Hi Ann13
I’m one of the information and advice officers from the learning disability helpline and I have a few suggestions that might help:
Has Andy’s son had an assessment from the disabled children’s team? If he is eligible, he may be able to get direct payments to fund the extra support he needs. Details will be on the local authority website under disabled children’s services.
Have a look at the local offer on the local authority website. It will list all sorts of clubs and services available for children who have special needs and disabilities.
Andy is entitled to a carers assessment. The assessment will look at how caring for his son affects his life. You are entitled to a carers assessment regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means or your level of need for support. You can have an assessment whether or not the person you care for has had a needs assessment, or if they have been found not to be eligible for support. There will be information on your local authority website if you search ‘support for carers’.
There is more information about childcare on Mencap’s website: www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/children-and-young-people/childcare
Margaret