A helping lockdown hand for Hartlepool families with children who have additional needs

As England prepares to go into a new lockdown, the town group 1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future has stepped up to make people aware of the help it can offer.

The parent-led forum has been around for more than 10 years and spokesperson Christine Fewster said: “We are a group of parent carers who volunteer to ensure services are meaningful for families of children with additional needs and disabilities.

“As parent carers ourselves, we understand the pressures that lockdown restrictions have had on families. We want to ensure families are aware of services that are available to support as we move into further lockdown restrictions.

"We work closely with other charities in Hartlepool as well as statutory services to ensure families have access to the right support at the right time.

“Families do not need to have a diagnosis and we are open to support all families of children with additional needs and disabilities up to 25 years old.”

Christine encouraged ‘all families to get in touch with our dedicated Parent Carer Link Worker, Tracie Bestford who is here to help families navigate through services and support’.

The group is also making sure that the services it offers are the best and most appropriate for the people it helps.

Christine explained: “We also have an online survey running to help us gather information in how to best support families across Hartlepool who have children with additional needs.

"This can be accessed via our Facebook page 1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future and everyone will have the opportunity to be placed in a free prize draw to win and overnight stay for two at Manor House Hotel and Spa.”

1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future is also offering online services during the lockdown and Christine added: “We will be providing a range of activities virtually including free afternoon teas, online bingo and family activity sessions in the coming weeks and look forward to connecting our parent carer community.”

For more information, contact Tracie on (01429) 283095 or email [email protected]

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