Preparing for Adulthood - List of Contacts
Please click on the link below to access a list of up-to-date contacts from our Parent Transition Planner.
https://www.bexleyvoice.org.uk/uploads/3/9/0/4/3904704/24.__further_information_section_-_v13_final_nov_20.pdf
https://www.bexleyvoice.org.uk/uploads/3/9/0/4/3904704/24.__further_information_section_-_v13_final_nov_20.pdf
Advocacy For All
Advocacy Service provided free under the Care Act, to adults with care and support needs and their carers.
Advocacy also available to young people over 16 who are in transition to adult services.
www.advocacyforall.org.uk/
All Directions Dartford
Community group based in Dartford. Support for adults with Learning Difficulties.
Offer a range of independent living related courses, coffee mornings and general support
www.alldirectionskent.weebly.com/about-us.html
Avenues Sidcup
Supported Living, Housing, Support at Home for adults with learning disabilities, Autism and/or behaviour that challenges.
https://www.avenuesgroup.org.uk/our-services/learning-disabilities/
Bexley Adult Social Services
Bexley - Fair Access to Care Services – a guide to eligibility for adult social care. Includes information on the 3 stages of eligibility criteria, decisions made and further contacts.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk/ shop4carebexleyfiles/600151FairAccess.pdf
Bexley Care Hub Bexley LA Website
Website for Bexley Care Services for Adults: Information on adult social care and safety concerns. Complete a self-assessment as a carer or for someone else, find services specific to your needs, make a referral to Social Services, find useful services and resources
www.careservices.bexley.gov. uk https://carehub.bexley.gov.uk /web/portal/pages/home
Bexley Local Offer / Bexley LA Website
The Local Offer website provides local information about the services available to children, young people (age 0-25) and their families across Education, Health and Social Care and preparing for adulthood.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk
Bexley Mencap Bexleyheath Office
Care Services for Adults – Advice on wills and trusts, benefits, housing, relationships, social care and health.
There is also a dedicated Transition Support worker
www.bexleymencap.co.uk
Bexley NAS Bexley
Bexley Branch of the National Autistic Society Parent Support group (Not transition specific), Youth club and social activities
www.bexleyvoice.org.uk/bexley-nas.html
Bexley LA Shared Lives Service
Community Living and Support Scheme. Shared Lives carers share their home and family life with a vulnerable adult who may need care or support to help them live well.
https://careservices.bexley.gov.uk/Services/1432
Bexley Two Fold Erith
Service for Young Adults on the Learning Disability Register. Pre-employment and In-work Support including travel training, identifying work placements/training courses, access to a job club, attending job interviews and employment support. Works alongside The Learning and Enterprise Centre in Bexleyheath.
www.bexley.gov.uk/twofold
Bexley Voluntary Services Council
BVSC is the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) set up to offer support to organisations and residents of the London Borough of Bexley. BVSC is the 'go to' place for all things community and voluntary related.
www.bvsc.co.uk
Bexley Youth Advice Centre / Prospects (Connections Careers Service in Bexley)
The Bexley Youth Advice centre in Bexleyheath provides support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics for young people ages 13 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with additional needs). Services to young people are provided both on a drop-in and appointment basis, topical workshops as well as relevant group work opportunities.
www.prospects.co.uk/ContactUs/CorporateHeadOffice/ProspectsinBexley.aspx
Bridging The Gap Sidcup
Support and advice for adults on the autistic spectrum and their carers, families and friends. A monthly evening social club, information drop-in day time and evening once a month.
www.btgse.co.uk
Care Watch Bexley
Care Watch (Bexley) offers a care in the home service, from a team of skilled domiciliary staff experienced in provision that enables vulnerable adults to remain independent at home
www.careservices.bexley.gov.uk/Services/363/Carewatch-Bexley
Carers Support Bexley
A registered charity whose purpose is to provide information, support and breaks for carers. Offers a Carers Information Pack, providing information about services for carers in the London Borough of Bexley.
www.carerssupport.org
Citizens Advice Bexley
Local weekly free drop in service in Bexleyheath, Sidcup and Erith. A national helpline is available for advice on disability benefits including appeals, housing and employment.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Cross Roads Care Erith
Crossroads Care South East London provide a diverse range of support and services to carers of Children and Adults with support needs in the London Borough of Bexley,
www.crossroadscaresoutheastlondon.org.uk
Healthwatch Bexley
At a local level, Healthwatch Bexley works to help people get the best from their health and social care services, whether it's improving them today, or helping to shape them for tomorrow.
www.healthwatchbexley.co.uk/about-us
Inspire Community Trust Slade Green
Inspire Community Trust promotes independent living. This is achieved by supporting disabled people and those who have sensory impairments to make informed choices which enable them to improve and enhance their lives. They also manage the Blue Badge Scheme, Freedom Pass, Wheelchair scheme and equipment, mobility aids and supported living.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/about-inspire/services.html
KIDS Mediation and Advocacy London
For ages 16-25 in Bexley & London. The is an independent Mediation and Advocacy service specifically for disabled children and young people aged 8-19 years accessing overnight short breaks, looking after children and those placed within independent settings. The aim of the service is to promote the rights of disabled children and young people, facilitating their participation in the decision making processes.
www.kids.org.uk/mediation-info
Learning Disability Team Oxleas Bexley
Provides services to people over the age of 18 with moderate to severe learning disabilities living in Bexley. Psychologists, social workers, community nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and the person centred planning coordinator are all based here.
The consultant psychiatrist, health facilitator and community living and support scheme are also based here.
www.oxleas.nhs.uk/services
www.oxleas.nhs.uk/gps-referrers/learning-disability-services/young-people-in-transition
Local College First Programme Bexley
Local College First - offering local education opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. LCF programme is a tailored local offer of education provision. It is for young people who have been assessed as needing additional support not available on mainstream courses. This support is a combination of person centred teaching, employment skills and 1:1 personal assistance.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/13994
MCCH Bexleyheath/Sidcup
Local services for ASD and Learning Disabilities including Social, Housing, Employment. Wellbeing and Community Support.
www.mcch.org.uk/our-services.aspx
NYNE BAR Bexleyheath
Nyne Bar in Bexleyheath Broadway hosts a monthly ‘Shine’ event, a club night designed exclusively for adults with learning disabilities such as autism and Asperger’s.
www.nynelounge.com
Re-Instate
(Bexley Social Enterprise and Employment Service)
Re-Instate works to improve employment opportunities, quality of life and well-being for people with learning disabilities in Bexley including people experiencing mental ill-health. They offer a job club, work experience and support for employment and apprentiships. Project Sunflower is their project for people with learning disabilities.
www.re-instate.co.uk
S.A.F.E School for Home Education Eltham
Social Arts for Education (SAFE) is a study centre for children age 11 up to 18, who have been unable to cope in mainstream school due to bullying and associated reasons. Children often have additional needs such as autism, anxiety disorders, fear of social situations and extreme shyness.
www.safeschoolbexley.co.uk
Shop 4 Care Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley are developing an Information and Advice website, which will hold a wide range of health, social and community services that are accessible to Bexley residents including Care At Home, Your Rights, Equipment, Life Style, Transport and Your Rights to Transport.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk
Skills For Growth
(Apprentiships Service in Bexleyheath)
Delivering education and training programmes across a range of areas for young people between 16 – 24. All the programmes include exposure to work through work experience, employer visits or employer seminars or through full employment/apprenticeships.
www.skillsforgrowth.org.uk
The Learning and Enterprise Centre
Adult Education For Supported Learning. Many courses available from Maths, English and IT to Cookery, Animal Care, Dance and Independent Skills for Life. 3 Bexley locations.
www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk/SubjectLearnDis1.html
Works For Me Programme in Bexley
Works For Me Programme a weekly meeting over 16 weeks to support with Job Search and Employment Skills for those with Autism in Bexley who do not have LD.
