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Tools

How are you feeling today? Whether you are feeling great, a bit meh, or not good our toolkit has activities, ideas and tools to help inspire you to explore who you are, grow as a person and learn new things.

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Get some vibes

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Try some apps and other tools

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How about some online support

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How about trying some apps

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Self care and mental health care

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Motivation

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Find some inspiration

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Find powerful influencers

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Health

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Mental wellbeing

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Quotes

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Read new ideas and updates

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Relax and game

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Watch videos or listen to podcasts

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Support

There are lots of services in Northamptonshire ready to support you. To get you started did you know you can:

Text a school nurse - for friendly, helpful advice on almost any health questions you have. This service is designed for 11- to 19-year-olds: 07507 329 600 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Find out more Children's 0-19 Services

Mental health support from NHFT:

Live chat about your mental health - talk to us on CAMHS live 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday
Phone about your mental health - the consultation line for parents, carers, young people and professionals is available 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday on 0800 170 7055
Visit a Northamptonshire Drop-In - no need to book an appointment, just pop in and chat to the teams about how things are going for you. Find out more about Northamptonshire Drop-Ins

If you are in a crisis, at risk of self-harm or suicide - the CAMHS crisis team is open 24/7 and can be accessed by calling 0800 170 7055

Or:

Text Shout to 85258 at any time day or night. You can find out more by accessing the Give a Shout website
If your life is at imminent risk, call 999 for emergency help

Check out all NHFT services for young people

We have also gathered together some really useful organisations and services that are here to support you, your parents / the person who cares for you.

Click on any of the headings to see a full list of the services available.

Please note NHFT provide this list of services for information and does not have a responsibility for any of the services offered outside of the organisation.

Emotional support
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- Childline
  
  Support for those under 19 with any issues they’re going through. Including mental health support. You can talk about anything.
  
  Whether it’s something big or small, trained counsellors are there to support. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. Support can be given over the phone or through a 1-2-1 counsellor chat online.
  
  Phone 24/7: 0800 1111
  
  One-to-one counsellor chat: 1-2-1 counsellor chat | Childline
  
  Website: Childline | Childline
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- Samaritans
  
  To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Via telephone or email.
  
  Phone: 116 123 (free from any phone)
  
  Email: jo@samaritans.org
  
  Website: www.samaritans.org
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- SANEline
  
  If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or support someone else, you can call SANEline. 4:30-10:30pm everyday.
  
  Phone: 0300 3047000
  
  Email: info@sane.org.uk
  
  Website: www.sane.org.uk/how-we-help/emotional-support/ saneline-services
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- SupportLine
  
  SupportLine provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. The Helpline is primarily a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach the point of crisis. It is particularly aimed at those who
  
  are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse. Support Line also provides support by email and post.
  
  Phone: 01708 765200
  
  Email: info@supportline.org.uk
  
  Website: www.supportline.org.uk/about/about-supportline/
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  SHOUT Text Support Line
  
  If you’re struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are there 24/7. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service.
  
  Text SHOUT to 85258
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- Campaign Against Living Miserably
  
  Leading a campaign against suicide. Support service is struggling with mental health, standing up to stereotypes, and standing together to show life is always worth living. If you are male, you can call CALM or use their webchat service.
  
  Helpline: 0800 585858 (5pm-midnight everyday)
  
  Webchat service: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/
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- Northamptonshire MIND
  
  Counselling is available at all the Mind’s in the county. The counselling service can help explore the client’s situation or any difficulties that they may be experiencing in a safe and confidential environment. A free initial consultation will be offered where the counselling process will be fully explained. Sessions are held weekly, initial offer is 12 session, to be reviewed 6 weekly.
  
  A fee may be charged for additional or further support.
  
  Each Mind has their own referral forms. Once the referral has been received, contact with the client will be made to arrange a counselling assessment. Please contact local Mind for further information:
  
  Corby – 01536 267280
  
  Kettering – 01536523216
  
  Rushden – 01933 312800
  
  Daventry – 01327 879416
  
  Northampton – 01604 634310
  
  Wellingborough – 01933 223591
  
  Website: www.northamptonshiremind.org.uk
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Your mental health
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- Espresso Yourself Cafe
  
  Espresso Yourself - Wellbeing cafes for young people
  
  If you are struggling with your mental health or find yourself in a crisis then we are here to listen and support you.
  
  Alongside our local partners we are offering weekly cafes for you to drop-in and talk to a mental health professional in a safe space. Our friendly team will listen and help you by providing advice, support or signpost / refer you to the relevant team or organisation.
  
