Below are some useful links that we have put together. This is not a list of everything that is available but is some of the most useful organizations that we have come across in our own struggle to get the help we need. 

Carers support

Carers UK is a membership organisation of carers, led by carers for carers. Carers are at the heart of all our work, shaping our campaigns, helping get our message across through the media, taking action to bring about change locally and nationally. 

http://www.carersuk.org

Childline

National helpline for children and young people in trouble or danger. It is a counselling service for children and young people.

What can I contact ChildLine about? You can contact ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine. Some of the things that you might want to contact us about are feeling lonely or unloved, worries about the future, problems about school, bullying, drugs, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, physical and sexual abuse, running away and concerns about parents, brothers, sisters and friends, and crimes against you.

http://www.childline.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to help you with a wide range of issues.

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Contact a family

For families with a disabled child. Contact a Family provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children, no matter what their condition or disability.

http://www.cafamily.org.uk/about.html

Coram Childrens Legal Centre

Free legal advice 08088 020 008

Coram Children’s Legal Centre, part of the Coram group of charities, specialises in law and policy affecting children and young people.
CCLC provides free legal information, advice and representation to children, young people, their families, carers and professionals, as well as international consultancy on child law and children’s rights

http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com

Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Disability Rights Commission website will be able to tell you exactly what to do if you feel you are being treated differently in work or training because of disability. 

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Every Disabled Child Matters

Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) is a campaign to get rights and justice for every disabled child. We work closely with the disabled children's sector and our 34 000 supporters to lobby Government to ensure disabled children and their families have the services and support they need to lead ordinary lives.

http://www.ncb.org.uk/edcm/home.aspx

 If you are unable to find the service you require please contact Manchester Family Information Service at fisinfo@manchester.gov.uk or by telephone on 0800 083 7921

Forum for parents of disabled children

Families who have children and young people with special needs very often deal with similar life styles. We have all had concerns ranging from education, access to services, respite and other issues directly related to their children’s needs. Parents of disabled children bring families together for friendship, to share information and to support one another.

The forum was created by parents who have children with special needs and is run by parents so we are all in this together. With us you will realise you are not alone.

Parents of disabled children launched in October 2009 and we are growing day by day and are fastly becoming a major support resource for all information relating to caring for a disabled child.

www.parentsofdisabledchildren.co.uk

Manchester Carers Forum

Manchester Carers Forum exists to improve the lives of carers in Manchester by identifying carers and their needs and by advocating and developing good practice in meeting those needs.

http://www.manchestercarersforum.org.uk/index.html

National Children’s Bureau

NCB is the leading national charity which supports children, young people and families and those who work with them. Our vision is a society in which children and young people are valued, their rights respected and responsibilities enhanced; our mission, to advance the well-being of children and young people across every aspect of their lives.

http://www.ncb.org.uk

NSPCC

National society for the prevention of cruelty to children.

The NSPCC's vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. We campaign to change the law, provide ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline, offer advice for adults, and much more. See what’s new with our work – or make a difference by volunteering or donating.

http://www.nspcc.org.uk

PALS Patient Advice and Liaison Service

As a Manchester patient, relative, carer or friend of a patient or local  citizen, you may have questions about the services that we provide or commission (purchase on your behalf) and may need someone to turn to for on the spot help, advice and support. PALS is a confidential service

www.manchester.nhs.uk

Parent Partnership

Manchester Parent Partnership Service offers support, advice and information to parents and carers to increase their involvement in the education of their children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Contact details

Rare Share

RareShare is a unique social hub building communities for patients, families, and healthcare professionals affected by rare disorders.

Why Rare Disorders?

While rare disorders seem to impact only a small portion of the population, together they affect over 30 million people in the United States and Europe. Due to the comparably low level of occurrences of individual rare disorders, there is often a lack of information and support for patients and their families. We're working to change this.

http://www.rareshare.org

Talbot House

Talbot House is a support service for parent/carers of people who have learning disabilities who live in the Manchester area. It is led by parents themselves. Listed here are some of the services we offer; emotional support, consulting with carers to shape services, access to training for carers, information about money and benefits, breaks for carers and advocacy. We also have a pamper service including a nail service, Reiki, reflexology, massage and beauty.Call us or pop into the centre you will always be made welcome and our tea is second to none.

http://www.talbothouse.org.uk

The Autumn Group

The Autumn Group is a non profit organisation that supports families caring for children and adults affected by Autism and Aspergers.

Tel: 07581 103 771

autumngroup@live.co.uk

Transition support group in South Manchester

If you are a parent or carer of a young person aged 14 - 25 with a learning disability there is a new support group in South Manchester. The group is for parent carers to share and solve problems affecting them and their family.

Worried about Transition?

Thinking about what needs to change for your child?

Need to share and solve problems with other parent carers?

Need to get information?

The group meets once a month on 10am - 12.30pm.

The sessions are held at:

Westwood Street Centre

Westwood Street

M14 4PH

0161 226 0843