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We know that sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Below you’ll find trusted organisations and services that support families across Southampton and nationally.
If you’re unsure which support is right for you, please contact us — we’re happy to help you find the right place.
Emergency and crisis support services for children, young people and families in Southampton. Includes NHS 111, Samaritans and out-of-hours social care contacts for immediate assistance.
If you or someone you care for is in immediate danger, call 999.
NHS 111
Urgent medical or mental health support
111
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support 116 123
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours Social Care)
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/contact-us/emergency-out-of-hours/
023 8023 3344
Parenting a child or young person with SEND can be demanding, and many parent carers experience stress, anxiety or burnout. This section signposts to mental health support, wellbeing services and local organisations in Southampton that support parent carers who are feeling overwhelmed and need help for themselves.
Lighthouse Service
Informal, non-judgemental, out-of-hours mental health support for those in need of extra support in times of difficulty in Southampton. https://www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/the-lighthouse-centres-bitterne-and-shirley/
Mind (Southampton)
Mental health advice and local support. https://www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/services-in-southampton/
Mindshift App
Empower yourself with evidence-based CBT strategies, personalized tools, and a supportive community.
NHS 111 (Press 2)
Urgent mental health support. 111
No Limits
Counselling and support for children and young people. https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/get-support/
Re:Minds
Peer support for families of neurodivergent children. https://www.reminds.org.uk/
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support
116 123
Steps to Wellbeing
Parent carers can access support by contacting the local Wellbeing Service directly (via self-referral online or by phone), completing an initial assessment, and then being offered appropriate support such as counselling, guided self-help, peer support, or signposting to specialist services.
Advice and guidance for parents navigating school concerns, SEND provision and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Southampton. Includes information about SENDIASS, the 0–25 SEND Team, legal advice services and local support available to families.
SENDIASS
SENDIASS aims to empower parents/carers, children, and young people to play an active and informed role in making decisions about their education, health, and social care.
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info
0300 300 2677
IPSEA
Help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law.
Contact
Help and information for disabled children and their families.
0808 8083555
Southampton SEND Team
The Southampton SEND team provides support, advice, and services for children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with guidance for families and professionals.
023 8083 3013
Email: 0-25service@southampton.gov.uk
Local Offer
The Local Offer is a hub of information about the services and support available in Southampton for children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/send-local-offer/
Cerebra
A National charity dedicated to helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together. Listening to the needs of these families helps us inspire the most helpful research and innovation.
https://cerebra.org.uk/https://cerebra.org.uk/
0800 328 1159
SOS!SEN?
SOS!SEN is a national charity that aims to empower parents and carers of children and young people with SEND to successfully tackle the difficulties they face when trying to secure the right educational provision for their children.
Nation Network of Parent Carer Forums
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums is to champion Stategic Parent Carer Forums locally whilst they ensure that voices are heard shaping policies and services at a national level.
Contact
An organisation offering Support and Guidance for families of disabled children.
Ace Centre
Ace is a charity that provides Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication services for people with complex needs. They Offer assessment, training and information services across the UK.
OAP (Ordinarly Available Provision)
This is the support that all schools are expected to provide and a guide to them can be found to them on the below link.
School Nursing
Offer Support and Advice to the young person and family when they start school in reception, right through until the leave full time education.
MHST ( Mental Health in Schools Team)
A team of Educational Mental Health Practitioners and Cognitive Behavioural therapists who deliver support to schools and colleges in Southampton.
ND MDT (Neuro Diversity Multi Disciplinary Team)
A team that aims to increase everyone’s knowledge and understanding of neurodivergence.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/send-local-offer/southampton-neurodiversity-team/
Transport
Getting help with transport to and from School or College.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/support-inclusion-education/school-travel-service/
If you need help with school, EHCPs or education rights, these organisations can support you.
SENDIASS (Southampton)
Free, impartial advice about education, health and care matters.
