Manchester Local Offer Newsletter

Manchester City Council sent this bulletin at 22-04-2020 01:06 PM BST

Local Offer - www.manchester.gov.uk/sendlocaloffer

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As the lockdown continues, there’s a mix of news and information in this week’s bulletin. This includes our Local Offer Virtual Drop In next week and a new Educational Psychology Helpline in the city.

If you’ve come across any resources you’ve found helpful, please let us know so we can share them.

The Local Offer Team

Email: localoffer@manchester.gov.uk

Coronavirus Local Offer Advice & Information

www.manchester.gov.uk/sendlocaloffer

April's Virtual Drop In

We’re holding our second Virtual Drop In on Wednesday 29th April, 10am – 12 noon. This gives parents and carers of children or young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) a chance to talk to specialists about Education, Social Care, Short Breaks, or any general information and advice.

See our Virtual Drop In page for telephone and social media contacts for this event.

IAS Manchester Helpline

Information, Advice and Support Manchester (IASM) can help SEND families at this time and have extended their helpline hours to 8.30-4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Just give them a call on 0161 209 8356 and they’ll help you find the right information and advice. If they don’t have the answers, they’ll find out for you. Leave your name and number and in most cases you’ll get a call back the same day. You can also email at parents@manchester.gov.uk.

Emotional Wellbeing - Further Support

Last week, we shared a newsletter about emotional wellbeing support for you and your family. Here are some additional services:

Educational Psychology Helpline Manchester

OneEducation’s new helpline goes live on Thursday 23rd April:

OneEducation’s SEND parent helpline

0161 276 0118, Monday to Friday, 1-3pm

It's for any parent/carer of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Manchester schools and early years settings. You can have a problem-solving conversation relating to educating your child/young person at home. This might be issues around learning, behaviour, anxiety and mental health needs.

They also offer phone consultations to parents/carers of children and young people with an autism diagnosis from the Bridge, the Winnicott Centre and Carol Kendrick Unit. This can relate to any aspect of educating your child at home and/or about other education issues. To book, please send them an email with your name and phone number - autism.edpsych@oneeducation.co.uk.

Free Online Mental Wellbeing Programmes

All Greater Manchester residents can now access free online programmes through Silver Cloud, a digital mental health platform. These can help ease stress levels, improve sleep or build resilience. Each programme uses proven methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy and is confidential and secure.

Manchester Mental Health 24/7 Helpline

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust have extended their helpline to respond to the needs of their service users and carers. It is now 24/7 and can be called any time, day or night if you feel your mental health is beginning to suffer – 01204 483071. This isn’t a freephone number but you can ask them to ring you back.

Manchester City Council Support

Manchester City Council have a dedicated helpline to help Manchester people cope with the impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak. You can call on 0800 234 6123 between 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

There is also extensive information on the Council website, including information on health, housing information and bin collections. Sign up for updates.

Coronavirus Info & Updates

Don’t forget that the Manchester Local Offer has Coronavirus Advice & Information. This is regularly updated and includes information on school meal vouchers, short breaks and stuff to do.

Here are some other useful resources:

Contact - Benefits & Money Advice

Useful information from Contact, the charity for families with disabled children, around benefits and money.

Council For Disabled Children

The Council for Disabled Children has pulled together extensive resources for families. There’s Government Guidance, learning resources to support home schooling and the results of the CDC’s FAQs shared with the Department for Education (DfE).

Downs Syndrome Association

Lots of information from the Downs Syndrome Association, including learning at home, benefits and financial help, and fun and relaxing things to do.

Manchester Carers Centre

Coronavirus information relating to carers, including updates on Carers Allowance and tips for caring for someone with the virus.

Mencap

Mencap has a range of advice and information and news updates, as well as an online forum where people can ask questions, share experiences and offer support.

National Deaf Children’s Society

The Society has up to date guidance, a families blog post, a helpline and new 24/7 Interpreter Now Service.

Resources For BAME Families

GMCVO has put together a list of resources for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, including information in different languages, support for refugees and religious burials.

RNIB

Coronavirus updates from the RNIB, as well as a helpline 0303 123 9999, 8am-8pm weekdays and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.

Signhealth Updates In BSL

Daily coronavirus updates in British Sign Language (BSL) from The Deaf Health Charity Signhealth.

Together For Short Lives

The charity has a Coronavirus Q&A, giving answers to the frequently asked questions on their helpline for parents and carers of children and young people with complex health needs.

WellChild – Support For Families With Vital Services & Supplies

WellChild intend to try and help as many families as possible who care for children and young people with long term serious health needs and/or disabilities. They’ve set up a COVID-19 Direct Response Service. As part of this, they’ve made partnership agreements with suppliers and will try to assist where families are suffering financial hardship in accessing vital supplies. Families can self-refer or be referred, using the form on the website.

Stay Safe Online

As many families spend more time online, cyber security threats and fraud are increasing. We’ve pulled together some guidance to help keep you safe and secure:

Government guidance on cyber security threats and being cyber-aware.

House Party app advice.

Manchester City Council coronoavirus related fraud information - covers shopping scams, phishing emails and price hikes.

Zoom-bombing – how to prevent hackers from posting disturbing content in your Zoom get-togethers.

Other News In Brief

SEND risk assessment - Government guidance around SEND risk assessment in educational settings.

Virtual SEND Tribunals - HMCTS guidance on how to join telephone/video hearings.

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