Family Advice and Support at Skills for People

Skills for People is a user-led, voluntary organisation based in Newcastle upon Tyne.  Since 1983 we have been working to make sure that disabled people and their families can be in control of their own lives; strong, confident and involved in the communities of their choice.  Skills for People and North East Special Needs Network merged in 2017 to make one organisation.

Our Family Advice and Support team (FAS) work with parents and carers of disabled children and young people up to the age of 25 years to provide co-ordinated support.

What the Family Advice and Support Team can do for you:

Information Advice and Support

The team provides information and advice on a range of issues, from helping you to navigate your way around the Local Offer, connecting you with other services, to offering advice on a range of specific issues such as transport, holidays, activities and planning for adulthood.

We can offer you practical information and advice, appropriate to your circumstances and we work across all agencies such as education, social care, health, benefits, leisure and voluntary services.

In Depth Casework

We can offer in depth advice and support for parents/carers tailored to your individual family’s needs, working with other agencies towards positive outcomes for your family. This support is usually more longer term, and is not time limited, but considers your family’s situation.

For example we can help families prepare for meetings so that the views of parents, children and young people are heard.

Grant Funding Applications

We can provide help and guidance on completing grant funding application forms for items or activities which will help your family or child/young person. (This is often dependent on family income).

Coffee Morning / Drop ins

Come and meet other parent/carers and find out what works for them.  Speak to our team face to face to help you get information relevant to your family.

Social Media

Our social media allows you to keep up to date with news and local activities for you and your family.  You can connect with other parents/carers to help each other.

Workshops / Training

We run workshops and events based on feedback from parents on a variety of topics including “Preparing for Adulthood” - preparing parents for when their young person moves from childrens to adult services.

Positive Behaviour Course and other useful support from Skills for People: 

https://skillsforpeople.org.uk/positive-behaviour-support-workshops-autumn-2022/

You can also contact us at Skills for People on 0191 281 8737 for more information.