Help and support
There is a wide range of support available, but unfortunately there isn’t one single place where you can access everything. Below is some information and links which may help you to find support, this list is constantly being added to and is not an exhaustive list. Indeed, we’d love to hear from you if you if you feel there’s anything we can add which you feel may be of use to other families in a similar situation. Please email hello@timeaway.org.uk
Carer Support Links
A unique online support platform enabling parent carers to place an SOS with their community in the event of needing urgent specialist medical supplies at short notice. Also features an online marketplace.
Providing online and telephone support and advice for anyone who has a caring responsibility. The website offers a range of information around benefits and support for carers.
A free national Nurse Helpline offers emotional and practical support to families and professionals caring for disabled and terminally ill children, including specialist health information and social care support. Our team of professionally qualified, registered nurses have a wealth of experience and are committed to putting the needs of children and their families first. Freephone0800 902 0095
Supporting families caring for a disabled child, Contact offer practical and emotional support. Their website provides lots of information around benefits, financial support, education and health. They also offer a telephone appointments for emotional support.
Online and telephone support, information and advice to help parents parent.
A nation UK charity providing breaks and holidays for disabiled adults and carers across purpose built centres. With an emphasis on quality holiday accommodation capable of providing tailored care rather than in an overly medicalised setting. This is a paid service although grants are available from the likes of The Victoria Convalescent Trust listed below.
Grants
Funding appropriately qualified respite care for your child whilst you take a break.
Anyone living in the UK with a disability between the age of 0-25 can apply for a piece of adapted equipment from Children Today. The applicant must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. Parents/guardians can apply on behalf of the applicant. However, friends and other family members (unless a legal guardian) cannot.
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
We provide thousands of items of equipment every year. Fast-tracking delivery, to prevent suffering and when time is very precious. Childhood cancers, birth defects, accidents, diseases and infections can all cause disability. They are affecting children and their families every day.
From holidays in their own accessible and adapted caravans to special needs equipment and bedroom makeovers, Dreammakers will consider requests for a range of support for children with a disability or serious illness.
Dreamflight
A UK charity offering children between 8-14 a once in a lifetime trip to Orlando
The Victoria Convalescent Trust
Funding or part funding breaks for carers and families. Also small grants towards household items and specialist equipment.
Subsidised family activity holidays at UK sites or even to Disneyland Paris.
There are many more grant providers available which can be found on the Disability Grants website. Do be aware, the site isn’t particularly easy to navigate with lots of misleading adverts.
Accessible camping for families caring for a child with complex needs and disabilities. Applications open annually.
Mental Health Support
A Charity providing support for people diagnosed with an Anxiety condition
Tel: 03444 774775 (Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm)
Calm – Campaign Against Living Miserably
A charity providing mental health helpline and a webchat
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (daily 5PM until Midnight)
A website full of information geared towards men’s health and wellbeing.
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning difficulties. Includes useful COVID-19 resources
Promoting the views and needs of people with mental health problems, Infoline and Legal Advice lines in relation to Mental Health Law.
InfoLine: 0300 123 3393
Youth Suicide prevention Society
HOPELine: 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight everyday of the year)
Helping to make sure everyone affected by serious mental illness has a good quality of life.
Teen Mental Health – A guide for parents
A helpful guide including tips and advice for parents to help their teens overcome body image issues, academic anxiety, peer pressure, and cyberbullying, including links to other important teen mental health resources.