National Support Organisations

Below are some national support groups that you may find useful. 

Abuse

NSPCC - Support for children and families who have been through abuse. They also work to help prevent abuse happening. Childline is a service run by the NSPCC that provides support to any child who may be struggling. To find out more, visit the NSPCC website [External Link].

Stop Abuse Together - Support and advice on child sexual abuse and how to prevent it. To find out more, visit the Stop Abuse Together directory page.

ADHD

CHADD - Information and advice for children and adults with ADHD. They also act as advocates for those with ADHD who need it. To find out more, visit the CHADD Service directory page.

Sensory Direct - Sells sensory toys and equipment. To find out more, visit the Sensory Direct website [External Link].

Counselling Directory - The page provides a wealth of information about ADHD, practical advice, and access to qualified and insured counsellors who are members of professional bodies. With a network of over 27,000 professionals, there’s always a local counsellor available to support those in need. The directory also highlights organisations offering free or low-cost counselling options, ensuring support is accessible to everyone. To find ut more, visit the Counselling Directory ADHD page [External Link].

Autism

The National Autistic Society - Support, guidance and advice for Autistic people. To find out more, visit the National Autistic Society website [External Link].

Bereavement

The Childhood Bereavement Network - A hub for those supporting bereaved children and young people. For more information, visit the Childhood Bereavement Network website [External Link].

Bowel and Bladder

ERIC - Support for children and their families with bowel and bladder conditions. For more information, visit the ERIC website [External Link].

Children's Continence Service - A service for 5-18 year olds who have bowel and bladder difficulties. The young person must be registered with a Sutton GP to use the service. Referral to the service is via your child's GP or another health professional. To find out more, visit the Sutton health and care continence service [External Link].

Brain Conditions

Cerebra - Support and advice for children who have brain conditions and their families. They also work with families to target help where it's most needed. For more information, visit the Cerebra website [External Link].

Brain Injury

The Children's Trust - Support for children with brain injury through a range of services. They also have a school based in Tadworth for children aged 2-19. For more information, visit The Children's Trust website [External Link].

Challenging Behaviour

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation - Information and support to people who have challenging behaviour and their families. To find out more, visit the Challenging Behaviour Foundation website [External Link].

Children Looked After

Help at Hand - Support and information for young people in care or with a social worker. They also have a helpline you can ring for free and impartial advice on anything that is worrying you. To find out more, visit the Help at Hand website [External Link].

Contact Listening Ear

Contact Listening Ear - A service for parents and carers looking for strategies to help them cope. They provide support for those who need to talk to someone who understand the challenges they are going through. For more information, visit the Contact Listening Ear website [External link].

Deafness

The RNID - Support and advice for deaf people, those with hearing loss and tinnitus. They aim to make life fully inclusive for those with a hearing impairment. For more information, visit the RNID website [External Link].

Down Syndrome

The Down Syndrome Association - Support and information for people with Down syndrome and their families. They promote their right to be included with and equal to others. They also run programmes for people with Down syndrome to promote independence. To find out more, visit the Down Syndrome Association website [External Link].

Dyslexia

British Dyslexia Association - The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has been the voice of dyslexic people since 1972. They are a membership organisation working to achieve a dyslexia-friendly society for all. To find out more, visit the British Dyslexia Association website [External Link].

Early years Workshops

Contact Early Years Workshops - Cover topics such as Anxiety, sleep and Toilet Training for parents of children aged 0-5. Find out more about Contact's Early Years Workshops on the contact website [External Link].

Eating Disorders

Beat - Support and advice for people who are struggling with an eating disorder. They have a hotline that is open all year and can also be contacted by email for support. To find out more, visit the Beat website [External Link].

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Action - Advice and support for people with epilepsy and their families. They offer a range of services, including information to help children understand their diagnosis. For more information visit the Epilepsy Action website [External Link].

Epilepsy Action also hold virtual support groups. You can find out more and sign up by visiting the virtual groups page on their website [External Link].

