SWAN UK (Syndrome Without A Name)

SWAN creating awareness of undiagnosed conditions A project offering support and information to families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions SWAN UK (Syndrome Without A Name) estimate that 30-50% of children with severe learning disabilities and 50% of children in contact with NHS Regional Genetics…

What are shared lives schemes?

‘Shared lives’ schemes are designed to support adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems, or other support needs. In shared lives, an adult with care needs is matched with an approved ‘shared lives carer’; the adult and the shared lives carer will share family and…

Disabled Parking - The Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge Scheme enables people with severe mobility problems to access goods and services by allowing them to park closer to their destination. The scheme is open to eligible disabled people irrespective of whether they are a driver or passenger. For more information, please…

Support to help vulnerable residents stay warm this winter

Winter Watch Winter Watch offers advice and help to older people, people with disabilities or long term health conditions and families with very young children whose health and well being is most at risk because their homes are cold and damp. This includes: a home energy…

Vehicle road tax exemption and reduction

If you’re disabled or have a serious long-term condition, you may be exempt from vehicle excise duty (known as road tax or car tax).  You’ll qualify for tax exemption if you’re eligible for the higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA),…

NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

If you are referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme…

Working and caring

Although working alongside caring can be difficult to juggle, it does ensure you have a life outside your caring responsibilities which provides different challenges, the chance to meet/stay in contact with other people and some financial stability. Should I give up work? Many carers feel…

Benefits for Carers (Carer's Allowance)

Caring can lead to financial difficulties.  It is important to ensure that both you and the person you care for claim all benefits you are entitled to. Click here for further information about carer's allowance and other benefits for carers. UNIVERSAL CREDIT Universal Credit Full Service has been available…

Carer's Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. If you are looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible. The carer does not have to be related to, or live with, the person they care for.  https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance A carer can claim…

What is Dyspraxia?

What is Dyspraxia? Developmental dyspraxia is an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement that presents problems in coordinating movements. For example, people with dyspraxia may have difficulties with driving, cooking, riding a bicycle and sports involving  hand-eye co-ordination. It is an immaturity in…