Alternative Sources of Support 

 

Clinical Psychology

• Dr Kathy Adcock - online - teenagers, parenting and parent-child work: drkathyadcock@gmail.com

• Dr Aariya Rae - online - teenagers, parents and parenting, including neurodivergence: aariyarae@gmail.com

• Dr Emma Mahoney - adult autism and ADHD coaching: www.theadvisorynd.com

• Dr Keren Smith - online - older teenagers and adults, including trauma/complex trauma

  • ​www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/keren-smith-london-eng/778256

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Educational Psychology (educational assessments & difficulties attending school)​​

• www.achippp.org.uk/directory

• www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR

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Neurodivergence​

• ​The National Autistic Society provides information, parent support and a directory of psychologists: www.autism.org.uk/directory​​

• NHS Autism and ADHD assessments can be requested via your GP or school SENCo.  It may be quicker to go via the NHS 'Right to Choose' route.  Please ask your GP or SENCo for more information. 

• in Southwark, your autistic child may 

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​Neuroaffirmative Webinars by Autistic Professionals:

• AUsome Training: www.ausometraining.com/anytime-autism-training/#recordedwebinars

• Autistic Parents UK: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/autistic-parents-uk-33262348917

• Dr Michelle Garnett: www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com

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Low Cost Neuroaffirmative Webinars for Parents on Supporting Your Autistic Child:

 Dr. Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist:

•  www.naomifisher.co.uk/webinars

• www.naomifisher.co.uk/courses

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Free NHS Services

Your GP or school can refer you to free NHS:

• Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Community Paediatrics (for concerns around development)

• Speech & Language Therapy (SLT/SaLT; speech, language, communication, social relationships) 

• Occupational Therapy (OT; sensory processing/sensitivities, co-ordination, daily living skills)

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Your GP can also refer parents to NHS: 

• Perinatal Mental Health Services (for parents with babies under the age of one)

• in Southwark, the Parental Mental Health Team (for parents with children under the age of five)

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You can refer yourself to NHS:

• Adult Mental Health Services Talking Therapies

  • Southwark: www.talkingtherapiessouthwark.nhs.uk​

 

Children's Centres/Family Hubs

Your local children's centre (up to the age of 5) or family hub (up to the age of 19 or 25 for those with additional needs) may be able to offer family support, parenting support and advice and access to specialist services

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Parenting Programmes 

Your local council will offer free evidence based parenting programmes.  Please refer to their website for details.

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School Support

Your child's school may also be able to offer support for emotional, social and mental health issues via their:

• SENCo, Inclusion or Pastoral Care Team which may include

• an Emotonal Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

• Most schools have some access to Educational Psychology. 

Some schools also have access to:

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy​

• NHS CAMHS Mental Health Schools Team (MHST) support for parents and young people

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Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)

• Your local SENDIAS or IAS service can provide impartial advice and support.  This includes information about Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCP) 

• Southwark's IAS service (SIAS): www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/information-for-parents/southwark-information-advice-and-support-team-sias

• IPSEA - a charity to support families navigating the SEND system: www.ipsea.org.uk

• Southwark Autism Support Team - an outreach team to support autistic children in early years and school settings: 

  • ​www.localoffer.southwark.gov.uk/education/specialist-services-offered-by-the-council/autism-support-team

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​Private Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists or Systemic Family Therapists:

• www.childpsychotherapy.org.uk/resources-families/find-child-psychotherapist

• www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist

• www.ift.org.uk/family-therapy/

 

Couples Counselling

• www.relate.org.uk/what-we-do/counselling-services

• www.tavistockrelationships.org/therapeutic-help/relationship-counselling-service

Separation and Divorce

• www.relate.org.uk/which-service-right-you

• www.tavistockrelationships.org/therapeutic-help/separating-and-divorce

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Parenting Conflict

• www.tavistockrelationships.org/parenting-together

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Grief/Bereavement

• www.winstonswish.org

• www.childbereavementuk.org

• www.cruse.org.uk

• www.childpsychotherapy.org.uk/resources-families/find-child-psychotherapist

• www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist

• www.ift.org.uk/family-therapy/

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Free Telephone and Email support

• Emotional support, advice and information for parents: www.familylives.org.uk

• For children and young people: www.childline.org.uk

• Counselling & advice for 13 years+: www.kooth.com

• Emotional support for adults: www.samaritans.org

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Advice for Parents of Children up to Primary Age

• www.parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk

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For emergency support, contact your GP or attend A&E. 

Your local NHS 24 hour mental health crisis telephone support (for any age) can also be found here: 

www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline