Essential Contacts Toolkit

Essential Contacts for Everyday Solutions!

In times of crisis, seeking urgent support is essential. If you find yourself in need of immediate assistance, our support group is here to provide a safe space and understanding listeners who can help you through challenging moments. Remember, reaching out is a brave step, and you are not alone in facing your struggles. We are committed to offering compassionate support and guidance to help you navigate this difficult time.

Navigate Our Network Effortlessly!

“Unveiling Our Top Picks: Trusted Services We Personally Endorse for an Exceptional Experience! (to help you easily identify our personal healing process, we marked them with this * symbol located in description header, direclty under image. If you see one * it will mean that one of us have personally used this service. If marked with ** we have both accessed these services)

Call Your GP

Quickest access to immediate Support, including Mental Health Service **

You'll need to talk to your GP to use some mental health services. This is known as a GP referral. Your GP can also talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs.

Find your local GP surgery

Homestart

Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times.

Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support dedicated to assisting families with young children during their challenging times. We understand that parenting can be overwhelming, and our team is here to provide the support parents need when they need it most. Through various support groups, we create a nurturing environment where families can share their experiences and receive practical assistance. At Home-Start, we believe that childhood can’t wait, and we are committed to ensuring that every family has the help they need to thrive.

https://www.home-start.org.uk/about-us

Suffolk Sendiass

Free, Confidential
Support for Special Education!

We are trained by IPSEA through the National IASS network, ensuring that our team is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide accurate support. Each of our team members completes an initial 90 hours of accredited legal training in the context of Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS). This rigorous training enables us to offer you information grounded in legislation, rather than local policy, which can vary significantly. To maintain our high standards, we regularly receive training updates, ensuring that the information we share with you is current and reliable., through the National IASS network , which reinforces our commitment to providing accurate and reliable support. This training equips our team with the essential knowledge needed to navigate complex legal frameworks, ensuring that those who rely on our platform receive informed guidance.

Your Local Guide to Essential Support!
Local Citizen Advice Bureau

85 Years of Building a Fairer Society

We Are Citizens Advice - the people’s champion. We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. As a national charity and a network of local organisations, we are dedicated to helping everyone who needs it by providing practical advice you can really trust. Whether it's navigating complex issues or seeking solutions, we are here to ensure that no one has to face their challenges alone. With our support, individuals can feel empowered to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps towards a brighter future.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/

Local MP Champions Community’s Bright Future!

Champion Your Cause: Connect with MP!

You can contact your MP when you, or people living in your area, are affected by decisions made by the UK Parliament or by the Government. MPs represent all the people in their local constituencies, regardless of whether they voted for them. It is important to reach out to your MP if you believe that issues such as local services, community welfare, or national policies are impacting your daily life or that of your neighbours. You should consider contacting your MP if you feel you have concerns that need addressing, whether it’s a matter of health, education, housing, or any legislation that could influence your community. Your voice matters and MPs are there to listen and advocate for their constituents.

You could contact your MP:

  • If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a Government office or agency
  • To let your MP know about a problem affecting people in your local area
  • To ask your MP to support a particular campaign that you feel strongly about

Your MP is not always the best person to help with an issue. Before you contact your MP please see our advice on who else may be able to help:

How do I contact my MP?

Writing is probably the best method, as it provides a written record that can be referred to later. You can:

  • Write a letter to your MP at: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
  • Email them using the contact details in our Directory of MPs

Remember to always include your own address when you write to your MP so that they will know you live in their constituency.

If writing is not possible or you just want to ask a quick question or make an appointment, you can telephone your MP’s office. 

  • To telephone their office at the House of Commons, call 020 7219 3000 and ask to be put through to their office giving your MP’s name
  • To phone your MP at their local constituency office, you will find the contact details at your local town hall or library, or it may be given in the Directory of MPs
     

MPs may also have their own locally run websites, and be active on social media. Where possible, we have added these details to the information in the Directory of MPs.

Championing Justice: Your Voice Matters!

Empowering Voices: Advocates in Action!

An advocate is a professional who supports and represents individuals or groups, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld, particularly in times of need. There are various types of advocates, each specialising in different areas, such as legal advocates who guide clients through the complexities of the legal system, health advocates who assist patients in navigating medical care, and educational advocates who focus on the needs of students in academic settings. Each type of advocate plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to achieve their goals.

Suffolk Advocacy Voices Unite!

**Exceptional Service That Exceeded Expectations!

The Suffolk Advocacy Service, delivered through a partnership that includes POhWER and Suffolk Family Carers, plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals receive the support they need in our community. My advocate, hailing from this collaborative effort, has been extremely supportive, providing guidance and assistance tailored to my unique circumstances. With a focus on empowerment and understanding, the service helps to navigate challenges, ensuring that voices are heard and needs are met within Suffolk. This partnership is a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.

Click on the links below to download the referral forms:

Please check that the service is available in your area before making a referral.

 

NHS Complaints Advocacy

Download the NHS Complaints Advocacy referral form and please return your completed form to nhscomplaints@pohwer.net 

 

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy

Download the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) referral form and please return your completed form to imca@pohwer.net 

 

Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Download the Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) referral form and please return your completed form to imha@pohwer.net 

 

Care Act Advocacy

Download the Care Act Advocacy referral form and please return your completed form to careact@pohwer.net

 

Community Advocacy

Download the Community Advocacy referral form and please return your completed form to pohwer@pohwer.net

 

Secure Services and Independent Advocacy

Download the Secure Services and Independent Advocacy referral form and please return your completed form to pohwer@pohwer.net

 

Rule 1.2 Representative 

Download the Rule 1.2 Representative referral form and please return your completed form to pohwer@pohwer.net

 

Suffolk Children and Young People's Advocacy

Download the Children and Young people's Advocacy referral form and please return your completed form to pohwer@pohwer.net (This service is only available in Suffolk.)


If you need any help with your referral or if you have any questions, please call our Help Hub on 0300 456 2370 or email pohwer@pohwer.nethttps://www.pohwer.net/suffolk-advocacy-service

MAIN REFERRAL FORM - SUFFOLK COMMUNITY ADVOCACY FORM

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Unleash Potential: PACT for Families!

Trust in Our Strong Confidentiality Pact

At PACT, we provide invaluable non-clinical peer-led support and resources for parents and carers in Suffolk. Our vision is to reach every parent and carer, offering assistance to all who are looking after a child or young person experiencing mental health challenges. We understand the importance of connection and community, which is why we facilitate support through face-to-face meetups, online platforms, and one-to-one phone or chat sessions. Together, we strive to create a nurturing environment where parents can share their experiences, gain insights, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone on this journey.

https://www.parentsandcarerstogether.co.uk/about

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments

Understanding Needs: Assessing Young Lives

In the context of Suffolk's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) local offer, SEND refers to children and young people who have specific learning difficulties or disabilities that necessitate special educational provision. This includes those who experience significantly greater challenges in learning compared to their peers, as well as individuals with disabilities that obstruct or impede their ability to take full advantage of the standard educational offerings. The aim of supporting those with SEND through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is to ensure that every child receives the tailored assistance they need to thrive academically and socially, promoting equality and inclusion within educational settings.

https://www.suffolklocaloffer.org.uk/

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