  There is no need to call or book an appointment, please drop in to one of the locations and timings that suits you. You can find all locations and timings on our Espresso Yourself web page.
  
  The conversations that take place will be led by you and our staff will provide a listening ear. You can come along by yourself, with a friend or family member if you wish to - the idea is to create a safe space for you to feel comfortable in sharing how you feel.
  
  Please note these crisis cafes are for anyone between the ages of 11 to 18 years, living in Northamptonshire and accept walk ins.
  
  Find out more
  
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- Young Minds
  
  Mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support. YoungMinds offer a text line service that provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
  
  Text SHOUT to 85258, Please note that Shout is a separate and external organisation from YoungMinds.
  
  Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:00pm)
  
  Website: YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds
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- Papyrus UK
  
  Charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. Supporting young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide as well as people concerned about someone else. Phoneline 9am- Midnight every day.
  
  Phone: 0800 0684141
  
  Text: 07860 039967
  
  Website: Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
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- The Mix
  
  Free, confidential support for young people aged 11-25 via crisis messenger text service and freephone. Text SHOUT to 85258. Please note that Shout is a separate and external organisation from
  
  The Mix. Crisis text line can help with urgent issues such as: Suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, relationship breakdown or call free on 0808 808 4994, phones are open 7 days a week from 3pm-12am.
  
  Website: The Mix - Essential support for under 25s
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- Community Counselling Services
  
  REACH Collaboration provides professional and confidential youth counselling for young people across the County of Northamptonshire. REACH is five existing, agencies:
  
  CHAT Youth Counselling
  
  01832 274422,
  
  CHAT - Free Youth Counselling & Advice Service
  
  Service Six
  
  01933 277520,
  
  Service Six
  
  The Lowdown
  
  01604 634385,
  
  The Lowdown | Free and confidential support for 11-25 year olds
  
  Time 2 Talk
  
  01327 706706,
  
  Time2Talk - Your Time to Talk, Our Time to Listen. | time2talk
  
  Youth Works
  
  01536 518339,
  
  Youth Works Northamptonshire
  
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- CHAT Health
  
  Text to 07507 329 600 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) to chat with a school nurse. Chat Health is free service for ages 11-19 who want confidential health and advice. The team can advise on alcohol and drugs, body image, bullying, exam anxiety, family issues, healthy eating, mental health, relationships, self-harm, smoking, social networking and other issues.
  
  Website: Children’s 0-19 Services | NHFT
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- Beat Eating Disorders
  
  National Helpline exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly. People can phone in or use the webchat. Beat will listen and help to understand the illness and support you to take positive steps towards recovery. They also support family and friends by equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health. They offer range of services including peer support.
  
  Phone: 0808 801 0677
  
  Website:The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat
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- CAMHS Crisis Line and CAMHS Connect
  
  CAMHS Connect is part of the wider Core CAMHS in Northamptonshire and offers online chat and a telephone service for children and young people.
  
  Phone: 0800 170 7055 (St Mary’s Hospital)
  
  Website: CAMHS in the Community | NHFT
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- CAMHS Live
  
  CAMHS Live helps young people aged 13 to 18 access the mental health services they might need. Live chat online available Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm to speak to an advisor:
  
  Website: CAMHS Live | NHFT
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- The Frank Bruno Foundation
  
  The Frank Bruno Foundation primary function is to provide a safe environment with the aim to improve the mental wellbeing of participants who are facing or recovering from mental ill health. The Frank Bruno Foundation directly supports participant in building self-esteem, confidence, resilience and discipline. This is done through the delivery of there RoundByRound 12-week wellbeing and non-contact boxing programme. Complemented by a need led wrap around support service. Programme developed for anyone over the age of 13 years old who has been referred by a professional body. Support is also available for parents or carers, who need or want advice and information about emotional wellbeing and mental health services.
  
  Email: lisa@thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk to start a referral. Once an email is received, a referral form will be sent to complete.
  
  Website: Home - The Frank Bruno Foundation
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- Charlie Waller Trust
  
  Provide mental health training, resources, and consultancy with a focus on children and young people.
  
  Phone: 01635 869754
  
  Website: Charlie Waller Trust, mental health charity
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- RE:Start
  
  RE:Start is exclusively for 16 – 25 year olds, who live in Northamptonshire, and need additional support with navigating mental health services.
  
  This time can already be challenging for many young people, with big life changes and transitions being difficult to navigate – without adding mental health issues on top of this. RE:Start works on a referral basis, which can be done as a self-referral or can be done by a professional on your behalf.
  