Works For Me is collaboration between Bexley Twofold, Bexley Mencap, BVSC and Re-Instate.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/17976
Contact
(previously known as Contact A Family)
National charity for children and young people with SEND. Confidential free helpline service on all aspects of transition including employment, health, social wellbeing, benefits and medical issues.
www.cafamily.org.uk www.cafamily.org.uk/media/792666/preparing_for_adulthood.pdf
Council For Disabled Children (CDC)
National support including the Transition Research Programme and improving national standards. Refer to the Transition Information Network (TIN) for the specific department on support with transition.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/our-work/adulthood
Disability Matters
Transition Guide by E-learning offering various free on-line courses to support parents and young adults with transition. Ideal for working and talking through the process at home together.
www.disabilitymatters.org.uk/course/view.php?id=98
Disability Rights
National charity for SEND, leading change and working for equal participation for all. Info on all areas of transition. They offer 3 separate helplines for disabled students, equality and personal budgets.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/contact-us
Government website
Deputies - You can apply to become someone’s deputy if they ‘lack mental capacity’. This means they can’t make a decision for themselves at the time it needs to be made. They may still be able to make decisions for themselves at certain times. There are 2 types of deputy.
Property and financial affairs deputy - You’ll do things like pay the person’s bills or organise their pension.
Personal welfare deputy – You’ll make decisions about medical treatment and how someone is looked after.
www.gov.uk/become-deputy
Preparing For Adulthood
The Preparing for Adulthood programme provides expertise and support to local authorities to embed preparing for adulthood from the earliest years. They offer advice to families to ensure that young people with SEND achieve paid employment, independent living and housing options, good health, friendships, relationships and community inclusion as they move into adulthood.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/resources/resources-stories-and-videos
Scope
Scope provides support, information and advice on Independent Living, Employment, Social Care, Short Breaks, Assistive Technology and Equipment.
www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/disabled-adults
Transition Information Network
(TIN) London
‘TIN’ is an alliance of organisations who provide sources of information for disabled young people, families and professionals. TIN has a National Helpline and downloadable magazine offering advice on Transition. They were set up to provide targeted information and resources about transition through online resources, publications and events.
www.helplines.org/helplines/transition-information-network
‘My Future Choices’ – Magazine available to download
Ambitious About Autism
A guide to support for young people with ASD at school and college called ‘Finished At School’. Support and courses to help with employment, training for staff, support workers and parents.
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/new-guide-launched-to-help-school-and-college-staff-better-support-young-people-with-autism.pdf
Autism Incentives
Autism Initiatives provides a range of person centred services throughout the UK to children and adults, and encompasses education, residential houses, supported living and outreach services.
www.autisminitiatives.org/what-we-do
Care Trade (ASD)
Care Trade strives to improve the life chances of school leavers and adults with autism by creating inspirational and sustainable opportunities that will help them achieve their potential and be as independent as possible.
www.care-trade.org/about-us/
Cerebral Palsy
Download the 60 page Transition guide for parents.
www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/community/transition-into-adulthood/
Down Syndrome Association
Planning for adulthood with Down Syndrome. Information is available on the DSA WorkFit programme that can help you and your son or daughter prepare for and find the right work experience, Supported Apprenticeship/Internships and/or employment.
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/for-families-and-carers/teenagers-and-young-adults/planning-for-adulthood/
Dyslexia Action
Support at College and University for students with Dyslexia including assistive technology. Specialised devices such as scanner pens, calculators, organisers or talking dictionaries to help with various tasks.
Information for Dyslexia when seeking, applying for and in-work situations. Includes the Access To Work scheme.
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/support-college-and-university
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/support-work-or-when-seeking-work
Marie Curie
Together For Short Lives
Transition Guide for young adults and their families – ‘Don’t let me down’. The Together For Short Lives programme ensures a good transition for young people with palliative care needs and life limiting illness and disabilities.
www.mariecurie.org.uk/professionals/commissioning-our-services/partnerships-innovations/past/young-people-transition
MindED - for Mental Health, Behavioural and Emotional Young People
Guide to Transition for Mental Health, Behavioural and Emotional Young People – MindEd transition refers to the move from CAMHS to adult services. It may involve moving to adult mental health services (AMHS), to the care of the GP or to other adult services. Includes In-Patient and complex needs care and the legal requirements for Transition Involving Complex Mental Health Problems. MindEd have an easy read guide for transition with Mental Health needs.
www.minded.e-lfh.org.uk /families/
www.minded.e-lfh.org.uk/families/course/en/assets/7092b8be2b08dc33f3e9a9262854813bd1894bb2.pdf
National Autistic Society
Transition Support Service
A free service for young autistic people, parents and carers to help prepare for the transition from school to further education or adult life. Confidential information and advice by phone and email, an explanation of rights and entitlements throughout the transition process and information about other services that may be useful during the transition process.
www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/transition-support.aspx
www.autism.org.uk/about/transition.aspx
National Autistic Society
Education Rights Service
This service provides impartial, confidential information, advice and support on education rights and entitlements for parents and carers school-age children with autism to help them get the educational support their child needs.
www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/education-rights/how-we-help.aspx
NAS Education Rights Service Information Leaflet
Royal Association for Deaf People
The Youth and Transition Service supports young people from secondary school and throughout transition into adulthood including employment. We deliver high quality services that meet the communication and other needs of young deaf people including social care, health and advocacy. Series of information booklets available.
www.royaldeaf.org.uk/services-partners/youth-transition
SENSE for Sensory, Deaf & Blind Young People
Getting A Result - Guide to Transition. A complete transition booklet on everything around the full transition process including templates, both blank and with completed samples.
www.sense.org.uk/sites/default/files/getting_a_result_information_pack_with_templates.pdf
Young Minds
Young Minds is committed to improving the emotional wellbeing, behaviour and mental health of children and young people age 0-25. Services include training courses; CAMHS transition guide; parent helpline; confidential online and telephone support.
www.youngminds.org.uk
Ambitious About Autism
(including the ‘My Voice’ Project)
Transition information for 16-25 year olds with autism. Funded by the Department of Health, it connects young adults with autism and helps them have a say in local communities. The My Voice project is an on-line volunteering opportunity and you can become Youth Consultant.
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/are-you-age-16-25-and-on-the-spectrum Leaflet - My Voice Project
Bexley LA Resource Alternative Provisions, and Special Schools
This document sets out the details of resource provisions, special schools and alternative provisions in the London Borough of Bexley. The full document can be downloaded from the Bexley Local Offer.
Prospectuses are available from each establishment with course content and application deadlines.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/21768
Bexley Youth Advice Centre / Prospects (provide the Connections Careers Service in Bexley)
The Bexley Youth Advice centre in Bexleyheath provides support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics for young people ages 13 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with additional needs). Services to young people are provided both on a drop-in and appointment basis, topical workshops as well as relevant group work opportunities.
www.prospects.co.uk/ContactUs/CorporateHeadOffice/ProspectsinBexley.aspx
Document – Year 9 transition outcomes meeting report form
Bexley Voluntary Services Council
BVSC is the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) set up to offer support to organisations and residents of the London Borough of Bexley. BVSC is the 'go to' place for all things community and voluntary related.
www.bvsc.co.uk
Colleges and Further Education
The Bexley Local Offer lists the details of FE, colleges and university provisions in the London Borough of Bexley. Prospectuses are available from each establishment with course content and application deadlines.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/category/267/provider/2292
Government website
‘Get In Go Far’ is the government’s national scheme for Apprentices. An apprenticeship gives hands on experience, a salary and the opportunity to gain qualifications while you work. Free phone helpline on 0800 0150 400.
www.getingofar.gov.uk
Government Website
Section 41 – Independent schools for pupils with special educational needs, including those approved under section 41 of the Children and Families Act.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-special-schools-and-colleges
Local College First Programme
(LCF Bexley)
LCF - programme offering local education provision and opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. It is for young people who have been assessed as needing additional support not available on mainstream courses. This support is a combination of person centred teaching, employment skills and 1:1 personal assistance.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/13994
The Learning and Enterprise Centre
Adult Education For Supported Learning. Many full and part time courses available from Maths, English and IT to Cookery, Animal Care, Dance and Independent Skills for Life. 3 Bexley locations.
www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk/SubjectLearnDis1.html
National Apprentiships Service
Apprenticeships, 14 to 19 education and training for work. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. Search the find an apprenticeship service for apprenticeships in England.