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/
Southampton SEND Team (0–25 Service)
The council team responsible for EHCPs and SEND provision.
Email: 0-25service@southampton.gov.uk
IPSEA
Independent legal advice about SEND law and EHCPs.
Contact
Advice and support for families with disabled children.
Southampton Local Offer
Information about SEND services, support and entitlements in the city.
Welcome to the SEND Local Offer website
Disability Rights UK
The UKs Leading Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO), led by. run by and working for Disabled people. They work alongside other DPOs to influence regional and national change for better rights, equality and better quality of life for disabled people.
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
Guide Dogs- Education Service
Offer help and Information about Guide dogs and Support for both children and Adults.
Our Support and Services | Guide Dogs UK
Every Need Ltd
They help by providing bespoke and personalised plans to children and schools to assist with positive change.
Practical help for families needing support in the home, including children’s social care, short breaks, direct payments, occupational therapy and home adaptations. This section outlines services available in Southampton to support disabled children and their families day-to-day.
Southampton Family Trust
They provide a range of services to improve family stability. They run various course about improving relationships with teens. Promote a culture which accesses support at early stages, rather than at crisis point.
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Making a difference to the lives of people with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges.
Practical support to help you manage day-to-day life at home.
https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/
Children’s Social Care (Southampton)
Assessment and support for disabled children and their families.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/childrens-social-care/
Short Breaks (Jigsaw)
Short break services to give families time to rest and recharge.
Early Help (East, Central & West)
Support for families experiencing challenges at home.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/childrens-social-care/early-help-for-families/
Occupational Therapy & Home Adaptations
Assessment and support with equipment and home changes.
Incontinence Team
NHS service offering support with toileting for SEND and pads.
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/continence
Health Visitors
Mencap
Mencap are a voluntry organisation who offer services to young people and adults with a learning disability. They are based in portswood.
https://www.southamptonmencap.org/
Rose Road
Rose Road is a charity that provides direct services such as playschemes, out reach, Saturday clubs and SEN advise to children and young adults with complex physical and learning disabilities.
Support buddies
Provides personal support for vulnerable people (8+) and young adults.
https://www.supportbuddies.org/
Enham trust
A charity based in hampshire that supports disabled people to live, work and enjoy life to the full, as independently as possible.
https://www.enhamtrust.org.uk/
Makaton Hub
Help with introducing Makaton and some resources.
WheelChair Services
Services linked to assessment, Wheelchairs and servicing.
Early Years Teachers
A team providing specialist support to those early years, childcare and out of school provisions.
Knight Foundation
Provide support, sensory experiences, equipment and holidays to disabled children, seriously ill children and their carers/ families.
https://www.theknightsfoundation.org/about-us/
Healthier Together- Sleep
Gives advice for good sleep management.
https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/
Kids Digital Laptops
A Charity proving support to SEND children and their families.
https://www.kids.org.uk/digital-inclusion-programme/
Blue Badge
Online application and eligibility criteria for a blue badge.
Online Safety Links
Support with keeping children safe online.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
The Sleep Charity
A Organisation that offers support for better sleep.
https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/
Financial advice and support for families of children with SEND, including benefits guidance, grants, cost of living support and debt advice. Includes local Southampton services and national charities offering practical help.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on benefits, debt and housing.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Universal credit
Means tested benefit for those on a low income, put of work, or unable to work.
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
Carers allowance
A weekly benefit for those who spend a significant amount of time per week caring for someone with a disability or illness.
Carer’s Allowance: How it works – GOV.UK
Family Fund
A charity providing grants for low income families with children who are ill or disabled.
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/
Turn2us
A UK-based charity (part of Elizabeth Finn Care) that helps people facing financial hardship access welfare benefits, charitable grants, and support services.
Step change
A Debt Charity is the UK’s leading free, confidential debt advice service.
Christians against Poverty
A UK-based Christian charity that provides free, professional debt help, budgeting, and job-seeking support to people in financial crisis.
