I know how frustrating it can be to get help for yourself or your child. I struggled for years not understanding what rights my son had at school, not knowing how to stop my ex from abusing us, and lots of other unfortunate things in between.

Before you call a helpline, get a notebook and write down the bullet points of your issue. Be prepared to be waiting on hold or even having to call several times. I know it’s tough what you are going through, but never stop trying to get help.

I am sending you so much strength to get through your issue, remember THIS IS NOT YOUR LIFE, it’s a situation in your life that you WILL get through.

Here is a list of helplines, websites, and organisations that I’ve personally used to get advice on child arrangements orders, EHCPs, non-molestations orders, and much more.

ANY ISSUES FOR SINGLE PARENTS

GINGERBREAD

This organisation has been amazing. When I didn’t know where to turn to as a single mum they gave me great advice on a range of topics from how to get a non-molestation order to where to get free legal help from.

Helpline: 0808 802 0925

Website: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk

LEGAL (FREE ADVICE)

SUPPORT THROUGH COURT

I’ll be honest, the first time I called, I cried as the man on the phone said “I was being defensive about the fact I was in an abusive relationship! However, the next day, I called again and the lady who answered was amazing. She gave me brilliant guidance about putting together a witness statement for court and was empathetic.

If you don’t ‘click’ with an advisor, just rang up, and call back another day

https://www.supportthroughcourt.org/

RIGHTS OF WOMEN 7-9pm (Fridays 12-2pm)

Call: 0207 251 6577

rightsofwomen.org.uk

CIVIL LEGAL ADVICE

0345 345 4345

CHILD LAW ADVICE

childlawadvice.org.uk

EHCP HELP, ISSUES WITH SCHOOL AND THE LOCAL AUTHORITY 

SOS SEN

National Helpline – 0300 302 3731

IPSEA

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ 

SENDIASS

Offers support on all aspects of the EHCP process and advised me when my son kept being excluded. They helped chase up the school and local authority and I regularly cced them into emails. They can also offer advocates to go to school meetings with you.

Into google type Sendiass and the name of your area e.g ‘Sendiass Hampshire’

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Really helpful in giving advice, however, they were unable to directly help in my case

Call 0370 000 2288

CONCERNS AROUND DISCRIMINATION

EQUALITY ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICE (EASS) 

Call 0808 800 0082