  RE:Start operates on a personal, goal-driven and holistic approach to the support provided to you. Building trust and gaining a robust understanding of your needs, whether this be with education, employment, housing or any other complex area of life which is made more difficult when navigating the world of mental health services. This flexible approach allows us to not be a time-limited service, we can offer support for as long or as little as you need, and in agreement with your allocated support worker to meet your agreed upon goals.
  
  The ethos and culture of the service is solution-focused, strengths-based, personalised, flexible and is able to work with a variety of complex needs, regardless of diagnosis.
  
  West / South Northamptonshire area
  
  Phone: 016404 634385
  
  Email: helenheng@thelowdownnorthampton.co.uk
  
  Website: RE:Start - Welcome | The Lowdown
  
  North / East Northamptonshire area
  
  Phone: 01536 518339
  
  Email: sbream@youthworksnorthamptonshire.org.uk
  
  Website: RE:Start « Youth Works Northamptonshire
  
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Family support
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- NHFT 0-19 Service
  
  Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 0-19 service provides Healthy Child Programme; a planned series of contacts (face to face or virtual via video call) with children and young people up to 19 years old and their families. These contacts are provided by a healthy visitor for children who are pre-school age, and school nurses who help to look after children who are school age. There is an infant feeding support team; family nurses (if you are under 18 and pregnant), and children's weight management and continence services
  
  Website: www.nhft.nhs.uk/0-19
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- Childrens Admin Hub
  
  Phone: 0800 170 7055 (Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm)
  
  Email: CUSadminhub.nhft@nhs.net
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- Infant Feeding
  
  Helpline: 077951 10109 for feeding advice and support (Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm)
  
  Email: Infantfeeding.team@nhs.net
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- Chat Health
  
  Text a school nurse for friendly, helpful advice. This service is designed for 11-19 year olds:
  
  Phone: 07507 329 600 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm)
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- Health Visitors Facebook
  
  Run by local health visitors to bring you the very latest advice and information
  
  www.facebook.com/Healthvisitors
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- School Aged Immunisation services
  
  Phone: 0800 170 7055 (option 5) if you have query relating to your school aged child’s immunisations (Monday to Friday 8.30am- 4.30pm)
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- 0-19 Live Chat
  
  Click the orange button on the bottom right-hand side of the page: www.nhft.nhs.uk/0-19
  
  Book, change or cancel appointments with the 0-19 service, ask for advice, information or signpost to local resources and services. Ask general queries regarding the 0-19 service and also request a call back from a duty health visitor or school nurse regarding your child’s health, wellbeing or behaviour.
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- Positive Parenting programme
  
  Northamptonshire Children's Trust's group work parenting programmes provide essential support to families, offering them skills and resources to navigate the complexities of bringing up a child.
  
  These programmes equip parents with effective communication, discipline strategies, and stress management techniques, promoting positive family dynamics and children’s well-being.
  
  Programmes are available to book onto now for:
  
  Parents of children aged 0 to 12
  
  Parents of teenagers
  
  Parents of children with additional needs
  
  Parents who are experiencing personal distress from separation or divorce which is impacting on or complicating their parenting
  
  Website: Parenting Support and Resources | Northampton Children's Trust (nctrust.co.uk)
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- Prospects
  
  Prospects (part of Shaw Trust Midlands) provides the careers service for Northamptonshire, making sure young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) can access the guidance and support they need to progress.
  
  Phone: 0800 731 3219
  
  Website:
  
  Prospects - Shaw Trust Midlands - Local Offer - North Northamptonshire
  
  www.prospectsnow.me/
  
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- Strong Start
  
  Strong Start is a team of experienced Early Years professionals who support families in North and West Northamptonshire from pregnancy through to starting school in Reception Class. They closely with health and children's services and support any parent who gets in touch. Strong Start provide virtual support to parents through telephone, Zoom and social media on a 1:1 and group basis, as well as face-to-face groups in outdoor spaces and community venues.
  
  Phone: 07880 136070
  
  Email: strongstartteam@westnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website:
  
  Strong Start - Advice and support | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)
  
  Strong Start - Advice and support | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)
  
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- Happier Families
  
  The Happier Families programme aims to support families to learn about and try out tips, skills, and tools to boost the wellbeing of individual members and the family as a whole, to improve the quality of the time they spend together. It’s aims are to provide a toolkit to help participants:
  
  Explore ways to build their own and others’ happiness
  
  Learn tips to try when struggling
  
  Build happier relationships
  
  Enjoy family time together more
  
  Email: sclarke@youthworksnorthamptonshire.org.uk
  
  Website: Happier Families « Youth Works Northamptonshire
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- Northamptonshire Childrens Trust - Early Help
  