Scope
Offers a free, independent helpline, an online community, and specialized services such as Disability Energy Support for energy and water bill advice.
Food banks
Food banks provide people with non perishable food items when they may not have enough.
https://southamptoncitymission.co.uk/basics-banks
DLA
Disability living allowance helps with the additional costs of raising a child with illness or additional needs.
https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit
Scratch
A Charity in Southampton that helps relive the effects of poverty and hardship. They provide essential furniture, white goods, and toys (via referrals) for families in need.
https://www.scratchcharity.co.uk/
Energy grants
A number of different non repayable grants to improve energy efficiency and help with rising energy bills.
Council Cost of Living Support
Extra help that may be available to help with the rising cost of living.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/life-events/getting-help-with-the-cost-of-living/
Water sure
Financial support if you use alot of water due to having someone in your household who has additional needs requiring additional washing etc or if you have young children.
Merlins Wand
Gives children with illness or disabilities the chance to have a magical day out.
https://www.merlinsmagicwand.org/
Southampton doing it for the Kids
A Southampton based charity supporting children with additional needs and their families.
https://www.southamptondoingitforthekids.com/
Family Action- Welfare Grants
Help by providing practical, emotional and financial support and advice.
Itchen Bridge Pass
A pass for discounted travel over the Itchen Bridge.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/travel-transport/apply-pay/itchen-bridge/smartcities/
Disabled Persons Bus Pass
A pass for discounted travel on city buses for eligible disabled people and their carers.
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/travel-transport/apply-pay/itchen-bridge/smartcities/#buspass
Access Cards
A psychical card to to communicate any access needs to events and venues.
https://www.accesscard.online/
DSA ( Uni Students)
Support to cover study related costs because of illness or disability.
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Food bank vouchers from Southampton City Mission
We are able to make referrals to Southampton City Mission food bank. Please click the link to apply for a food bank voucher. We only need a few basic details. Please don’t struggle. https://lamplight.online/in/yrsfj/6e1a4b5d2f5b2f6ab8f84716708b9e017a8431d9a0c8b3ab2fcc251a3dea2f90
Practical financial advice and support.
Turn2us
Provides information and practical help for people struggling financially.
Entitled to
Check what benefits you are entitled to.
Whiz Kids
Helping young people gets wheelchairs, additional equipment and the skills they need.
https://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=ppc-brand
Elifar Foundation
The Elifar Foundation helps to improve the
lives of children and
young adults with
severe learning
and physical
disabilities.
Find inclusive activities, sports clubs and social opportunities for children and young people with SEND in Southampton. This section signposts to local groups, SEND-friendly sessions and community activities that help young people build confidence, develop skills and connect with others.
Level Water (Swimming)
Giving children with disabilities the opportunity to learn to swim.
Level Water: The Power of Swimming
Wheelchair Basket Ball
Providing opportunities for disabled people to stay active.
HAF
Offers valuable support to those on low incomes but giving them access to activities.
https://www.hafsouthampton.org/
Cricket
Saints Football
Supports people with a disability to lead active lives by breaking down barriers on the pitch.
https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/saints-foundation-saintsability
BH Live
Offering discounts to activities to those who register with a access card.
Millbrook Football
Hamble Football
Enjoy a disability friendly team.
Hamble Swimming
Offers Sen swim lessons.
https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hamble-sports-complex/
Respite- Rose Rose
Disability playschemes running in the holidays and on some weekends.
https://www.roseroad.org.uk/our_services/activity_clubs/
Mencap
Offering play schemes and respite services in portswood.
https://www.southamptonmencap.org/
Blue Apple- Theatre @ MAST
A theatre group enabling young people with learning disabilities to build skills.
https://www.southamptonmencap.org/
PCF Activities
Activities for Sen children and their families from the Southampton area, running in the holidays.
