Introduction
This page provides information on health and care for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (0-25 years). This includes information from NHS sources, social care and voluntary agencies.
If you are looking for advice and support about health related issues affecting you and your family, you will find details of many local and national services here.
There are a range of health services available for children and young people aged 0-25 years based on the individual's health needs. Children with special educational needs and disabilities are able to access 'universal' services that are available to everyone. There will be other specialist services which the child or young person can access if necessary.
Health Services in Cumbria are planned and bought for the local community by two Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). There are also some public health services that improve the health of local communities in Cumbria which are planned and bought by Cumbria County Council.
North Cumbria CCG (http://www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/index.aspx)
Morecambe Bay CCG (https://www.morecambebayccg.nhs.uk/)
Cumbria County Council Public Health (https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/publichealth/)
In some cases, your child may need specialised services that are planned and bought by NHS England North of England regional team. The North of England regional team oversees the work that is done by the Clinical Commissioning Groups in Cumbria and is also responsible for planning and buying primary care and specialist services in Cumbria such as GPs, Dentists, inpatient child and adolescent mental health services.
You can search for NHS Health Care Services (http://www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/health-services/Health-Services.aspx) in your local area such as GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacists, opticians, support groups and other health care support.
Community Services for Children across the county and outpatient services in the North (e.g. Ophthalmology, Dietician)
http://www.ncuh.nhs.uk/our-services/index.aspx
Your own GP is key to helping you access services.
A Handy NHS app for mobiles phones allows parents and carers to access advice and information to help look after their children's health.
The free app is designed for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years and is available for download on mobiles phones on Google Play or Apple's App Store under 'NHS Child Health'.
This useful app offers easy to understand guidance on childhood illnesses, recognising when your child is unwell, and advice on when and where to seek further treatment.
NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group has been working with the community to share this information with networks of young parents and professionals who may find it helpful.
It was developed by paediatric staff working across the North East and Cumbria region, in response to research that parent groups lack confidence to recognise common childhood illness. The app was then developed with communities and targtet parent groups.
You can find more information and how to download the app from here: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-app/
For general information on staying well this winter visit: http://northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/news/campaigns/winter-health-advice.aspx
The Council's new Short Breaks Services for children, young people and their families began delivering services from 1st February 2017.
Short Breaks are now delivered on behalf of Cumbria County Council by Carlisle Mencap in Carlisle and Eden , Barrow and South Lakeland and by Westhouse in Allerdale and Copeland.
Short Breaks maybe available for children and young people with complex and additional needs. If you are a carer of a disabled child or young person, these are designed to give you a break from caring responsibilities, whilst giving your child access to leisure and social opportunities in a supportive environment with their peers.
Cumbria's Short Break Statement is now available along with additional information for children, young people, families and carers.
An extensive consultation took place with families in 2015/16 to produce the new Statement and to identify the preferred method of delivery and the new Short Breaks hubs were the outcome. Families were also involved in the selection process for the providers. Advisory Groups have also been created in each area with significant parent/carer representation to ensure parent/carers guide the development of Short Break provision. In addition, each Advisory Group has the ability to issue small grants which organisations can apply for to develop services to meet the needs of children whose needs for a Short Break are not well met elsewhere.
Short Breaks Advisory Group Terms of Reference
Role of Parent Carer Representatives
Short Breaks Advisory Group Membership
Appointment of Short Breaks Parent/Carer Representatives