  Early help means working with you and your family to ensure that you receive the right help and support as soon as you need it. Early help is for everybody, for families with children and young people of any age. And it's your choice whether to access it or not. There are lots of reasons why you might want some support including:
  
  Advice about your child's health, development or behaviour
  
  How your child is progressing at school
  
  Caring for a child with a disability or additional needs
  
  Concerns you have about money or housing that is affecting your family
  
  Help around domestic abuse, drugs, alcohol or crime
  
  Bereavement support
  
  Being a young carer
  
  Email: cfss@nctrust.co.uk
  
  Website: Support for Children and Families | Northampton Children's Trust (nctrust.co.uk)
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- Children and Family Support Service - Supporting Families
  
  CFSS offer a range of early support services to children, young people and families across Northamptonshire with the aim of strengthening families and stopping problems from escalating, including helping professionals to strengthen the support they offer to children and families.
  
  Email: cfss@nctrust.co.uk
  
  Website: Early help and support for parents and carers - Families and carers (nctrust.co.uk)
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- Emotion Coaching
  
  Emotion Coaching is an approach to support parents to help their children when they feel distressed. It works for the little things and the big things. Emotion Coaching is a naturalistic parenting approach which has been observed in research to have a beneficial impact on children’s emotional and physical health, their capacity for empathy and their social relationships.
  
  Phone: 01536 518339
  
  Email: sclarke@youthworksnorthamptonshire.org.uk
  
  Website: Emotion Coaching « Youth Works Northamptonshire
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- Hibi
  
  Hibi is an app to support families of children with developmental differences and health conditions, providing access to care management tools and expert guidance.
  
  Website: Hibi.health
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Special needs support
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- SEND Specialist Support Service
  
  The SEND Support Service offers advice and support to children, young people, families, carers and a range of educational establishments for children with a wide range of special educational needs and/or autism, aged 0 to 19 years. Early intervention to assist in identifying a child’s special educational needs and disabilities and may provide advise on relevant support.
  
  Phone: 01604 364 772
  
  Email:
  
  sss@childrenfirstnorthamptonshire.co.uk
  
  SSS.NCC@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  SSS.NCC@westnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website
  
  Specialist SEND support services | North Northamptonshire Council
  
  Specialist SEND support services | West Northamptonshire Council
  
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- SCOPE Sleep Right
  
  Offers disability information and advice to those living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability. Sleep Right is a free support service, that helps parents and carers of disabled children to improve their child's sleep. Supports families of children with diagnosed/on pathway for investigation for SEND aged 2-18 who have severe sleep problems. Professional referral only. Sleep Right in Northamptonshire is funded by the Local Authority and NHS. Contact 07875 575377 for advice on how to get a referral.
  
  Phone: 0808 800 3333
  
  Email: sleep.right@scope.org.uk
  
  Website: Sleep Right | Disability charity Scope UK
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- Mencap Learning Disabilities Helpline
  
  The Learning Disability Helpline is a free helpline service offering advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers. Advisors are available from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
  
  Helpline: 0808 808 1111
  
  Email: helpline@mencap.org.uk
  
  Website: Learning Disability - Down syndrome - Williams syndrome | Mencap
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- Teamwork Trust Northamptonshire
  
  Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough centres work with and support our Northamptonshire members – adults with mental health needs, autism, learning and physical disabilities – who can choose from our enabling and education projects, activities and counselling programmes. Teamwork Trust offers a friendly, supportive environment where individuals can make new friends, access education, an opportunity to gain employability skills, whilst regaining self-esteem and confidence.
  
  Corby- 01536 400931
  
  Kettering - 01536 511993
  
  Wellingborough- 01933 442066
  
  Website: Teamwork Trust
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- The Cube Disability
  
  Northamptonshire’s largest independent care provider for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Providing a fun and modern care provision for adults, aged 18 and over, with learning disabilities and autism. Also operate a dance school for SEN children and their siblings. Further information and information of support available via there website.
  
  Phone: 01604 843777
  
  Email: hello@thecubedisability.co.uk
  
  Website: The Cube Disability
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- Information Advice Support Service IASS
  
  Northamptonshire service run from the Local Authority providing free, confidential, impartial advice, guidance and support to parents of children with SEND. Providing support including training, referral to other statutory and voluntary agencies, access to local and nation support groups, telephone support and face to face meetings.
  
  Phone: 01604 364772 (Monday to Friday (9:30-4:30pm)
  
  North Northamptonshire
  
  Phone: 0300 373 2532,
  
  Email: sendiass@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  West Northamptonshire
  
  Phone: 0300 126 1039
  
  Email: sendiass@westnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website: About us | IASS Northamptonshire
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- EN-Fold
  
  En-fold ensure that all children, via support to their parents, can access the best services, information and support for them. We also want to ensure all individuals receiving a diagnosis in adulthood, find the right information and support.
  
