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Local SEND information and advice

Browse local services, community groups, carers’ resources and family support across Torbay.

  • Supporting families

    The Supporting Families Programme is a Government funded initiative that has been running since 2015. When families experience a lot of challenges all at once these can be the most difficult times for them. The Supporting Families programme is aimed…

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    The Supporting Families Programme is a Government funded initiative that has been running since 2015.

    When families experience a lot of challenges all at once these can be the most difficult times for them. The Supporting Families programme is aimed at working with families at these times by providing targeted interventions for families with complex problems. These problems might include the following:-

    • Unemployment and financial instability,
    • Poor school attendance,
    • Mental and physical health problems,
    • Involvement in crime and antisocial behaviour,
    • Domestic abuse and poor family relationships,
    • Children who are at risk of abuse and exploitation,
    • Substance misuse and insecure housing.

    The four key principles of Supporting Families is helping you at the earliest possible time you experience a problem, working with your whole family, working with other agencies in partnership who can provide different types of support to you, and ensuring we make a real difference to you and your children.

    The Supporting Families programme in Torbay is delivered via the Early Help Partnership. For more information click on the link, speak to a Family Hub worker or contact us by clicking here.

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  • Torbay Carers Service

    Does someone rely on you? Are you an unpaid carer? Lots of people care or support their relatives or friends. They may help with shopping or meals, attending appointments with them, or just making sure that they are alright. They…

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    Does someone rely on you? Are you an unpaid carer?

    Lots of people care or support their relatives or friends. They may help with shopping or meals, attending appointments with them, or just making sure that they are alright. They may not see themselves as a carer or know about the support available to them.

    Being a carer is really important and we want to help them, and the people they care for. Our commitment to this is in our carers policy, and in our action plan which will help us to achieve this.

    Torbay Carers Service – Torbay and South Devon NHS FT

    Contact us to see how we can support you in your caring role. 

    We offer: 

    For more details, ask your Carer Support Worker, call 01803 66 66 20, or email signposts@nhs.net

    Ask us about a free Carer’s Passport

    Torbay Carers Service

    Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

    Paignton Library

    Paignton

    TQ4 5AG

    Website: Torbay Carers Service – Torbay and South Devon NHS FT

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  • Torbay Community Helpline

    Torbay Community Helpline connects people with advice, practical help and community services. Support includes financial advice, food support, mental health support and befriending. People can also contact the helpline to offer help or refer someone who needs support. Details Torbay…

    Details

    Torbay Community Helpline connects people with advice, practical help and community services. Support includes financial advice, food support, mental health support and befriending. People can also contact the helpline to offer help or refer someone who needs support.

    Details

    Torbay Community Helpline helps people find support when they do not know which service to contact.

    The helpline works with voluntary, community and public services across Torbay. Its team connects people with suitable support.

    Support may include:

    • befriending and help with isolation
    • financial advice
    • food bank referrals
    • help after leaving hospital
    • mental health support
    • practical help at home
    • support to maintain independence
    • referrals to local community services

    The helpline also works with Adult Social Care and Torbay Hospital. This includes connecting people with community support following a hospital stay.

    People can contact the helpline for themselves or refer someone else who needs help. They can also contact the team if they want to volunteer.

    Age

    People of all ages living in Torbay.

    Parents, carers, relatives and professionals can also contact the helpline about someone who needs support.

    Eligibility

    The helpline supports people living in Torbay.

    People do not need to know which organisation or service they need before contacting the team.

    How to access

    Call the helpline or complete the form on their website.

    People can contact the helpline for themselves or refer someone who needs support.

    Opening hours

    The main phone line is open:

    • Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm
    • weekends, closed
    • most bank holidays, closed

    Opening hours may change during Christmas and New Year.

    Areas covered

    Torbay.

    Contact

    Phone: 01803 446022
    Website: Torbay Community Helpline
    Facebook: @torbaycommunityhelpline

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  • Torbay Mencap

    Torbay Mencap supports people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. The charity provides information, activities, social opportunities and advocacy. People can join as members or support its work as a Torbay Mencap Champion. Details Torbay Mencap is a local…

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    Torbay Mencap supports people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. The charity provides information, activities, social opportunities and advocacy. People can join as members or support its work as a Torbay Mencap Champion.

    Details

    Torbay Mencap is a local registered charity. It has supported the Torbay community for nearly 70 years.

    The charity supports:

    • people with learning disabilities
    • autistic people
    • people with profound and multiple disabilities
    • parents and carers
    • people who want to champion the rights of people with learning disabilities

    Support can include:

    • information and advice
    • advocacy
    • campaigns
    • social activities
    • connections with local clubs and services
    • opportunities to meet people and take part in the community

    The membership form includes options for people who attend:

    • the Gateway Club
    • Co-ordin8
    • the FAB Club

    Age

    Contact Torbay Mencap to check whether its activities suit the person’s age and needs.

    Eligibility

    Membership is available to:

    • people with a learning disability
    • parents and carers
    • people who care for someone with a learning disability
    • people who want to become a Torbay Mencap Champion

    How to access

    Complete the online membership form to join Torbay Mencap.

    Parents, carers and Torbay Mencap Champions can also apply.

    Use the website contact form for questions about membership, activities or support.

    Needs supported

    • Autism
    • Learning disability
    • Complex health needs

    Areas covered

    Torbay.

    Contact

    Address: Torbay Mencap, South Lodge, Huxtable Hill, Torquay TQ2 6RN
    Website: Torbay Mencap

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  • Turn2us – Tackling Financial Insecurity Together

    Turn2us provides free information and online tools for people facing financial difficulties. People can check their benefit entitlement, search for charitable grants and get guidance about financial support. Details Turn2us is a national charity that supports people facing financial insecurity.…

    Details

    Turn2us provides free information and online tools for people facing financial difficulties. People can check their benefit entitlement, search for charitable grants and get guidance about financial support.

    Details

    Turn2us is a national charity that supports people facing financial insecurity.

    Its website provides:

    • a benefits calculator
    • a charitable grants search
    • benefit guides
    • cost of living information
    • guidance for different personal circumstances
    • help with Personal Independence Payment applications

    Turn2us also provides the PIP Helper. This online guide covers each stage of applying for Personal Independence Payment, including:

    • checking eligibility
    • starting a claim
    • preparing for the application form
    • completing the form
    • preparing for an assessment
    • understanding the decision
    • appealing a decision

    Areas covered

    United Kingdom.

    Some charitable grants only cover certain places or groups. Check each grant’s eligibility rules.

    Contact

    Website: Turn2us

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Date- 10/8/2023

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