Disabilities / SEND

We can help signpost you to your local SEND and disability services.

National support for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is provided through a combination of statutory services and specialist charities that focus on advocacy, legal rights, and protection from harm. 

Statutory & Direct Support Services

• SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support Services): Every local authority in England is required by law to provide this free, impartial, and confidential service to help families navigate the education, health, and social care systems.
• Gov.uk SEND Support: Provides official guidance on accessing SEN support in schools and applying for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan for children with more complex needs.
• Disability Service Centre: The primary contact for enquiries about national disability benefits such as PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance. Call 0800 121 4433. 

Specialist Advocacy & Legal Advice

• IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice): Offers free, legally-based advice to help families secure the right education for children and young people with SEND.
• Contact: A national charity providing a helpline (0808 808 3555) and resources on benefits, medical topics, and social care for families raising disabled children.
• Child Law Advice: Operated by Coram, this service offers specialist legal advice on education and child law specifically for families in England. 

National Safeguarding Resources

• NSPCC - Safeguarding Children with SEND: Provides specialist guidance on recognizing and preventing abuse in children with disabilities who may face unique communication barriers.
• Ann Craft Trust: A leading national organization focused on safeguarding adults at risk and disabled children from abuse and neglect.
• Mencap: Offers a national helpline (0808 808 1111) and dedicated support for people with a learning disability and their families.
• Scope Helpline: Provides free, independent, and impartial advice on all issues that matter to disabled people at 0808 800 3333. 

Mental Health & Emotional Well-being

• FamilyLine (Family Action): A free helpline providing emotional support for any adult family member struggling with the challenges of navigating the SEND system.
• YoungMinds: Specialist mental health support for young people, including those with additional learning needs. 

Merseyside

Safeguarding is coordinated by place-based teams for each of the region's boroughs. 

• Liverpool: Report concerns for children to Children Services at 0151 233 3700 and adults to Adult Services at 0151 233 3800. Referrals can also be made through the Liverpool Safeguarding Adults Board.
• Wirral: Contact Children's Social Care at 0151 606 2008 or find guidance via the Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership.
• Specialist Support: Victim Care Merseyside offers help for victims of crime, while SWACA provides dedicated domestic abuse support. 

Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership oversees regional safeguarding efforts. 

• Manchester City: Report any child or adult concern to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at 0161 234 5001.
• Salford: Call 0161 631 4777 (Adults) or 0161 603 4500 (Children).
• Stockport: Call 0161 217 6029 (Adults) or 0161 217 6028 (Children).
• Oldham: Report concerns via 0161 770 7777.
• Partnership Hub: The Manchester Safeguarding Partnership provides specialized policy and review documents. 

Cheshire

Safeguarding is divided into West and East jurisdictions. 

• Cheshire West and Chester: Report child concerns to the Integrated Access and Referral Team (i-ART) at 0300 123 7047 (Out-of-hours: 01244 977277). For adults, contact the Local Safeguarding Adults Board at 0300 123 7034.
• Cheshire East: Use the Children’s Consultation Service (ChECS) at 0300 123 5012 (Out-of-hours: 0300 123 5022). Adults can be reported at 0300 123 5010. 

Lancashire

The Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership handles central coordination for the county. 

Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership -

• Reporting: For both children and adults, call 0300 123 6720 (Out-of-hours: 0300 123 6722).
• Online Access: Lancashire County Council provides dedicated portals for reporting child abuse and adult safeguarding enquiries.