Benefits & Resources

Here are a few ideas that may just make your life a little easier.  Let us know if you find any more.

Emergency Response Card

A Parent Carer Emergency Response Card is for the main parent carer of a child or young person registered with LOOK AHEAD services. The card can then be carried around with the parent carer when they are out and about. If they are then involved in an emergency situation the emergency services know to look for this card and call the appropriate number, they will then quote the parent carers unique reference number and care will be arranged for their child or young person with additional needs.

The card also allows the carer free entrance to many of the council owned attractions. These include Sewerby Hall and various swimming pools. PLEASE NOTE this is only available to those living in the East Riding, there is no equivalent in Hull. Please contact East Riding Council for an application form on (01482) 396469.

 

Blue Badge Scheme

If your child is over 2, they should qualify for a blue badge which will allow you more flexibility when parking your car. The criteria for applying is that the applicant must have "a permanent and substantial disablity which causes inablity to walk or considerable difficulty in walking". You DO NOT have to be getting the Higher Rate of the mobility component of DLA to qualify. Please contact Hull City Council for an application form on (01482) 300300 or click here

 

Look Ahead

Register for Look Ahead services by completing the application form or call them on (01482) 396469. PLEASE NOTE Look Ahead services are only available to those living in the East Riding, there is no equivalent in Hull.

  • A LOOK AHEAD newsletter four times a year - packed full of news and tips on helping you to help your child with additional needs. 

  • Invitations to parent carer events and workshops throughout the year.

  • Regular mailouts about activities, new services and events.

  • Apply for your very own Passport to Leisure card - entitling you to 50% off many standard priced leisure centre activities in the East Riding.

  • A Shop & Save card to access discounts in a variety of businesses across the East Riding.

 

Carers Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a taxable benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled.  You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person that you care for.  For everything you need to know about Carers Allowance, please click here.

 

 

Carer's Credit

If you cannot get Carer's Allowance and look after one or more disabled people for a total of 20 hours or more a week, you may want to apply for Carer's Credit. This is a National Insurance Credit for carers of working age that can protect your future entitlement to the basic element of the State Pension and bereavement benefits. The credit may also help you build up some additional pension, sometimes called State Second Pension. Any additional pension you are entitled to will be paid with your basic State Pension when you claim it. Call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.

Free Nappies

Is your child over 4 and still in nappies?

If so, please get in touch with your health visitor or school nurse as you may be entitled to free nappies.

 

Specialised Equipment

Children Today is a charity that raises funds to provide specialised equipment for children and young people with disabilities throughout the UK. Visit their website

 

Disabled Toilet Key

The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers independent access to disabled people to around 7000 locked public toilets around the country. Contact them on 0845 0109000 or visit their website.

 

Disability Living Allowance (D.L.A.)

Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free benefit for disabled children and adults to help with extra costs you may have because you are disabled. It is not based on your disability but the needs arising from it. To apply, please call the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0845 882200 or visit their site here.

Down Syndrome Awareness Week March 2024

Down Syndrome Awareness Week takes place this year from the 18th of March to the 24th. This year's theme is "End the Stereotypes". Click here to find out how you can get involved this year.

 

From Twitter

Friday Sessions

We're delighted to announce that our Winter sessions will continue to be face to face. We have the following dates to share.

January

12th

19th 26th

February

2nd

9th 23rd

Note half term on Friday 16th, so no session on this date.

March

1st

8th 15th 22nd

 

Can't attend a session?

Please let us know if you cannot attend a session - either contact your group leader direct, or contact the office on 01482 420160 or office@downrightspecial.co.uk

Friday Visitors

We regularly have visitors to our Friday sessions, whether they be healthcare professionals, friends from the community or old faces returning to have a catch up with us.