  Contact form: Contact Us
  
  Website: En-Fold website
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- National Autistic Society
  
  Benefits and Money - National Autistic Society. This section has information about benefits that may be available for autistic people
  
  and their families and advice on managing money.
  
  Website: National Autistic Society
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- Northants Parent Forum Group
  
  A Parent Carer Forum is a group of parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities who work with local authorities, education settings, health providers and other providers to make sure that the services they commission, plan and deliver meet the needs of disabled children and families.
  
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- The Spectrum Club
  
  Local facebook group for parents and carers who have children with
  
  ASD providing mutual support. They run activities in the school holidays.
  
  Facebook: Spectrum Club (Northamptonshire) | Facebook
  
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- Harrys Pals
  
  Emotional support to parents who have recently received a diagnosis that their child is severely ill or disabled.
  
  Email: Harryspalscharity@gmail.com
  
  Website: Harry's Pals
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- Sends4dad
  
  A community group supporting dads/male carers that have a child with special educational needs and/or a disability.
  
  Website: Support Group for Dads/male carer with a SEND child/adult
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- SENsational Care Provisions
  
  SENsational Care Provisions offers fulfilling and stimulating activities for children with learning disabilities and their siblings (aged 5-18 years). It also offers day provision for adults with learning disabilities (aged 18-99 years).
  
  Activities include:
  
  Dance and drama
  
  Health and wellbeing activities
  
  Life skills
  
  Inclusive children's dance and sensory sessions
  
  The experienced and caring team can help clients transition to more independent lives. They also offer a personal assistant (PA) service.
  
  Phone: 07720 323605
  
  Email: hello@sensationalcareprovisions.co.uk
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- Virtual School
  
  The Virtual School is a team of experienced teachers and dedicated educational professionals. They promote and support the educational attainment and progress of Northamptonshire's children in care and children previously in care.
  
  West Northamptonshire
  
  Phone: 01604 365912
  
  Email: virtualschool@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website: About the Virtual School | West Northamptonshire Council
  
  North Northamptonshire
  
  Phone: 01604 365912
  
  Email: virtualschool@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website: Virtual School | North Northamptonshire Council
  
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- Tourettes Action
  
  Provide online support groups for parents, adults and teenagers. Current groups are as follows:
  
  Parents Coffee Morning
  
  Adult Support Group
  
  Dads/Male Role Models Group
  
  Parent/Care Giver Evening Group
  
  Teen Support Group
  
  Q&A Drop-In Session
  
  Live chat: Instant support via website (Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm).
  
  Contact the Helpdesk: Send a contact form and someone will get back to you.
  
  Request a call back by emailing help@tourettes-action.org.uk and someone will get back to you.
  
  Website: Tourettes Action Online Support Groups
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- Understanding Autism
  
  Understanding Autism
  
  Many people incorrectly think of the autism as being a horizontal line and frequently ask ‘where on the spectrum are they?’. The simple answer is this does not exist. There is a wonderful resource, created by an autistic artist, which explains the autism in the context of a spectrum.
  
  You can access this resource by visiting Understanding the Spectrum by Rebecca Burgess.pdf
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- Autism Central
  
  Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you as a parent/carer.
  
  Email: 20info@autismcentral.org.uk
  
  Website: Autism Central for Parents and Carers | Autism Central
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- After Diagnosis Support Pack ASD
  
  The Neurodiversity Support Pack is for families following a diagnosis of a neurodiversity, and contains information, resources and signposting.
  
  Neurodiversity Support Pack
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- General help for a child who may need help managing emotions
  
  During moments of dysregulation, it may be helpful for them to engage in “box breathing” to regulate their breathing when they are having ‘big’ feelings. Parents often find the concept of the ‘hand brain model’ helpful if understanding this:
  
  Close deals and automate the rest with monday sales CRM (youtube.com)
  
  Other interventions may include access to an emotional regulatory intervention such as the Zones of Regulation Programme (by Leah Kypers) and the Interoceptive Curriculum (Kelly Mahler). These programmes provide a range of activities to help children develop skills in the area of self-regulation.
  