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
National Careers Service
National Careers Service website offers helpful tips for making apprenticeship applications. Includes information on CVs, Skills health check reports, action plans and course searches.
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/home
NATSPEC
(Post 16 Education)
Natspec is the membership association for organisations which offer specialist post-16 education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Download the full UK college list/prospectus from their website.
www.natspec.org.uk
Preparing For Adulthood
Study Programmes
This factsheet is about study programmes. Study programmes are publicly-funded programmes of learning for 16 to 19 year olds, or 16 to 25 year olds where the student has a learning difficulty assessment or EHC plan.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/resources/all-resources
Mencap
National education, employment, transition advice and support service. Mencap Direct is our free helpline service offering advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/children-and-young-people/education-support/transition-adult-services
Re-Instate
(Bexley Social Enterprise and Employment Service)
Re-Instate works to improve employment opportunities, quality of life and well-being for people with learning disabilities in Bexley including people experiencing mental ill-health. They offer a job club, work experience and support for employment and apprentiships. Project Sunflower is their project for people with learning disabilities.
www.re-instate.co.uk
Skills For Growth
(Apprentiships Service in Bexleyheath)
Delivering education and training programmes across a range of areas for young people between 16 – 24. All the programmes include exposure to work through work experience, employer visits or employer seminars or through full employment/apprenticeships.
www.skillsforgrowth.org.uk
Skills For London
Annual exhibition (normally November/December) at Excel in London.
100+ organisations offering information on careers, apprentiships, employment.
www.skillslondon2016.co.uk
UCAS
(University Support)
Information about support for disabled students while studying at university or college including financial support, accessibility and living independently whilst studying.
www.ucas.com/support-disabled-students-your-questions-answered
AbilityNet
AbilityNet offers free services and factsheets to enable disabled people to use computers and the internet at home, at work and in education and supporting Employers and Employees make reasonable adjustments to the workplace.
www.abilitynet.org.uk/workplace/understanding-reasonable-adjustments
Bexley Two Fold Erith
Service is available for Young Adults on the Learning Disability Register. Pre-employment and In-work Support including travel training, identifying suitable work placements, identifying suitable training courses, carrying out job searches, providing access to a job club, attending job interviews and employment support.
www.bexley.gov.uk/twofold
British Association For Supported Employment
BASE UK – For information and support on Supported Employment. Supported Employment is often described as Individual Placement and Support (IPS) when it is used to support people with long term mental health needs.
www.base-uk.org
Business Disability Forum
Business Disability Forum is an organisation that makes it easier and more rewarding to do business with and employ disabled people by support by sharing expertise, giving advice, providing training and networking opportunities.
www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/about-us
Clear Talent
Clear Talents helps employers to understand how things like disability, health conditions, and caring responsibilities can have an impact on an employee’s ability. Offers a free personal report to allow employers to understand your needs.
www.cleartalentsondemand.com
Disability Jobsite
Disability Jobsite assists people with a disability to participate actively in employment and plays a critical role in supporting people with a disability on the pathway to work.
www.disabilityjobsite.co.uk
Disability Rights UK
‘Get Back to Where We Belong’ – Employment guide co-produced with Disability Rights and the Council for Disabled Children. This guide is excellent for information about being employed as a disabled person.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/GetBack16.pdf
Employ-ability
Opportunities for disabled and dyslexic students & graduates - Employ Ability can offer you free support, advice and guidance throughout the entire recruitment process and beyond.
www.employ-ability.org.uk
First Steps Plus
Employment opportunities for Disadvantaged people - First Step Trust (FST) delivers services to private and corporate customers. We create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people who want to get back into work.
www.firststeptrust.org.uk
Government Website
Supported Internships – Government guidance on how to provide supported internships for young people with special educational needs and an EHC plan or a learning difficulty assessment or statement of special educational needs issued before September 2014 It also includes information about applying for Access to Work funding.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-internships-for-young-people-with-learning-difficulties
Government Website
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition to help you start working, stay in work or move into self-employment or start a business.
www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview
IBM
School Leavers – a general guide to working at IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) including information for young adults with SEND.
School Leavers at IBM
www.ibm.com/jobs/uk
Preparing For Adulthood - Supported Internships
Guide To Supported Internships - Supported internships can be a good way of having a study programme that helps you to get a job. If you are aged 16 to 24 and have a Learning Difficulty Assessment or an Education, Health and Care Plan, then colleges can use their funding for your supported internship.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/media/341562/supported_interships_guidance_for_learners.pdf
Preparing For Adulthood - Employers Info
Practical guidance on Employers Info for Supported Internships from the DfE. There are many ways in which employers can increase the number of people with disabilities in their workforce, including supported internships. Every supported internship is different, as every young person has different abilities and career aspirations.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/what-we-do/supported-internships/dfe-information-for-employers
Remploy
Employment for Disabled/Health Conditions - Remploy exists to improve the lives of disabled people and those with complex needs through the power of work.
www.remploy.co.uk/info/20012/my_employment/420/works_for_me
Scope
Job seeking advice for Disabled people – Answers to your questions - I’m disabled, what help is available for me to find a job? What legal protection do I have as a disabled job seeker? Where can I find disability-friendly employers?
www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/work/jobseekers
The Shaw Trust
A national charity providing employment opportunities, skills development training and health and well-being services. Employment Support, Work Experience, LD Apprentiships and programme for young offenders.
www.shaw-trust.org.uk/en-GB/About-us
Virgin Media
Apprentiships and Internships for digital media. New academy opened in London and includes support for Learning difficulties through the Virgin Academy in London.
www.virginmedia.com
Works For Me
Supporting you into work with Work Choice is a programme that helps disabled people and those with health conditions to find and succeed in work, or gain work, through self-employment.
www.worksforme.co.uk
All Directions
Community group based in Dartford. Support for adults with Learning Difficulties. Offer a range of independent living related courses, coffee morning’s activities and general support.
www.alldirectionskent.weebly.com/courses.html
Bexley LA Equipment and the Disabled Facilities Grant
If a local authority needs assessment concludes that you need specific equipment, it should be provided free of charge. Minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less – which includes the cost of buying and fitting the adaptation – are also provided free of charge. Councils can make a charge for minor adaptations that cost more than £1,000 to provide.
Larger, more expensive items may be classed as adaptations and will be the responsibility of the housing department and provided through Disabled Facilities Grants.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/equipment-aids-adaptations.aspx
Disability Rights
Advocacy – Get Your Voice Heard - Factsheet F39.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/advocacy-get-your-voice-heard
Getting a Personal Assistant - Factsheet F2.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/being-control-getting-personal-assistants
Independent Living under the Care Act - Factsheet F33.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/independent-living
Disabled Housing Grants - Factsheet F49.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/housing-grants
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
DLF is a national charity providing impartial advice, information and training on independent living. Including all types of home adaptation and mobility products for disabled adults and children, older people, their carers and families.
Telephone helpline, on-line forum, full list of factsheets and training courses available.