Young Epilepsy - Support and information for young people with epilepsy. They also campaign for these children's rights. To find out more visit the Young Epilepsy website [External Link].

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

The National Organisation for FASD - Support for people affected by FASD and their families. They also promote policies and practices to raise awareness. For more information, visit the National Organisation for FASD website [External Link].

Me and my FASD - Run by the National Organisation for FASD. A website for children and young people with FASD. It contains games and activities to help children understand and cope with their diagnosis. To find out more, visit the Me and my FASD website [External Link].

Fragile X

The Fragile X Society - Information and support for those affected by Fragile X Syndrome. They also support the professionals who work with them. They aim to raise awareness and create an inclusive community for people with Fragile X and their families. To learn more, visit the Fragile X Society website [External link].

Homelessness

Crisis - provides a range of services for people experiencing homelessness. These includes education, employment, housing and well-being. To find out more, visit the Crisis website [External Link].

Internet Safety

Internet Matters - Support and guidance for parents of children who use the internet. They aim to provide information and resources to help keep children safe online. For more information, visit the Internet Matters website [External Link].

Thinkuknow - An education programme from CEOP. They aim to protect children and young people online. They provide advice and information on how to stay safe when using the internet and social media. To learn more, visit the Thinkuknow website [External Link].

Learning Disabilities

Mencap - Information and support for people with a learning disability and their families. They have a helpline that is open Monday-Friday. They also provide a range of other services for families such as short breaks and respite care. For more information, visit the Mencap website [External Link].

Life Limiting Illness

React - Support for children with life-shortening conditions and their families. They aim to improve the quality of life for children and promote greater independence where able. They provide practical support and specialist care to those who would be unable to access it otherwise. To learn more, visit the REACT website [External Link].

Mental Health

Samaritans - Support for those going through a mental health crisis or are struggling to cope. Their hotline is open 24/7 and can be contacted anonymously. They also campaign to help improve mental health services and prevent crisis. For more information, visit the Samaritans website [External Link].

Shout - A text helpline for those who are struggling to cope. They can be contacted 24/7. Their website also has information and advice for people struggling with their mental health. To find out more, visit the Shout website [External Link].

Good Thinking - Mental Health and Wellbeing support for those living in London. They have a wide range of advice and resources to help people improve their mental health. To explore these, visit the Good Thinking website [External Link].

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy UK - Advice and support for those living with Muscular Dystrophy and their families. They also fund and carry out research to help improve treatments of the conditions. To find out more, visit the Muscular Dystrophy UK website [External Link].

Neurological Conditions

The Brain Charity - Support and practical help for those with a neurological condition and their families. They also run a range of social activities, including specific activities for young people. For more information, visit the Brain Charity website [External Link].

Speech and Language

AFASIC - Support and information for families with children who have Speech and Language needs. They also have a specific focus on Developmental Language Disorder. Their helpline is open on Mondays and Wednesdays for those who need support. For more information, visit the AFASIC website [External Link].

Spina Bifida

Shine Charity - Specialist support and advice for those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their families. They offer a wide range of services such as advisory and health services. To find out more, visit the Shine website [External Link].

Tuberous Sclerosis

The Tuberous Sclerosis Association - Support and advice for those affected by Tuberous Sclerosis. They have a support line that can be contacted on the phone, by post or online. To find out more, visit the TSC website [External Link].

Visual Impairment

The RNIB - Support and advice for blind and partially sighted people. They also raise awareness for issues affecting people with a visual impairment. To find out more about their services, visit the RNIB website [External Link].

The Partially Sighted Society - Specialist advice and services for people with a visual impairment. They also offer support to those affected by sight loss through their helpline. For more information, visit The Partially Sighted Society website [External Link].

Wills and Trusts

Mencap - has Wills and Trust guides. They also have information on some of the most common questions on this for people with a learning disability. Find out more by visiting Wills and Trusts - frequently asked questions on their website [External Link].