  More information about Interoceptive awareness curriculums can be found at:
  
  Kelly Mahler's Interoception Training: Boost Body Awareness
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- Sleep Workshop Videos
  
  This link takes you to the Cambridge Community Service NHS Trust's webpage all about sleep. Here you can access a Prerecorded Sleep Workshop video: Sleep
  
  Watch a prerecorded Teenage Sleep workshop video here: Teenage Sleep Workshop
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- Occupational Therapy Sensory Processing Support Website
  
  The following video will give you information on sensory processing and its role in your child’s everyday life: Sensory Processing Awareness Training
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- Sensory Needs
  
  Information on sensory differences found on the NAS website, who also shared information about Phoebe Caldwell’s advice on how this can impact in the classroom.
  
  Sensory differences - a guide for all audiences
  
  Sensory challenges for autistic pupils
  
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- Contact
  
  Contact is a charity for families with children with disabilities. They provide support with information and advice, workshops and events and 1:1 emotional telephone support for parents/carers.
  
  Freephone: 0808 808 3555
  
  Website: Contact: the charity for families with disabled children
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- Autistic Children Embraced ACE
  
  Autistic Children Embraced (ACE) is parent support group in Kettering offering help, support, information and friendship to make life easier for families.
  
  The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month (7.30-9.30pm) at Kingsley School in Kettering.
  
  Contact number: 07756 523728
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- Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25
  
  Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities. Look at Chapter 10 – Children and young people in specific circumstances in below link.
  
  SEND Code of Practice January 2015.pdf
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- EHCP Help - Council for disabled children
  
  Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes a young Person’s special educational needs, the support they need and the outcomes they would like to achieve. The plan if approved must be provided by the Local authority. The young person must meet the criteria of:
  
  Whether the Young person has or may have Special Educational Needs (SEN).
  
  Whether they may need special educational provision to be made through an EHC plan.
  
  If the answer is yes to both questions, then the local authority must carry out an EHC needs assessment. Parents can self- request online using the local authority website.
  
  If the learning difficulty or a disability is holding the young person back at school, you can speak to the schools SENCO before applying for an EHCP. The local authority have 6 weeks to respond as to whether they will assess. The local authority must notify the parent or young person of whether they will be issued a plan within a maximum of 16 weeks from the request for assessment. The first stage is Parental views which is typically a phone conversation with the local authority caseworker to go over your young person’s needs and history of SEN, when they reached milestones, any feeding difficulties, how they settled into nursery and school etc.
  
  An EHCP can give parents and young people more choice about which school or other setting the young person can attend. The plan should be written in a way that makes it clear and easy to understand who is required to do what, when it must happen and how often it should be reviewed.
  
  An EHCP is split into four areas of need:
  
  Communication and Interaction
  
  Cognition and Learning
  
  Social, Emotional and mental health
  
  Sensory and Physical
  
  West Northamptonshire Council EHC Plan
  
  Phone: 01604 368948
  
  Daventry and South Northants Email: EHCDav.ncc@westnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Northampton Email: EHCNorthampton.ncc@westnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website: Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, process and assessment | West Northamptonshire Council
  
  North Northamptonshire Council EHC Plan
  
  Corby – 01604 361385, EHCNorth.Corby@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  East Northamptonshire – 01604 361633, EHCNorth.EN@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Kettering – 01604 361378, EHCNorth.Kett@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Wellingborough – 01604 361485, EHCNorth.Well@northnorthants.gov.uk
  
  Website: Guidance on Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and plans | North Northamptonshire Council
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- Local Offer
  
  The Local Offer provides information about services available for children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities in Northamptonshire.
  
  Local Offer West Northamptonshire
  
  Local Offer North Northamptonshire
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ADHD, ASD and autism services
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- After Diagnosis Support Pack ASD
  
  The Neurodiversity Support Pack is for families following a diagnosis of a neurodiversity, and contains information, resources and signposting.
  
  Neurodiversity Support Pack
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- Autism Central
  
  Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you as a parent/carer.
  
  Email: 20info@autismcentral.org.uk
  
  Website: Autism Central for Parents and Carers | Autism Central
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- Autism in girls
  
  Autism can look different in girls. In the past, this has meant that girls with autism haven't always been diagnosed or recognised properly.
  
  Autism in girls and non-binary people may look different...
  
  You might prefer to spend time with younger children, older children or adults (rather than people your own age)
  
  The things that interest you might seem similar to neurotypical people your age, but might be far more intense (like reading)
  
  You might be a 'perfectionist' at school or work, and find it hard not to finish the things you are doing
  
  You might mask your social differences, and 'learn' how others behave so you don't stand out. This takes A LOT of energy!
  
  You may feel really big emotions that are hard to control. You might find it hard to be apart from your trusted people.
  
  Your 'stims' (self-soothing repetitive movements) might appear less noticeable - like twirling your hair or biting your nails
  
  Your friendships may feel intense, controlling or short-term. Or, you might have a big friendship group, but feel disconnected from others.
  