Including Clothing, Communication, Daily living, Equipment for house and home, Mobility and standing and Transport.
www.dlf.org.uk
DLF - Living Made Easy is an impartial advice and information website about daily living equipment and other aspects of independent living. ASK-SARA enables you to print a free personalised report.
www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
www.asksara.dlf.org.uk/?auth=sara5
DLF - Factsheets available to download:
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/showering
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/scooter
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/walking
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/eating
Housing and Support Organisation
‘My Own Place’ - A guide to independent living, housing and social inclusion for Young Adults in Transition
www.housingandsupport.org.uk/site/hasa/templates/general.aspx?pageid=222&cc=gb
Independence at Home - Grants
The charity provides grants for disabled people and those with a long-term illness. Grants can be made for adaptations, equipment or other things to help manage at home if they're not funded by local or national government.
www.independenceathome.org.uk
Inspire - Equipment Bexley
Inspire Community Trust promotes independent living. This is achieved by supporting disabled people and those who have sensory impairments to make informed choices which enable them to improve and enhance their lives. They also manage the Blue Badge Scheme, Freedom Pass, Wheelchair scheme and equipment, mobility aids and supported living.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/special-needs-housing.html
MCCH
Supported Living Services including maintain physical and mental wellbeing, develop daily living skills, help manage your finances, help to maintain your tenancy and access to community services
www.mcch.org.uk/pages/common/mcch.aspx?pg=8520
Scope
Scope provides support, information and advice on Independent Living, Employment, Social care, Short Breaks, Assistive Technology and Equipment.
www.scope.org.uk/support/services/supported-living
Your Own Place Housing Advice
Working with disabled and other young people from all backgrounds. They may be leaving care, leaving school, leaving prison, leaving supported accommodation, going to college or university or just leaving home for the first time.
Including tenancy agreements, training courses, workshops for schools, preparing for employment.
www.yourownplace.org.uk
Ability Net – Assistive Technology
AbilityNet offers free services to enable disabled people to use computers and the internet at home, at work and in education. It also provides information on a wide variety of topics including: voice recognition technology, magnification and screen-reading software, computers and visual impairment, training and resources for disabled people.
www.abilitynet.org.uk
www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets
Bexley LA Social Services Fair Access to Care
Fair Access to Bexley Care Services Information Leaflet. The London Borough of Bexley provides or arranges a wide range of care and support services to a large number of people in Bexley. To be eligible for social care services you must have immediate and serious needs arising from: physical impairment or life-limiting illness, sensory impairment, learning disability, cognitive impairment, drug and alcohol misuse and mental health difficulties.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk/shop4carebexley-files/600151FairAccess.pdf
CEA Cinema Carers Card
The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). The scheme is one of the ways for participating cinemas to ensure they make reasonable adjustments for disabled guests when they go to the cinema; in particular it ensures a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them.
www.ceacard.co.uk
www.ceacard.co.uk/howtoapply.aspx
Council For Disabled Children
Personalisation and person centred approaches for disabled young people in transition. This paper looks at what a person centred approach might look like for a disabled young person during the transition to adulthood. It sets out what personalisation and person centred approaches are, looks at practice development and sets out guidance which supports this way.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/import/person-centred-approaches-in-transition-planning.pdf
Forum of Mobility Centres
A network of organisations across the UK offering advice to individuals who have a condition that might affect
their ability to drive. As a disabled person, you can get independent customer research reports from Rica.
www.mobility-centres.org.uk
Getting Around UK Motability
Provides cars and powered wheelchairs through the Motability Scheme.
www.motability.co.uk
Inspire Community Trust
The Blue Badge scheme. It provides a range of parking benefits for disabled people who travel either as drivers or as passengers. A Blue Badge helps people with mobility difficulties, either as a passenger or driver.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/blue-badge-freedom-pass/blue-badge-scheme.html
Disabled Persons Freedom Pass - The Freedom Pass is paid for by your Council and is managed by London Councils. In Bexley, Inspire Community Trust manage it on behalf of the London Borough of Bexley. It gives free travel on most public transport. Available if you live in Bexley and have any statutory disabilities listed in the Transport Act 2000.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/freedom-pass-scheme-info/disabled-persons-freedom-pass
Bexley Wheelchair Service – will help if you use a wheelchair or have just been advised that you may need one.
http://www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/bexley-wheelchair-service.html
London Councils – Taxi Card Scheme
Reduced rate for taxi service - allows Londoners who have restricted mobility which prevents them from using buses or trains due to a long term disability or injury, to travel in contractors' licensed radio taxis-black cabs- at subsidised rates.
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard/apply-taxicard-your-borough
Mental Health Organisation
‘A Book About Me’ – An Ordinary Life Passport. The purpose of this 23 page booklet is for others to find out crucial information about a child or young person with high support needs in a short time-frame. It is very useful for attending clubs, short term care workers, friends and family and to use on days out and at public events. Ideal to print and complete with a young adult, allowing the opportunity for discussions.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/an_ordinary_life_passport_new.pdf
National Rail - Disabled Persons Railcard
The Disabled Persons Railcard is for people with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult.
You will need to provide evidence of your eligibility with your application. Get 1/3 off adult rail fares for travel on the National Rail network in Great Britain. If you're travelling with another adult they will also get 1/3 off their rail fare, so you can save money for a friend or family member too.
www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
National Radar Key Scheme (for Disabled Toilet Facilities)
The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) RADAR locks can now be found in most parts of the country.
In Bexley, you can purchase a RADAR key from Inspire Community Trust.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/inspire-services/equipment.html
Shop 4 Care Bexley Dial A Ride Travel
The London Borough of Bexley are developing an Information and Advice website, which will hold a wide range of health, social and community services that are accessible to Bexley residents.
Including Life Style advice, Dial A Ride Travel, Shop-mobility and your rights to Transport.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk/service/dialaride
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk./service/shop-mobility
Your Own Place Training Courses
Training Courses for Young People - looking at debt and APR in detail, as well as bills, priorities, necessaries, budgeting, benefits as a safety net, benefits and moving in to work, money saving tips and where to go for more help.
Including tenancy agreements, training courses, workshops for schools, preparing for employment.
www.yourownplace.org.uk/why-choose-us/our-case-studies/tenancy-independent-living-skills-training-tils
Contact (previously known as Contact A Family)
Money Matters – A general guide to disabled money matters. Including disability and sickness benefits, benefits for working, money and vouchers, benefits for carers, help with rent, mortgage and council tax, transport, grants and loans.
www.cafamily.org.uk/media/975536/money_matters.pdf
Disability Rights
General disability benefits, grants and financial support Information including Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance and Carers Allowance. They also have information on many different grants including housing grants. They have produced a selection of factsheets on all the above for you to download free.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/benefits-information-disabled-people-and-advice-workers
Family Fund
Grants from Family Fund are for families on certain benefits, whose child or young person are disabled or has SEND. They are for aged 17 or under but can also advise on grants for older adults.
www.familyfund.org.uk
Government Website
General Disability Benefits information including, housing, vehicles, transport, Direct Payments, Disabled Facilities Grants, Housing and Council Tax Reduction, Blind Person’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance (Disability premium).
www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/disability-and-sickness-benefits
16-19 Student Bursary Fund –
A bursary is available to help with education-related costs if you’re aged 16 to 19 and studying at a publicly funded school or college in England. Discretionary Bursary or Vulnerable Student Bursary are available depending on the individual.
www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
Carers Allowance and Carers Credit –
Financial support if you care for someone who receives certain benefits, at least 35 hours a week, and earn under the threshold. You may be eligible for Carer’s Credit (a National Insurance credit.
www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
www.gov.uk/carers-credit/overview
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) –
This is available to higher education students living in England if they have a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty.
www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
Employment and Support Allowance -
If you’re ill or disabled, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) offers you financial support if you’re unable to work and/or personalised help so that you can work if you’re able to.
www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/further-information
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) -
For children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who is under 16 and has difficulties walking or needs more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability.
www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) –
Helps with extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64. The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get.
www.gov.uk/pip
Becoming a Financial Appointee - Information on becoming an Appointee to support someone claiming benefits. You can apply for the right to deal with the benefits of someone who can’t manage their own affairs because they’re mentally incapable or severely disabled. Refer to the National Support Section for details on becoming a Financial Affairs Deputy.
www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits
www.gov.uk/become-deputy
Advocacy Service provided free under the Care Act, to adults with care and support needs and their carers.
