support unpaid carers across the boroughs of East Lancashire.

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Support with homelessness, mental health and wellbeing.

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Lancashire CFWS Neighbourhood Centre Locations

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CEA Cinema Card

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The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas that enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema.

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Offering confidential information and signposting for those families in need.

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We provide practical support to people during their hardest moments and work with our community of food banks, partners, volunteers, and supporters to ensure no one needs a food bank to survive.

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Kooth - Free, Safe, Anonymous support. Mini Activities to boost your well being.

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Support for families who may be facing financial worries and need some extra support.

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Donations

We are busier than ever this winter.
We would be very grateful for any donations large or small. Please have a look around the website for various ways to support us. Thank you

Vacancies for Volunteer Trustees

Vacancy
Volunteer Trustees (multiple roles)
Skelmersdale and District Foodbank provides emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis, while campaigning for a UK without the need for food banks. Without our volunteers, selflessly donating their time, we simply would not be able to support the thousands of people in crisis.

Where: Skelmersdale and District Foodbank and surrounding areas.

When: Approximately 8 meetings per year.

Time commitment: 4 to 10hrs per month, depending on responsibilities

Overview of the role:
Participate in Trustee board meetings and along with other Trustees, by supporting the Chair, to ensure that the trust complies with all charity's governing documents, charity law requirements and other laws that might apply to the charity and to ensure the trust complies with those required by the Trussell Trust. You will be expected to act in the charity's best interest, including doing what you and your co-trustees decide will best enable the charity to carry out its purpose, based on making balanced informed decisions.
Manage the charity's resources responsibly, ensuring the charity's assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity. To assist the board in developing a long-term strategy for the food bank

Key tasks/Responsibilities:
* It will be necessary to work with the Project Manager in supporting them to achieve the vision/objects of the food bank and to ensure there is a positive and effective relationship between the trustee board, food bank staff, and its volunteers.
* To plan with the Foodbank Project Manager, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which board members should attend.
* To work alongside the Foodbank Project Manager to ensure there is appropriate communication between the trustee board and staff, volunteers and any other stakeholders.
* To identify any training needs appropriate to the Project Manager and with the Project Manager agree training needs of the staff and volunteers,
Required skills:
* A commitment to our cause and aims
* A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
* An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
* An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
* A willingness to speak their mind
* An ability to think creatively
* Strategic vision
Benefits of volunteering:
* Using your existing skills to make a difference.

* Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.

* Make a real difference to the running of the Skelmersdale & District Foodbank and the local community.

Training Support:
A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to ongoing training.

To apply or for further information, please contact: [email protected]

1 in 5

of the UK population live below the poverty line

Use the Back and Forward buttons to navigate through the slides. Each slide is displayed one at a time.

Our latest figures

Between July and September 2024 we issued 11730 kg of food to 693 clients in need of support.

We can also help with debt and benefit support

We can sometimes help with gas and electric. Please ask when you visit

Where we are
Get directions & opening times

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We are busier than ever this winter. We would be very grateful for any donations large or small. Please have a look around the website for various ways to support us. Thank you Vacancy Volunteer Trustees (multiple roles) Skelmersdale and District Foodbank provides emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis, while campaigning for a UK without the need for food banks.

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Hope Street Café - a place to come and chat, make friends, have a brew. Supports Mental Health and Well Being. Various activities throughout the week - dementia groups, babies sensory play, karaoke, expressive arts, autism meet up.

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Giving A Helping Hand To Those Who Need It

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Mental Health support for young people who are experiencing low mood, worry and anxiety.

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The A World UK

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Online Parent / Carer empowerment and training courses.

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ADHD North West is committed to providing a free, unique support service to empower and improve the wellbeing of individuals and families affected by an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and associated conditions. We believe in making a difference by improving knowledge, and
mental health, increasing confidence, reducing isolation, and encouraging aspirations.

News

We work hard to get our efforts noticed and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all of the amazing developments at ADHD North West.

