External Links & Specialist Organisations 

This section brings together a well-curated list of local and national services that may be helpful to parents and carers. Here you’ll find links to Oxfordshire support teams, national SEND organisations, mental health charities, carer organisations, online peer communities and crisis lines. Each entry includes a short explanation and contact details, making it easy to find reliable support beyond the University whenever it’s needed.

Content will continue to expand as we identify further useful services.

Local support

1. Oxfordshire Family Support Network (OxFSN) - Info@OxFSN.org.uk, 07891 734987 or 07821 987080

2. Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum (OxPCF) - info@oxpcf.org.uk, 07394 735666

3. Carers Oxfordshire - carersinfo@carersoxfordshire.org.uk, 01235 424715

4. Oxfordshire Mind - info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk, 01865 247788

5. Home-Start Oxford - admin@homestartoxford.org.uk, 01865 649003

6. OBBS Digital Skills Workshops – weekly digital skills sessions for older adults; contact Lisa Hale (lhale@brookes.ac.uk) for details

National 24-hour Support

1. Samaritans - call the free helpline on 116 123

2. Shout - text 'SHOUT' to 85258

Specialist Organisations

1. Doula Support UK - admin@doula.org.uk, 0871 433 3103 (Note this is a premium rate number). Doulas provide practical, emotional and nurturing support to the whole family during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby.

2. Family Carer Support Service (FCSS) – 0117 906 1700. Resources, grants and support for family carers navigating complex needs.

3. Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) – office@ipsea.org.uk, 01799 582030. National SEND legal and advocacy support (annual reviews, appeals, EHCP guidance).

4. National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) - 020 7490 8656.  Charity dedicated to providing support, information and advice for deaf children and young people, their families and professionals working with them.

5. SENSS (Special Educational Needs Support Service), Oxfordshire – 01865 323070 Monday to Friday 09:30 – 14:30 or Email - senss@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

6. SENDIASS Oxfordshire – Call: 01865 810 516, Text: 07786 524 294, info@sendiass-oxfordshire.org.uk

7. Thomley Activity Centre, Buckinghamshire – inclusive activities for children and young people with additional needs

8. FACE Family Advice Ltd - FACE (Family Advice – Communication – Education) offer practical, live online parenting talks and short courses covering a wide range of topics relevant to families, including SEND, ADHD, autism, anxiety, school avoidance, sleep, anger, and adolescent wellbeing. Live online sessions (usually 10:00–11:30 or 19:00–20:30 GMT); £24 per session or free if your child’s school has membership; Recordings available for 48 hours if you can’t attend live. Contact: info@facefamilyadvice.co.uk, 07921 512759.

9. Special Needs Jungle (SNJ) is a parent-led, UK-based website offering resources, information, and, informed opinion on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and chronic conditions. It aims to empower families to navigate the complex, often confusing, SEND system.