Advocacy also available to young people over 16 who are in transition to adult services.
www.advocacyforall.org.uk/
All Directions Dartford
Community group based in Dartford. Support for adults with Learning Difficulties.
Offer a range of independent living related courses, coffee mornings and general support
www.alldirectionskent.weebly.com/about-us.html
Avenues Sidcup
Supported Living, Housing, Support at Home for adults with learning disabilities, Autism and/or behaviour that challenges.
https://www.avenuesgroup.org.uk/our-services/learning-disabilities/
Bexley Adult Social Services
Bexley - Fair Access to Care Services – a guide to eligibility for adult social care. Includes information on the 3 stages of eligibility criteria, decisions made and further contacts.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk/ shop4carebexleyfiles/600151FairAccess.pdf
Bexley Care Hub Bexley LA Website
Website for Bexley Care Services for Adults: Information on adult social care and safety concerns. Complete a self-assessment as a carer or for someone else, find services specific to your needs, make a referral to Social Services, find useful services and resources
www.careservices.bexley.gov. uk https://carehub.bexley.gov.uk /web/portal/pages/home
Bexley Local Offer / Bexley LA Website
The Local Offer website provides local information about the services available to children, young people (age 0-25) and their families across Education, Health and Social Care and preparing for adulthood.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk
Bexley Mencap Bexleyheath Office
Care Services for Adults – Advice on wills and trusts, benefits, housing, relationships, social care and health.
There is also a dedicated Transition Support worker
www.bexleymencap.co.uk
Bexley NAS Bexley
Bexley Branch of the National Autistic Society Parent Support group (Not transition specific), Youth club and social activities
www.bexleyvoice.org.uk/bexley-nas.html
Bexley LA Shared Lives Service
Community Living and Support Scheme. Shared Lives carers share their home and family life with a vulnerable adult who may need care or support to help them live well.
https://careservices.bexley.gov.uk/Services/1432
Bexley Two Fold Erith
Service for Young Adults on the Learning Disability Register. Pre-employment and In-work Support including travel training, identifying work placements/training courses, access to a job club, attending job interviews and employment support. Works alongside The Learning and Enterprise Centre in Bexleyheath.
www.bexley.gov.uk/twofold
Bexley Voluntary Services Council
BVSC is the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) set up to offer support to organisations and residents of the London Borough of Bexley. BVSC is the 'go to' place for all things community and voluntary related.
www.bvsc.co.uk
Bexley Youth Advice Centre / Prospects (Connections Careers Service in Bexley)
The Bexley Youth Advice centre in Bexleyheath provides support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics for young people ages 13 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with additional needs). Services to young people are provided both on a drop-in and appointment basis, topical workshops as well as relevant group work opportunities.
www.prospects.co.uk/ContactUs/CorporateHeadOffice/ProspectsinBexley.aspx
Bridging The Gap Sidcup
Support and advice for adults on the autistic spectrum and their carers, families and friends. A monthly evening social club, information drop-in day time and evening once a month.
www.btgse.co.uk
Care Watch Bexley
Care Watch (Bexley) offers a care in the home service, from a team of skilled domiciliary staff experienced in provision that enables vulnerable adults to remain independent at home
www.careservices.bexley.gov.uk/Services/363/Carewatch-Bexley
Carers Support Bexley
A registered charity whose purpose is to provide information, support and breaks for carers. Offers a Carers Information Pack, providing information about services for carers in the London Borough of Bexley.
www.carerssupport.org
Citizens Advice Bexley
Local weekly free drop in service in Bexleyheath, Sidcup and Erith. A national helpline is available for advice on disability benefits including appeals, housing and employment.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Cross Roads Care Erith
Crossroads Care South East London provide a diverse range of support and services to carers of Children and Adults with support needs in the London Borough of Bexley,
www.crossroadscaresoutheastlondon.org.uk
Healthwatch Bexley
At a local level, Healthwatch Bexley works to help people get the best from their health and social care services, whether it's improving them today, or helping to shape them for tomorrow.
www.healthwatchbexley.co.uk/about-us
Inspire Community Trust Slade Green
Inspire Community Trust promotes independent living. This is achieved by supporting disabled people and those who have sensory impairments to make informed choices which enable them to improve and enhance their lives. They also manage the Blue Badge Scheme, Freedom Pass, Wheelchair scheme and equipment, mobility aids and supported living.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/about-inspire/services.html
KIDS Mediation and Advocacy London
For ages 16-25 in Bexley & London. The is an independent Mediation and Advocacy service specifically for disabled children and young people aged 8-19 years accessing overnight short breaks, looking after children and those placed within independent settings. The aim of the service is to promote the rights of disabled children and young people, facilitating their participation in the decision making processes.
www.kids.org.uk/mediation-info
Learning Disability Team Oxleas Bexley
Provides services to people over the age of 18 with moderate to severe learning disabilities living in Bexley. Psychologists, social workers, community nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and the person centred planning coordinator are all based here.
The consultant psychiatrist, health facilitator and community living and support scheme are also based here.
www.oxleas.nhs.uk/services
www.oxleas.nhs.uk/gps-referrers/learning-disability-services/young-people-in-transition
Local College First Programme Bexley
Local College First - offering local education opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. LCF programme is a tailored local offer of education provision. It is for young people who have been assessed as needing additional support not available on mainstream courses. This support is a combination of person centred teaching, employment skills and 1:1 personal assistance.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/13994
MCCH Bexleyheath/Sidcup
Local services for ASD and Learning Disabilities including Social, Housing, Employment. Wellbeing and Community Support.
www.mcch.org.uk/our-services.aspx
NYNE BAR Bexleyheath
Nyne Bar in Bexleyheath Broadway hosts a monthly ‘Shine’ event, a club night designed exclusively for adults with learning disabilities such as autism and Asperger’s.
www.nynelounge.com
Re-Instate
(Bexley Social Enterprise and Employment Service)
Re-Instate works to improve employment opportunities, quality of life and well-being for people with learning disabilities in Bexley including people experiencing mental ill-health. They offer a job club, work experience and support for employment and apprentiships. Project Sunflower is their project for people with learning disabilities.
www.re-instate.co.uk
S.A.F.E School for Home Education Eltham
Social Arts for Education (SAFE) is a study centre for children age 11 up to 18, who have been unable to cope in mainstream school due to bullying and associated reasons. Children often have additional needs such as autism, anxiety disorders, fear of social situations and extreme shyness.
www.safeschoolbexley.co.uk
Shop 4 Care Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley are developing an Information and Advice website, which will hold a wide range of health, social and community services that are accessible to Bexley residents including Care At Home, Your Rights, Equipment, Life Style, Transport and Your Rights to Transport.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk
Skills For Growth
(Apprentiships Service in Bexleyheath)
Delivering education and training programmes across a range of areas for young people between 16 – 24. All the programmes include exposure to work through work experience, employer visits or employer seminars or through full employment/apprenticeships.
www.skillsforgrowth.org.uk
The Learning and Enterprise Centre
Adult Education For Supported Learning. Many courses available from Maths, English and IT to Cookery, Animal Care, Dance and Independent Skills for Life. 3 Bexley locations.
www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk/SubjectLearnDis1.html
Works For Me Programme in Bexley
Works For Me Programme a weekly meeting over 16 weeks to support with Job Search and Employment Skills for those with Autism in Bexley who do not have LD.
