At St Nicholas, we know that supporting a child with additional needs is a journey for the whole family. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we aim to work closely with parents and carers, offering support, guidance and opportunities to connect with others.
We understand that sometimes it can be helpful to talk to other parents who may be having similar experiences. There are a range of local services and support groups available across Leeds that offer advice, reassurance and a listening ear.
Leeds SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support)
Leeds SENDIASS provides free, impartial and confidential advice for parents and carers of children with SEND. They can support with:
understanding EHCPs
school support and provision
your rights as a parent
meetings and processes
📞 0113 378 5020
📧 sendiass@leeds.gov.uk
🌐 https://sendiass.leeds.gov.uk/
Leeds Local Offer
The Leeds Local Offer brings together education, health and social care services in one place, helping families understand what support is available across the city.
It includes:
SEND support services
activities and short breaks
health and therapy services
preparing for adulthood
🌐 https://leedslocaloffer.org.uk/
📧 llo@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Parent Carer Forum (LPCF)
A parent-led group supporting families and influencing local SEND services.
🌐 https://www.lpcf.co.uk/
📧 info@lpcf.co.uk
Face 2 Face Leeds (Parent Support)
Offers emotional support for parents of children with additional needs.
🌐 https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/face2face/
📞 0113 380 4300
St Vincent’s Support Centre
A brilliant community hub right in LS9 offering:
family support
debt and benefits advice
ESOL classes
community café and shop
support with housing and employment
📍 4 Berking Avenue, LS9 9LF
📞 0113 248 4126
📧 hello@svp.org.uk
🌐 https://www.svp.org.uk/st-vincents-leeds
This is one of your strongest local links — definitely keep this high up your page.
The Compton Centre Community Hub
The Compton Centre is a key community hub and family hub in LS9, offering a wide range of support for children, young people and families all in one place.
It includes:
family support and Early Help services
access to a SEND coordinator through the Family Hub
help with housing, benefits and council services
job search and employment support
library services and free computer access
community activities and events
Family hubs like the Compton Centre are designed to provide joined-up support for families, including parenting advice, health support and help accessing local services.
Address: Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 7BG
📞 General enquiries: 0113 222 4444
📞 Library: 0113 378 5005
📧 family.hubs@leeds.gov.uk (Family Hub support)
A full guide explaining how the SEND system works, including EHCPs and support in school.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers
Kids SEND Advice Hub
Clear, parent-friendly guides on:
understanding SEND
signs to look for
how schools support children
practical strategies at home
https://www.kids.org.uk/guides/understanding-special-educational-needs/
NHS Autism Guide
Information about:
signs of autism
diagnosis
support available
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
National Autistic Society – Parent Guides
Practical advice on supporting autistic children at home and in school.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/parents-and-carers
YoungMinds ADHD Parent Guide
Support with:
behaviour
emotions
routines
school support
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/a-z-mental-health-guide/adhd/
NHS ADHD Overview
Clear overview of ADHD symptoms and support.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
British Dyslexia Association – Parent Guide
A really strong guide covering:
identifying dyslexia
support at home
working with school
EHCPs
https://cdn.bdadyslexia.org.uk/uploads/documents/Downloadable-Guides/British-Dyslexia-Association-Guide-for-Parents.pdf
Dyscalculia & Learning Difficulties
Support for maths difficulties and wider learning needs.
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyscalculia
NHS Speech and Language Support
Information on:
speech delay
communication difficulties
how to help at home
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-language-disorder/
I CAN (Children’s Communication Charity)
Practical advice for parents on supporting communication.
https://ican.org.uk/i-cans-talking-point/
YoungMinds Parent Hub
Support for:
anxiety
behaviour
emotional wellbeing
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
MindMate (Leeds)
Local support for children’s mental health.
NHS Learning Disabilities Guide
Explains what learning disabilities are and how to support children.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/
Mencap – Parent Resources
Support and guidance for families of children with learning disabilities.
Parentkind SEND Directory
A wide range of organisations covering:
autism
ADHD
dyslexia
mental health
physical needs
https://www.parentkind.org.uk/parents-resources/send-support-directory-for-primary-school-children