  Download this information as a poster: Autism in Girls poster.pdf [pdf] 156KB
  
  Further information about autism in girls
  
  Now I Know (National Autistic Society)
  
  Autistic Girls Network
  
  Autistic people and menstruation (National Autistic Society)
  
  Taking Off the Mask, Dr Hannah Belcher
  
  Girls and autism - flying under the radar (Nasen)
  
  The Spectrum Girls Survival Guide, Siena Castellon
  
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- Autistic Children Embraced ACE
  
  Autistic Children Embraced (ACE) is parent support group in Kettering offering help, support, information and friendship to make life easier for families.
  
  The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month (7.30-9.30pm) at Kingsley School in Kettering.
  
  Contact number: 07756 523728
  Back up
- General help for a child who may need help managing emotions
  
  During moments of dysregulation, it may be helpful for them to engage in “box breathing” to regulate their breathing when they are having ‘big’ feelings. Parents often find the concept of the ‘hand brain model’ helpful if understanding this:
  
  Close deals and automate the rest with monday sales CRM (youtube.com)
  
  Other interventions may include access to an emotional regulatory intervention such as the Zones of Regulation Programme (by Leah Kypers) and the Interoceptive Curriculum (Kelly Mahler). These programmes provide a range of activities to help children develop skills in the area of self-regulation.
  
  More information about Interoceptive awareness curriculums can be found at:
  
  Kelly Mahler's Interoception Training: Boost Body Awareness
  Back up
- National Autistic Society
  
  Benefits and Money - National Autistic Society. This section has information about benefits that may be available for autistic people
  
  and their families and advice on managing money.
  
  Website: National Autistic Society
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  Occupational Therapy Sensory Processing Support Website
  
  The following video will give you information on sensory processing and its role in your child’s everyday life: Sensory Processing Awareness Training
  Back up
- Sensory needs
  
  Information on sensory differences found on the NAS website, who also shared information about Phoebe Caldwell’s advice on how this can impact in the classroom.
  
  Sensory differences - a guide for all audiences
  
  Sensory challenges for autistic pupils
  
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- The Spectrum Club
  
  Local facebook group for parents and carers who have children with ASD providing mutual support. They run activities in the school holidays.
  
  Facebook: Spectrum Club (Northamptonshire) | Facebook
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- Understanding Autism
  
  Understanding Autism
  
  Many people incorrectly think of the autism as being a horizontal line and frequently ask ‘where on the spectrum are they?’. The simple answer is this does not exist. There is a wonderful resource, created by an autistic artist, which explains the autism in the context of a spectrum.
  
  You can access this resource by visiting Understanding the Spectrum by Rebecca Burgess.pdf
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Money and daily life advice
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- Jobcentres
  
  Jobcentres provide services for adults attempting to find employment, who need financial aid due to lack of employment and those with an illness which means they are unable to work. Jobcentre services include in-house job-advisors and telephone advisors. Claims can be made for “benefits” such as: Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Universal Credit. For more information, visit local jobcentre.
  
  Phone: 0800 1690190
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- Step Change
  
  Comprehensive debt advice for people in the UK. Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00 & Saturday 8:00-16:00.
  
  Phone: 0800 1381111
  
  Website: StepChange Debt Charity. Free Expert Debt Help & Advice
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- Citizens Advice Bureau
  
  Provide support with a range of issues, including financial and debt support.
  
  Corby- 01536 265501
  
  Kettering - 01536 482281
  
  Northampton – 0344 488 9629
  
  Wellingborough – 0344 488 9629
  
  Website:
  
  Central and East Northamptonshire (CENCA) CAB
  
  Citizens Advice
  
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- Rushden Full Gospel
  
  Rushden Full Gospel provide support to people wanting to get in control of their finances, whether they are in debt or not. For those that are in debt, they offer free support and guidance in helping them to get out of debt. Support is provided through CAP Money Course.
  
  Phone: 01933 418002 (Church Office Number)
  
  Email: rushdenfullgospel@gmail.com
  
  Website: Social Action - Rushden Full Gospel Church
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- Community Law
  
  Support with all things that require legal support. Community Law Service (Northampton and County) is a registered charity and an independent specialist social welfare advice provider. The aim of the organisation is to improve the health and wellbeing of local
  
  residents through tackling social and financial exclusion, alleviating poverty and advancing education. This is achieved through the provision of specialist advice, casework and representation currently in the fields of Welfare Benefits, Debt, Financial Capability, Energy Advice, Housing and Immigration.
  