City Farm
A small farm near central Southampton offering a number of different sessions, including SEN and home schooling sessions.
https://www.southamptoncityfarm.com/
No Limits- Youth Club
Offering young people help and support on a number of issues.
Y Services- Youth Club
A charity supporting young people.
SO:Linked
Helping people in the Southampton area connecting people with services they may need to help support them.
Fluid Motion theatre
A charity to use creativity to help improve peoples mental health.
Support for parent carers in Southampton, including peer support groups, wellbeing services and practical advice. Recognises the importance of parent carer mental health and access to local support networks.
Unpaid Carers Southampton
Supporting adults who provide support to someone with ill health or a disability.
https://unpaidcarerssupport.org.uk/
Young Carers
Help for young people whose lives are effected by caring for a relative.
https://unpaidcarerssupport.org.uk/
Peer support groups
Groups for parents/ carers of those with additional need to get support and meet for coffee mornings etc. Links for these are below:
https://www.southamptonautismsupportservice.com/services
Contact
Help and support for parents/ carers of those with additional needs.
Yellow door
Support and advocacy for anyone affected by domestic or sexual abuse in Southampton and Hampshire.
Carers Trust
Helps to transform the lives of unpaid carers by raising awareness and influencing policy’s.
Carers UK
Offer help and advice for Carers.
Rainbow Trust- Southampton
Supports families who have children with a life limiting or terminal illness in southampton.
https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/
Southampton Parent Carer Forum
Peer support, workshops and signposting.
Easy read
Creating documents into easy read formats.
Every child and young person is different. This section includes trusted information about a range of additional needs and conditions.
Breakout Youth
Confidential support for young people aged 11 to 25, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity; across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
NCDS
Supporting Deaf children and their families to get the best support.
Re:Minds
Supports families whose children/young people have Autism, ADHD or other neurodiverse needs and/or mental health needs – with or without a diagnosis. They run various support groups including a specific crisis care one. They offer a range of services and workshops parents can attend.
SASS
Help and peer support for neurodiverse families.
https://www.southamptonautismsupportservice.com/
Young Epilpsey
Young Epilepsy offers information, guidance and resources to help young people & children and living with epilepsy.
https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/
Hope for Epilepsy
A charity supporting and connecting families with children that have been affected by Epilepsy living anywhere in the UK.
https://www.hopeforepilepsy.org.uk/
Tourettes Action
Provide support and advice for those with Tourettes.
https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/
Makaton.Org
Provide support and resources for learning Makaton to support with Language.
Family Hub
Supporting families with advice, support and play.
ARFID life UK
Information for young people, carers and professionals about Arfid.
Neurodevelopmental Differences
Autism
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
ADHD
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
Dyspraxia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-coordination-disorder-dyspraxia/
Sensory processing differences
British Dyslexia Association
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
EBSA- LO
ND Team
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/send-local-offer/southampton-neurodiversity-team/
Braain
Hamphire Autism
https://autismhampshire.org.uk/
National Autism
https://nationalautismassociation.org/
Dingleys Promise
https://dingley.org.uk/southampton/
CAHMS
SCOPE
The Brain Charity
https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/
No Limits
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/
Autistic Girls Network
https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/
Hearing & Vision
NDCS
Hearing dogs for the deaf
https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/
Hearing test link
https://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/
Visual impairment
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/
MSI (Multi-Sensory Impairment)
VICTA
Southampton sight
https://southamptonsight.org.uk/
Open Sight
Guide dogs for education
https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/education-support/
Clear vision
https://clearvisionproject.org/
Physical & Medical Needs
Cerebral palsy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cerebral-palsy/
Epilepsy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/
Mobility needs
Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters – Social care and support guide – NHS
Medical equipment support
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/adult-social-care/home-living/information-advice-services/
Wheelchair Services
https://rosscare.co.uk/pages/west-hampshire-southampton-and-isle-of-wight-wheelchair-repair-service
OT self referral
Continence & Bowel Support
Continence services
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/continence
Bowel and Bladder Support
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/continence
School Toileting Issues
https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/toilet-training
Eric
link from Racheal
Communication & Language
Speech & Language
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/childrens-therapy-service
Makaton
Communication tools
https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/technology/communication-aids/
Cerebra
Support for families of children with brain conditions and rare genetic conditions.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
Anxiety
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/School-refusal-FINAL.pdf
EBSA
Kooth
ASD bright ideas
NVR
Support for children and young people experiencing anxiety, low mood or emotional distress. Includes local CAMHS services, youth counselling, crisis support and peer-led mental health organisations in Southampton.
