There are a range of charities, grants and support groups in Hertfordshire that can help families gain knowledge and information to support their children, get financial help, build confidence, share knowledge and enjoy social opportunities and activities.
If you need any help in accessing these services for your family, please call 01920 485152 or email flo@middleton.herts.sch.uk to speak to our Family Liaison Officer (FLO) Helen.
If you know of any helpful services that we haven’t listed, please let us know and we can share them with our Middleton community.
Financial Support
Household Support Fund in Hertfordshire
To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire has been provided with funding from the Government’s ‘Household Support Fund’. This is used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food.
Disability Living Allowance
You can find more information about applying for Disability Living Allowance here. If you would like help in completing an application, please speak to the FLO, Helen.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/money/disability-living-allowance.aspx#
Carers allowance
You might be able to claim if:
- you are aged 16 years or over and you care for someone at least 35 hours a week
- your child or young person receives the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component at the middle or highest rate
- or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- you are not in full-time education
- you earn no more than £128 per week after deductions.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/money/carers-allowance.aspx#
Family Fund Grant
Giving grants to families on a low income for items they may not otherwise be able to afford. For example family breaks, digital equipment, white goods, clothing, bedding, furniture and play equipment.
Short Breaks
Short breaks offer disabled children and young people the chance to spend time out with others socialising and doing fun activities, giving their families a break and providing them with the confidence their child is well supported by a trained worker.
They include holiday and Saturday clubs, and activities range from canoeing and computer skills to Lego.
Support Groups
SPACE
SPACE host a range of support groups, training courses, social events and activities for families with neurodiverse children. They are also a Short Break Local Offer provider, so lots of activities can be accessed at a low cost.
ADD-vance
Add-vance offer a range of services throughout Hertfordshire aimed at helping parents and carers to understand and support children with neurodiverse conditions.
https://www.add-vance.org/parents
Clubs and Sports Activities
CHIPS play scheme
CHIPS run 2.5 hour play schemes on Saturdays throughout term time, 3 day long play schemes at Easter and Christmas, plus 3 week long summer play schemes during the holidays. They also offer a range of out of school clubs such as cooking, craft and model railway.
Bury Rangers Inclusive Football
An all-inclusive football club takes place at Wodson Park on Saturdays. Contact them for more information.
https://www.buryrangers.com/teams/189953
Cycling
Herts Disability Sports Foundation offer 1:1 cycling lessons for young people to learn to ride a bike or to fine-tune their cycling skills.
HAPpy Activity Camps
Holiday camps aimed at children eligible for free school meals. Other families may be eligible, so if you feel this would be something you would like to access do get in touch to see if your child would be eligible.
https://sportinherts.org.uk/happy/booking
BeeZee Bodies
Providing free, fun, family focused activities to help families make healthy habits for life. Aimed at families who would like support with weight management. Have a look here for more information and speak to us if you would like to be referred.
https://sportinherts.org.uk/happy/booking
Hertfordshire Music Service Inclusive Choir
An inclusive contemporary style choir for anyone in year 5 and 6 and secondary age with a focus on giving a voice to those with SEN and complex needs.