Works For Me is collaboration between Bexley Twofold, Bexley Mencap, BVSC and Re-Instate.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/17976
Contact
(previously known as Contact A Family)
National charity for children and young people with SEND. Confidential free helpline service on all aspects of transition including employment, health, social wellbeing, benefits and medical issues.
www.cafamily.org.uk www.cafamily.org.uk/media/792666/preparing_for_adulthood.pdf
Council For Disabled Children (CDC)
National support including the Transition Research Programme and improving national standards. Refer to the Transition Information Network (TIN) for the specific department on support with transition.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/our-work/adulthood
Disability Matters
Transition Guide by E-learning offering various free on-line courses to support parents and young adults with transition. Ideal for working and talking through the process at home together.
www.disabilitymatters.org.uk/course/view.php?id=98
Disability Rights
National charity for SEND, leading change and working for equal participation for all. Info on all areas of transition. They offer 3 separate helplines for disabled students, equality and personal budgets.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/contact-us
Government website
Deputies - You can apply to become someone’s deputy if they ‘lack mental capacity’. This means they can’t make a decision for themselves at the time it needs to be made. They may still be able to make decisions for themselves at certain times. There are 2 types of deputy.
Property and financial affairs deputy - You’ll do things like pay the person’s bills or organise their pension.
Personal welfare deputy – You’ll make decisions about medical treatment and how someone is looked after.
www.gov.uk/become-deputy
Preparing For Adulthood
The Preparing for Adulthood programme provides expertise and support to local authorities to embed preparing for adulthood from the earliest years. They offer advice to families to ensure that young people with SEND achieve paid employment, independent living and housing options, good health, friendships, relationships and community inclusion as they move into adulthood.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/resources/resources-stories-and-videos
Scope
Scope provides support, information and advice on Independent Living, Employment, Social Care, Short Breaks, Assistive Technology and Equipment.
www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/disabled-adults
Transition Information Network
(TIN) London
‘TIN’ is an alliance of organisations who provide sources of information for disabled young people, families and professionals. TIN has a National Helpline and downloadable magazine offering advice on Transition. They were set up to provide targeted information and resources about transition through online resources, publications and events.
www.helplines.org/helplines/transition-information-network
‘My Future Choices’ – Magazine available to download
Ambitious About Autism
A guide to support for young people with ASD at school and college called ‘Finished At School’. Support and courses to help with employment, training for staff, support workers and parents.
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/new-guide-launched-to-help-school-and-college-staff-better-support-young-people-with-autism.pdf
Autism Incentives
Autism Initiatives provides a range of person centred services throughout the UK to children and adults, and encompasses education, residential houses, supported living and outreach services.
www.autisminitiatives.org/what-we-do
Care Trade (ASD)
Care Trade strives to improve the life chances of school leavers and adults with autism by creating inspirational and sustainable opportunities that will help them achieve their potential and be as independent as possible.
www.care-trade.org/about-us/
Cerebral Palsy
Download the 60 page Transition guide for parents.
www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/community/transition-into-adulthood/
Down Syndrome Association
Planning for adulthood with Down Syndrome. Information is available on the DSA WorkFit programme that can help you and your son or daughter prepare for and find the right work experience, Supported Apprenticeship/Internships and/or employment.
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/for-families-and-carers/teenagers-and-young-adults/planning-for-adulthood/
Dyslexia Action
Support at College and University for students with Dyslexia including assistive technology. Specialised devices such as scanner pens, calculators, organisers or talking dictionaries to help with various tasks.
Information for Dyslexia when seeking, applying for and in-work situations. Includes the Access To Work scheme.
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/support-college-and-university
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/support-work-or-when-seeking-work
Marie Curie
Together For Short Lives
Transition Guide for young adults and their families – ‘Don’t let me down’. The Together For Short Lives programme ensures a good transition for young people with palliative care needs and life limiting illness and disabilities.
www.mariecurie.org.uk/professionals/commissioning-our-services/partnerships-innovations/past/young-people-transition
MindED - for Mental Health, Behavioural and Emotional Young People
Guide to Transition for Mental Health, Behavioural and Emotional Young People – MindEd transition refers to the move from CAMHS to adult services. It may involve moving to adult mental health services (AMHS), to the care of the GP or to other adult services. Includes In-Patient and complex needs care and the legal requirements for Transition Involving Complex Mental Health Problems. MindEd have an easy read guide for transition with Mental Health needs.
www.minded.e-lfh.org.uk /families/
www.minded.e-lfh.org.uk/families/course/en/assets/7092b8be2b08dc33f3e9a9262854813bd1894bb2.pdf
National Autistic Society
Transition Support Service
A free service for young autistic people, parents and carers to help prepare for the transition from school to further education or adult life. Confidential information and advice by phone and email, an explanation of rights and entitlements throughout the transition process and information about other services that may be useful during the transition process.
www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/transition-support.aspx
www.autism.org.uk/about/transition.aspx
National Autistic Society
Education Rights Service
This service provides impartial, confidential information, advice and support on education rights and entitlements for parents and carers school-age children with autism to help them get the educational support their child needs.
www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/education-rights/how-we-help.aspx
NAS Education Rights Service Information Leaflet
Royal Association for Deaf People
The Youth and Transition Service supports young people from secondary school and throughout transition into adulthood including employment. We deliver high quality services that meet the communication and other needs of young deaf people including social care, health and advocacy. Series of information booklets available.
www.royaldeaf.org.uk/services-partners/youth-transition
SENSE for Sensory, Deaf & Blind Young People
Getting A Result - Guide to Transition. A complete transition booklet on everything around the full transition process including templates, both blank and with completed samples.
www.sense.org.uk/sites/default/files/getting_a_result_information_pack_with_templates.pdf
Young Minds
Young Minds is committed to improving the emotional wellbeing, behaviour and mental health of children and young people age 0-25. Services include training courses; CAMHS transition guide; parent helpline; confidential online and telephone support.
www.youngminds.org.uk
Ambitious About Autism
(including the ‘My Voice’ Project)
Transition information for 16-25 year olds with autism. Funded by the Department of Health, it connects young adults with autism and helps them have a say in local communities. The My Voice project is an on-line volunteering opportunity and you can become Youth Consultant.
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/are-you-age-16-25-and-on-the-spectrum Leaflet - My Voice Project
Bexley LA Resource Alternative Provisions, and Special Schools
This document sets out the details of resource provisions, special schools and alternative provisions in the London Borough of Bexley. The full document can be downloaded from the Bexley Local Offer.
Prospectuses are available from each establishment with course content and application deadlines.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/21768
Bexley Youth Advice Centre / Prospects (provide the Connections Careers Service in Bexley)
The Bexley Youth Advice centre in Bexleyheath provides support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics for young people ages 13 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with additional needs). Services to young people are provided both on a drop-in and appointment basis, topical workshops as well as relevant group work opportunities.
www.prospects.co.uk/ContactUs/CorporateHeadOffice/ProspectsinBexley.aspx
Document – Year 9 transition outcomes meeting report form
Bexley Voluntary Services Council
BVSC is the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) set up to offer support to organisations and residents of the London Borough of Bexley. BVSC is the 'go to' place for all things community and voluntary related.
www.bvsc.co.uk
Colleges and Further Education
The Bexley Local Offer lists the details of FE, colleges and university provisions in the London Borough of Bexley. Prospectuses are available from each establishment with course content and application deadlines.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/category/267/provider/2292
Government website
‘Get In Go Far’ is the government’s national scheme for Apprentices. An apprenticeship gives hands on experience, a salary and the opportunity to gain qualifications while you work. Free phone helpline on 0800 0150 400.
www.getingofar.gov.uk
Government Website
Section 41 – Independent schools for pupils with special educational needs, including those approved under section 41 of the Children and Families Act.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-special-schools-and-colleges
Local College First Programme
(LCF Bexley)
LCF - programme offering local education provision and opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. It is for young people who have been assessed as needing additional support not available on mainstream courses. This support is a combination of person centred teaching, employment skills and 1:1 personal assistance.
www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/content/13994
The Learning and Enterprise Centre
Adult Education For Supported Learning. Many full and part time courses available from Maths, English and IT to Cookery, Animal Care, Dance and Independent Skills for Life. 3 Bexley locations.
www.thelearningcentrebexley.ac.uk/SubjectLearnDis1.html
National Apprentiships Service
Apprenticeships, 14 to 19 education and training for work. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. Search the find an apprenticeship service for apprenticeships in England.