Specialist Dentist
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/special-care-dental-service
LD
Information and support for young people exploring identity, relationships, puberty and belonging. Includes trusted organisations offering guidance on LGBTQ+ support, healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Gender & Sexuality
Mermaids (if appropriate)
Supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families.
Stonewall
UK human rights charity fighting for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer+ equality.
NHS guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/
Local youth groups
Beyond Reflections:
A Southampton-based, trans-led charity that offers a safe community for trans, non-binary, and questioning adults, their families, and friends across Hampshire. They provide facilitated support groups, wellbeing sessions, and counselling.
https://beyond-reflections.org.uk/
Breakout Youth
Provides confidential support, including weekly youth groups for young people aged 11–25 in Hampshire who identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning their gender identity.
https://beyond-reflections.org.uk/
People’s Pride Southampton
A local charity offering year-round support, outreach, and social events, with a strong focus on inclusion for trans and non-binary community members.
https://www.consortium.lgbt/member-directory/peoples-pride-southampton/
Yellow Door
Provides a Gender Identity Therapy Service for young people and children, including a therapy group for ages 4-11 and a support group for parents/carers.
LGBTQ+ Network Southampton
A community-driven group that hosts regular meetings and acts as a central hub for finding local support.
https://www.sotonlgbt.org.uk/welfare/general-lgbtq-support-available
University of Southampton LGBTQ+ Society
An inclusive space for students to socialize and express their gender identity without judgment
https://www.susu.org/groups/lgbt
Friendships & Relationships
Healthy relationships
Support for talking about Healthy Relationships, sex and consent.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/healthy-relationships/
Online safety
Information about keeping children safe online.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Consent
Provides information on talking about consent.
Puberty & Body Changes
SEND-friendly puberty resources
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/navigating-puberty-sexual-development
Body confidence
Self-esteem & Belonging
Mental health links
Peer groups
Youth support services
This may help – Have a range of self help videos for families on a range of topics including:
Childrens mental health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkE29fpmsSI
Eating disorders
The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity – Beat
First Steps ED | Eating Disorder Support & Recovery Charity
Gaming and Online safety
How to talk about online safety with young people
School Avoidance
Brook
Information about relationships, sexual health and growing up.
🔗 [Insert link]
No Limits
Youth support and counselling services locally.
🔗 [Insert link]
Youth options
Kooth
Young minds
Itchen College
Break out Youth
Tauntons College
Online Safety Website
PFA?
Reminds 16-25 Offer
Information and support for the Siblings of those with SEND or illness.
Young carers
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/support-inclusion-education/young-carers/
Honey pots
Provides tailored support for young carers and children aged 5-12 facing difficult circumstances, including caring responsibilities, loss, instability or other significant challenges.
Over the wall
Over The Wall Camp is a UK based charity for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities to discover a world of mischief and magic.
No Limits- Time 4 You
A weekly Sen support group where young people can take part in a range of activitites.
https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/sen/
Carers Trust
They offer information, advice, practical support and/or care in the home to unpaid carers of all ages.
Naomi House- Complex
Naomi and Jack’s is a local independent charity that provides expert care for more than 600 seriously ill children, young adults and their families, in specialist centres near Winchester.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, please contact us.
We’re here to listen and help you find the right support.