The next online ADHD Parenting course starts on 23rd June 25 6 sessions, twice a week

9.30am or 6pm
see below for eligibility.

Designed to meet the needs of parents of children who are diagnosed or in assessment for ADHD, t his online programme is extremely successful. It allows us to reach a larger group of parents who live within our commissioned areas Lancashire and South Cumbria.

If you live within the commissioned areas, we would like to invite you to attend the course, meet members of our team and learn and understand how to manage your child's ADHD.

The course has a step-by-step approach which we build on each session.

If you are a parent and wish to attend, please complete the registration form by clicking on the image above and emailing it to reception@adhdnorthwest.org.uk

Achievements:

Barbara Worrall (founder of ADHD North West) was awarded an MBE.

In recognition of our work and support for families since 1995, our founder and chairman of 26 years Barbara Worrall was awarded an MBE which was presented to her at Windsor Castle by Princess Anne.

ADHD North West: Dedication and service with proven impact.

ADHD North West was awarded the East Lancashire CCG Excellence Award Certificate 2017/18 for making a positive difference with social support.

Donate:

With your support, we can help individuals to succeed by providing a caring and educative environment to help them to understand and flourish in the world that we live in.

Help us to raise funds for our charity at no cost to yourself by signing up to 'Give as you Live!' Press the button located to your right to do so! you can also donate via PayPal and JustGiving too.

Give as you Live!

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ADHD North West | Suite 10, The Chambers, Town Hall Square, Great Harwood BB6 7DD

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ADHD North West is committed to providing a free, unique support service to empower and improve the wellbeing of individuals and families affected by an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and associated conditions.

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Autism Unlocked - Free advice, support and guidance for Autistic Children.

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Autism Unlocked: Lancashire and Cumbria autism support hub

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Free online support on a range of issues affecting autistic children, adolescents and adults.

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ERIC - The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity.

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With your help, we can keep offering free support to those who need us.

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ADHD Foundation

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The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - an integrated health and education service.

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Learning Disability and Autism - find out about services near you and have an online consultation.

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NHS Organisational Logo Template RGB.png

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Learning disability and autism :: Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

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The National Sleep Helpline - Speak to trained advisors.

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Supporting people across all ages to improve sleep, and provides sleep training to professionals in the health, social and corporate sectors.

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Down's Syndrome Association - Local groups to provide friendship, support and activities.

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There is a large network of parent-led support groups covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These groups are independently run by parents for their own local communities and are affiliated to the Down's Syndrome Association. The groups come in all shapes and sizes, depending on their numbers, ages and the interest and needs in their local area. The groups aim to provide a local network that provides friendship, support, social events and other events and activities.

For details of the groups please email or call us:

Helpline: 0333 1212300 (10am-4pm)

Email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk

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Local Support Groups - Downs Syndrome Association

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There is a large network of parent-led support groups covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These groups are independently run by parents for their own local communities and are affiliated to the Down's Syndrome Association. The groups come in all shapes and sizes, depending on their numbers, ages and the interest and needs in their local area.

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Autism advice and support.

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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HAF - Free Holiday and Activities Programme for children who are on benefits linked to Free School Meals.

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Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK - support, advocacy and information services for children and adults.

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Member List Detail - Helplines Partnership

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Provides support, advocacy and information services to adults and children with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, their families and carers. Support includes through diagnosis, health transitions and treatments. Further support includes information and booklets, annual family conference weekend, activity breaks and trips, young people and adult groups and newsletter. Calls to a 07 mobile number typically cost between 10p to 20p from a landline and 3p to 65p from a mobile.

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IBS - Patient Support Group

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IBS may be a lifelong condition

For some people, symptoms are disabling and interfere with work, travel, and social activities; however, most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, probiotics, and medication

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For some people, symptoms are disabling and interfere with work, travel, and social activities; however, most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, probiotics, and medication

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Crohn's and Colitis UK

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We’re here for everyone with Crohn’s and Colitis