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
National Careers Service
National Careers Service website offers helpful tips for making apprenticeship applications. Includes information on CVs, Skills health check reports, action plans and course searches.
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/home
NATSPEC
(Post 16 Education)
Natspec is the membership association for organisations which offer specialist post-16 education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Download the full UK college list/prospectus from their website.
www.natspec.org.uk
Preparing For Adulthood
Study Programmes
This factsheet is about study programmes. Study programmes are publicly-funded programmes of learning for 16 to 19 year olds, or 16 to 25 year olds where the student has a learning difficulty assessment or EHC plan.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/resources/all-resources
Mencap
National education, employment, transition advice and support service. Mencap Direct is our free helpline service offering advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/children-and-young-people/education-support/transition-adult-services
Re-Instate
(Bexley Social Enterprise and Employment Service)
Re-Instate works to improve employment opportunities, quality of life and well-being for people with learning disabilities in Bexley including people experiencing mental ill-health. They offer a job club, work experience and support for employment and apprentiships. Project Sunflower is their project for people with learning disabilities.
www.re-instate.co.uk
Skills For Growth
(Apprentiships Service in Bexleyheath)
Delivering education and training programmes across a range of areas for young people between 16 – 24. All the programmes include exposure to work through work experience, employer visits or employer seminars or through full employment/apprenticeships.
www.skillsforgrowth.org.uk
Skills For London
Annual exhibition (normally November/December) at Excel in London.
100+ organisations offering information on careers, apprentiships, employment.
www.skillslondon2016.co.uk
UCAS
(University Support)
Information about support for disabled students while studying at university or college including financial support, accessibility and living independently whilst studying.
www.ucas.com/support-disabled-students-your-questions-answered
AbilityNet
AbilityNet offers free services and factsheets to enable disabled people to use computers and the internet at home, at work and in education and supporting Employers and Employees make reasonable adjustments to the workplace.
www.abilitynet.org.uk/workplace/understanding-reasonable-adjustments
Bexley Two Fold Erith
Service is available for Young Adults on the Learning Disability Register. Pre-employment and In-work Support including travel training, identifying suitable work placements, identifying suitable training courses, carrying out job searches, providing access to a job club, attending job interviews and employment support.
www.bexley.gov.uk/twofold
British Association For Supported Employment
BASE UK – For information and support on Supported Employment. Supported Employment is often described as Individual Placement and Support (IPS) when it is used to support people with long term mental health needs.
www.base-uk.org
Business Disability Forum
Business Disability Forum is an organisation that makes it easier and more rewarding to do business with and employ disabled people by support by sharing expertise, giving advice, providing training and networking opportunities.
www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/about-us
Clear Talent
Clear Talents helps employers to understand how things like disability, health conditions, and caring responsibilities can have an impact on an employee’s ability. Offers a free personal report to allow employers to understand your needs.
www.cleartalentsondemand.com
Disability Jobsite
Disability Jobsite assists people with a disability to participate actively in employment and plays a critical role in supporting people with a disability on the pathway to work.
www.disabilityjobsite.co.uk
Disability Rights UK
‘Get Back to Where We Belong’ – Employment guide co-produced with Disability Rights and the Council for Disabled Children. This guide is excellent for information about being employed as a disabled person.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/GetBack16.pdf
Employ-ability
Opportunities for disabled and dyslexic students & graduates - Employ Ability can offer you free support, advice and guidance throughout the entire recruitment process and beyond.
www.employ-ability.org.uk
First Steps Plus
Employment opportunities for Disadvantaged people - First Step Trust (FST) delivers services to private and corporate customers. We create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people who want to get back into work.
www.firststeptrust.org.uk
Government Website
Supported Internships – Government guidance on how to provide supported internships for young people with special educational needs and an EHC plan or a learning difficulty assessment or statement of special educational needs issued before September 2014 It also includes information about applying for Access to Work funding.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-internships-for-young-people-with-learning-difficulties
Government Website
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition to help you start working, stay in work or move into self-employment or start a business.
www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview
IBM
School Leavers – a general guide to working at IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) including information for young adults with SEND.
School Leavers at IBM
www.ibm.com/jobs/uk
Preparing For Adulthood - Supported Internships
Guide To Supported Internships - Supported internships can be a good way of having a study programme that helps you to get a job. If you are aged 16 to 24 and have a Learning Difficulty Assessment or an Education, Health and Care Plan, then colleges can use their funding for your supported internship.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/media/341562/supported_interships_guidance_for_learners.pdf
Preparing For Adulthood - Employers Info
Practical guidance on Employers Info for Supported Internships from the DfE. There are many ways in which employers can increase the number of people with disabilities in their workforce, including supported internships. Every supported internship is different, as every young person has different abilities and career aspirations.
www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/what-we-do/supported-internships/dfe-information-for-employers
Remploy
Employment for Disabled/Health Conditions - Remploy exists to improve the lives of disabled people and those with complex needs through the power of work.
www.remploy.co.uk/info/20012/my_employment/420/works_for_me
Scope
Job seeking advice for Disabled people – Answers to your questions - I’m disabled, what help is available for me to find a job? What legal protection do I have as a disabled job seeker? Where can I find disability-friendly employers?
www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/work/jobseekers
The Shaw Trust
A national charity providing employment opportunities, skills development training and health and well-being services. Employment Support, Work Experience, LD Apprentiships and programme for young offenders.
www.shaw-trust.org.uk/en-GB/About-us
Virgin Media
Apprentiships and Internships for digital media. New academy opened in London and includes support for Learning difficulties through the Virgin Academy in London.
www.virginmedia.com
Works For Me
Supporting you into work with Work Choice is a programme that helps disabled people and those with health conditions to find and succeed in work, or gain work, through self-employment.
www.worksforme.co.uk
All Directions
Community group based in Dartford. Support for adults with Learning Difficulties. Offer a range of independent living related courses, coffee morning’s activities and general support.
www.alldirectionskent.weebly.com/courses.html
Bexley LA Equipment and the Disabled Facilities Grant
If a local authority needs assessment concludes that you need specific equipment, it should be provided free of charge. Minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less – which includes the cost of buying and fitting the adaptation – are also provided free of charge. Councils can make a charge for minor adaptations that cost more than £1,000 to provide.
Larger, more expensive items may be classed as adaptations and will be the responsibility of the housing department and provided through Disabled Facilities Grants.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/equipment-aids-adaptations.aspx
Disability Rights
Advocacy – Get Your Voice Heard - Factsheet F39.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/advocacy-get-your-voice-heard
Getting a Personal Assistant - Factsheet F2.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/being-control-getting-personal-assistants
Independent Living under the Care Act - Factsheet F33.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/independent-living
Disabled Housing Grants - Factsheet F49.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/housing-grants
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
DLF is a national charity providing impartial advice, information and training on independent living. Including all types of home adaptation and mobility products for disabled adults and children, older people, their carers and families.
Telephone helpline, on-line forum, full list of factsheets and training courses available.