  Northampton Office – 01604 621038
  
  Rushden Office – 01933 313020
  
  Wellingborough Office - 01933 313020
  
  Website: Community Law Service
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- Turn2us
  
  Helping people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants through an accessible website.
  
  Website: Tackling Financial Insecurity Together | Turn2us
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- Entitled to
  
  Check what benefit entitlement you are entitled to. The entitledto benefits calculator will check which means-tested benefits you may be entitled to.
  
  Website: Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable
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- Together
  
  Everyone who seeks support is different and their needs are individual to them. Together believe in enabling people to lead their own recovery at their own pace by supporting their decisions about the care they receive.
  
  Use the service finder to find local Togther service. Put in postcode/ area code and search for local housing, advocacy and community support services.
  
  Website: Services Archive - Together for Mental Wellbeing (together-uk.org)
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- Policy in Practice
  
  Policy in Practice work with local authorities, housing associations, work and health providers, third sector and other organisations to improve the way support is delivered on the front line. They help organisations analyse the impact of policy, identify and engage the people impacted, and track the effectiveness of interventions.
  
  Phone: 0330 088 9242
  
  Email: hello@policyinpractice.co.uk
  
  Website:Policy in Practice | Benefits calculator, Data analytics for local gov
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- Accommodation Concern
  
  Northamptonshire’s leading housing, debt, and benefits advice service – supporting clients by assessing and providing people
  
  with the information, support, and skills they need to escape debt, access housing, feed their families and secure the benefits they are entitled to.
  
  Phone: 01536 416560
  
  Email: help@a-c.org.uk
  
  Website: Welome to Accommodation Concern | Advice, support and housing for a better tomorrow
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- The Lawyer and the Nurse
  
  An advocacy service for elderly, vulnerable, and anyone who needs legal support.
  
  Phone: 01536 516 251
  
  Email: info@thelawyerandthenurse.co.uk
  
  Website: Advocacy For The Vulnerable | The Lawyer & The Nurse | Kettering, England
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- Cerebra
  
  Cerebra have a step by step guide to fill out any Disability Living Allowance (DLA) paperwork.
  
  Click here to get your free guide.
  
  Website: Cerebra - Working with you and your amazing child
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Carers
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- Northamptonshire Carers
  
  Northamptonshire Carers aim to offer a comprehensive support service to Carers in collaboration with organisations that complement the service they deliver – to empower Carers in improving their health, wellbeing and quality of life. A carers assessment is a useful way of working out what best fits your circumstances.
  
  Carers Support Line: 01933 677907
  
  Email: carers@northamptonshire-carers.org
  
  Website: Northamptonshire Carers Association
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- Northamptonshire Young Carers Service
  
  The Young Carers Service can offer 1-1 support, social activities, targeted groups, advocacy and family support (such as signposting to relevant agencies) where appropriate. A young carer is aged between 5yrs-17yrs. A young adult carer is aged between 18yrs-25yrs. All assessments, support plans, and support offered are individual to the family and their situation.
  
  Phone: 01933 677907, option 3
  
  Email: YoungCarersTeam@northamptonshire-carers.org
  
  Website: Young Carers | Home | Northamptonshire Carers Association
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More services
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- Children and Families Service Finder
  
  A directory of services - search for providers of family-related services across the county
  
  West Northaptonshire Council Service Finder: Families Information Service directory | West Northamptonshire Council
  
  North Northamptonshire Council Service Finder: Children and families service finder | North Northamptonshire Council
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- Community Initiative to Reduce Violence
  
  CIRV works with gang members to show them the consequences of the life they are choosing to lead and offering them an alternative pathway through mentoring, support, job opportunities and other change programmes. Referrals can be made any time.
  
  Phone: 07539 183975
  
  Website: Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) | Northamptonshire Police (northants.police.uk)
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- Umbrella Fair organisation
  
  Areas of support: Social interaction, creative activities, CV writing, interview techniques, formal training and SEND parent/carer support group. Service users are taught skills such as carpentry, electrics and bicycle mechanics by qualified voluntary professionals. The users of the group have refurbished the building and frequently litter pick at the racecourse. Ad hoc activities, such as Tai Chi, song writing groups and health walks.
  
  Includes café and snack shop.
  
  Email: info@umbrellafair.org.uk
  
  Website: Umbrella CEAH (umbrellafair.org)
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Courses

Courses and workshops

iDiscover courses and workshops

We offer lots of free courses and workshops to help you to live well and learn new things. All our courses and workshops have been created with children, young people and those who care for them. They are a great way to find out more about who you are.

Our courses and workshops include online and in-person events.

Find out more about our courses and workshops

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