The Families Information Service intends this page to provide you with information about local services available to you and also links to other useful websites and helplines.

There are a range of services provided by Wakefield Council for disabled children, young people and their families, these include:-

Kids WeSail - The Wakefield Early Support and Information Liaison (WeSail) is a support service for all families caring for a child with a disability or additional needs.  Kids have been commissioned by Wakefield Council and Wakefield NHS to deliver the service in the Wakefield district.  The WeSail offers information, specialist support and guidance.  They also have a designated Key Worker Service and a Multi Agency Team which includes a Connexions PA and a Children and Families Worker.

WeSail has an advice line available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm on 01924 379015.

Short Break Service - This is an outreach service which offers care and support to disabled children and young people between the ages of 0 - 18 years and their families.  It provides short breaks which take place either in a child's own home, or in their local community. It provides an alternative to the more traditional short breaks in residential or foster homes.  For more information call WeSail on 01924 379015.

Get Started (Barnardo's) - The Get Started project is funded by Wakefield Council and is for disabled children and young people aged 5 - 19 years.  The aim of the project is to support children and young people to access mainstream leisure activities.  Get Started workers can:

• Search for activities in the area a person lives
• Support organisations within the local community to understand disability issues and provide an inclusive environment

Children and young people can refer themselves to Get Started as can parents, carers and professionals.  For more information on Get Started call 01924 239250.

Starting Point - This is a Resource Directory for Parents/Carers & Disabled Children, and it aims to provide information about services that are available for disabled children and young people and their families in the Wakefield District.  Please note this directory is in the process of being updated and a copy will appear in Related Links once completed.

DIAL Wakefield - A free, independent, Community Legal Service quality marked advice and information service for disabled people living within the boundary of Wakefield Council.  Disabled people, their carers and families can contact DIAL for anything directly related to disability and or caring, on 01977 723933/34.

Wakefield Parent Partnership Service - Who are an independent advice, information and support service for parents/carers of children with special educational needs.  The Parent Partnership Service can be contacted on 0800 587 8042 or visit their website (see Related Links).

Newsletters

Below are a number of newsletters which can be viewed in Related Downloads on the right.

The West Yorkshire ADHD Support Group Newsletter.

The Wakefield & District Down's Syndrome Support Group have just published their February 2010 newsletter.

Issue 1 of News and Views the newsletter to help keep parents and carers of disabled children or those with an additional need updated with local and national news.

Forthcoming Events 

Parents Reference Group (Carers Wakefield & District)
The Parents Reference Group meet every 6 weeks to steer the way we involve parents in service monitoring and development and to discuss the issues that are important as a parent / carer of a disabled child / young person in the Wakefield District.  Please come along and share your thoughts and ideas.

In an attempt to reach more parents / carers and encourage participation the next four meetings has a roving venue and a theme of ‘Professionals You Might Meet and their Roles.’  Professionals from Social Work, Nursing, Therapy and Child Mental health have been invited to give a short overview of services in relation to disabled children.

The meetings are to be held 10am – 12pm and lunch will be provided at 12. 

Your experiences, thoughts and ideas are really important, so please try to come along. If you would like support with childcare or transport to any of the meetings please call 07776163508 or 07881637534 or 0776901713 to discuss your needs.  We would welcome other venue suggestions and topics for speakers for future meetings.

• 25th March - St Mary's Community Centre, Chequerfield, Pontefract.
• 20th May - Havercroft & Ryhill Sports and Youth Centre, Havercroft.
• 22nd July - Agbrigg Belle Vue Community Centre, Agbrigg.
• 23rd September - St George's Community Centre, Lupset