Information for Families in Plymouth
Parents, carers and guardians can access advice and support regarding all services in Plymouth from the Plymouth Online Directory, also known as the POD.
http://www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/
The aim of the directory is to offer information about advice, help and support services for children, young people and families who live and work in Plymouth. It also supports those who work within or have an interest in family support services.
Early help is about getting support when you need it and there are lots of organisations listed in the POD directory which can help families and young people.
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND
Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND (PIAS) provides the information, advice and support service, relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), for young people, parents and carers within the Plymouth Local Authority area.
PIAS and Careers South West (CSW) are under contract from the Department for Education (DFE) to provide Independent Support to help young people, parents/carers to understand the SEND process.
PIAS also provides support to parents and carers with meetings and is able to provide advice and guidance regarding choosing schools and the school admissions process.
Information provided is impartial and confidential.
Contact Information:
Tel: 01752 258933 or 0800 9531131
email: pias@plymouth.gov.uk
Plymouth Parent Carer Voice
PPCV is a group of parents and carers of young people with disabilities and additional needs who come together to work in partnership with local authorities, education, health and social care providers, as well as other organisations to help create and improve the range and access for families to all services and support available to them in the Plymouth area.
https://www.plymouthpcv.co.uk/
Email direct on hello@plymouthpcv.co.uk
National Autism Society
Plymouth has a new Registered Manager for its Autism Community Support Services, Carly Jarvis.
As well as Plymouth, Carly is also looking at developing services within the Torbay and Exeter areas, to begin with these areas would be managed from the Plymouth service until they become established.
Whether its coping strategies for accessing local transport, or learning a new hobby or physical activity, the service aims to give people the tools to help them access the services and facilities they want in a safe and rewarding way. Depending on need, it could be short term sessions to work on very specific aims, or drawing up a long term plan designed to open up new facilities and opportunities to grow and develop abilities.
Some of the things they can help with include:
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goal setting
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general issues relating to autism or Asperger syndrome
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strategies to keep safe
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maintaining relationships with family and friends
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developing social skills using Socialeyes resource pack
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supporting people to attend college and university
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developing independent living skills
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transition into independent living
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using public transport
You can contact Carly at carly.jarvis@nas.org.uk or call 01752 764 821.
South West Autism Society Information Leaflet
Swimcats provide quality and fun swimming lessons and aqua yoga in and around Plymouth. They use the following pools in Plymouth - New Continental, Plymouth College, Kenleys Nursery School, Whitsand Bay Caravan Park and a private pool in Bittaford near Ivybridge. For more details visit http://www.swimcats.co.uk/