Including Clothing, Communication, Daily living, Equipment for house and home, Mobility and standing and Transport.
www.dlf.org.uk
DLF - Living Made Easy is an impartial advice and information website about daily living equipment and other aspects of independent living. ASK-SARA enables you to print a free personalised report.
www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
www.asksara.dlf.org.uk/?auth=sara5
DLF - Factsheets available to download:
- Personal alarm systems and telecare
- Choosing equipment to help with memory and safety
- Communication and vision equipment
- Choosing equipment for leisure activities
- Choosing walking equipment
- Choosing and fitting Grab Rails
- Choosing equipment to get Up and Down Stairs
- Choosing a chair and chair accessories
- Choosing a bed and bed accessories
- Choosing a mobility scooter
- Choosing eating and drinking equipment
- Choosing toilet equipment and accessories
- Choosing equipment for showering and bathing
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/showering
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/scooter
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/walking
www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/eating
Housing and Support Organisation
‘My Own Place’ - A guide to independent living, housing and social inclusion for Young Adults in Transition
www.housingandsupport.org.uk/site/hasa/templates/general.aspx?pageid=222&cc=gb
Independence at Home - Grants
The charity provides grants for disabled people and those with a long-term illness. Grants can be made for adaptations, equipment or other things to help manage at home if they're not funded by local or national government.
www.independenceathome.org.uk
Inspire - Equipment Bexley
Inspire Community Trust promotes independent living. This is achieved by supporting disabled people and those who have sensory impairments to make informed choices which enable them to improve and enhance their lives. They also manage the Blue Badge Scheme, Freedom Pass, Wheelchair scheme and equipment, mobility aids and supported living.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/special-needs-housing.html
MCCH
Supported Living Services including maintain physical and mental wellbeing, develop daily living skills, help manage your finances, help to maintain your tenancy and access to community services
www.mcch.org.uk/pages/common/mcch.aspx?pg=8520
Scope
Scope provides support, information and advice on Independent Living, Employment, Social care, Short Breaks, Assistive Technology and Equipment.
www.scope.org.uk/support/services/supported-living
Your Own Place Housing Advice
Working with disabled and other young people from all backgrounds. They may be leaving care, leaving school, leaving prison, leaving supported accommodation, going to college or university or just leaving home for the first time.
Including tenancy agreements, training courses, workshops for schools, preparing for employment.
www.yourownplace.org.uk
Ability Net – Assistive Technology
AbilityNet offers free services to enable disabled people to use computers and the internet at home, at work and in education. It also provides information on a wide variety of topics including: voice recognition technology, magnification and screen-reading software, computers and visual impairment, training and resources for disabled people.
www.abilitynet.org.uk
www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets
Bexley LA Social Services Fair Access to Care
Fair Access to Bexley Care Services Information Leaflet. The London Borough of Bexley provides or arranges a wide range of care and support services to a large number of people in Bexley. To be eligible for social care services you must have immediate and serious needs arising from: physical impairment or life-limiting illness, sensory impairment, learning disability, cognitive impairment, drug and alcohol misuse and mental health difficulties.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk/shop4carebexley-files/600151FairAccess.pdf
CEA Cinema Carers Card
The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). The scheme is one of the ways for participating cinemas to ensure they make reasonable adjustments for disabled guests when they go to the cinema; in particular it ensures a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them.
www.ceacard.co.uk
www.ceacard.co.uk/howtoapply.aspx
Council For Disabled Children
Personalisation and person centred approaches for disabled young people in transition. This paper looks at what a person centred approach might look like for a disabled young person during the transition to adulthood. It sets out what personalisation and person centred approaches are, looks at practice development and sets out guidance which supports this way.
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/import/person-centred-approaches-in-transition-planning.pdf
Forum of Mobility Centres
A network of organisations across the UK offering advice to individuals who have a condition that might affect
their ability to drive. As a disabled person, you can get independent customer research reports from Rica.
www.mobility-centres.org.uk
Getting Around UK Motability
Provides cars and powered wheelchairs through the Motability Scheme.
www.motability.co.uk
Inspire Community Trust
The Blue Badge scheme. It provides a range of parking benefits for disabled people who travel either as drivers or as passengers. A Blue Badge helps people with mobility difficulties, either as a passenger or driver.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/blue-badge-freedom-pass/blue-badge-scheme.html
Disabled Persons Freedom Pass - The Freedom Pass is paid for by your Council and is managed by London Councils. In Bexley, Inspire Community Trust manage it on behalf of the London Borough of Bexley. It gives free travel on most public transport. Available if you live in Bexley and have any statutory disabilities listed in the Transport Act 2000.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/freedom-pass-scheme-info/disabled-persons-freedom-pass
Bexley Wheelchair Service – will help if you use a wheelchair or have just been advised that you may need one.
http://www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/services/bexley-wheelchair-service.html
London Councils – Taxi Card Scheme
Reduced rate for taxi service - allows Londoners who have restricted mobility which prevents them from using buses or trains due to a long term disability or injury, to travel in contractors' licensed radio taxis-black cabs- at subsidised rates.
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard/apply-taxicard-your-borough
Mental Health Organisation
‘A Book About Me’ – An Ordinary Life Passport. The purpose of this 23 page booklet is for others to find out crucial information about a child or young person with high support needs in a short time-frame. It is very useful for attending clubs, short term care workers, friends and family and to use on days out and at public events. Ideal to print and complete with a young adult, allowing the opportunity for discussions.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/an_ordinary_life_passport_new.pdf
National Rail - Disabled Persons Railcard
The Disabled Persons Railcard is for people with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult.
You will need to provide evidence of your eligibility with your application. Get 1/3 off adult rail fares for travel on the National Rail network in Great Britain. If you're travelling with another adult they will also get 1/3 off their rail fare, so you can save money for a friend or family member too.
www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
National Radar Key Scheme (for Disabled Toilet Facilities)
The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) RADAR locks can now be found in most parts of the country.
In Bexley, you can purchase a RADAR key from Inspire Community Trust.
www.inspirecommunitytrust.org/inspire-services/equipment.html
Shop 4 Care Bexley Dial A Ride Travel
The London Borough of Bexley are developing an Information and Advice website, which will hold a wide range of health, social and community services that are accessible to Bexley residents.
Including Life Style advice, Dial A Ride Travel, Shop-mobility and your rights to Transport.
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk/service/dialaride
www.shop4carebexley.co.uk./service/shop-mobility
Your Own Place Training Courses
Training Courses for Young People - looking at debt and APR in detail, as well as bills, priorities, necessaries, budgeting, benefits as a safety net, benefits and moving in to work, money saving tips and where to go for more help.
Including tenancy agreements, training courses, workshops for schools, preparing for employment.
www.yourownplace.org.uk/why-choose-us/our-case-studies/tenancy-independent-living-skills-training-tils
Contact (previously known as Contact A Family)
Money Matters – A general guide to disabled money matters. Including disability and sickness benefits, benefits for working, money and vouchers, benefits for carers, help with rent, mortgage and council tax, transport, grants and loans.
www.cafamily.org.uk/media/975536/money_matters.pdf
Disability Rights
General disability benefits, grants and financial support Information including Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance and Carers Allowance. They also have information on many different grants including housing grants. They have produced a selection of factsheets on all the above for you to download free.
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/benefits-information-disabled-people-and-advice-workers
Family Fund
Grants from Family Fund are for families on certain benefits, whose child or young person are disabled or has SEND. They are for aged 17 or under but can also advise on grants for older adults.
www.familyfund.org.uk
Government Website
General Disability Benefits information including, housing, vehicles, transport, Direct Payments, Disabled Facilities Grants, Housing and Council Tax Reduction, Blind Person’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance (Disability premium).
www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/disability-and-sickness-benefits
16-19 Student Bursary Fund –
A bursary is available to help with education-related costs if you’re aged 16 to 19 and studying at a publicly funded school or college in England. Discretionary Bursary or Vulnerable Student Bursary are available depending on the individual.
www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
Carers Allowance and Carers Credit –
Financial support if you care for someone who receives certain benefits, at least 35 hours a week, and earn under the threshold. You may be eligible for Carer’s Credit (a National Insurance credit.
www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
www.gov.uk/carers-credit/overview
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) –
This is available to higher education students living in England if they have a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty.
www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
Employment and Support Allowance -
If you’re ill or disabled, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) offers you financial support if you’re unable to work and/or personalised help so that you can work if you’re able to.
www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/further-information
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) -
For children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who is under 16 and has difficulties walking or needs more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability.
www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) –
Helps with extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64. The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get.
www.gov.uk/pip
Becoming a Financial Appointee - Information on becoming an Appointee to support someone claiming benefits. You can apply for the right to deal with the benefits of someone who can’t manage their own affairs because they’re mentally incapable or severely disabled. Refer to the National Support Section for details on becoming a Financial Affairs Deputy.
www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits
www.gov.uk/become-deputy