Local Support
Signposts to local support for parents and carers
St Andrew’s and St Mark’s Church of England Junior School
“I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness.” John 10:10
Support in Kingston - the Local Offer
If you struggling to find what you are looking for, please make an appointment via the School Office to see Sarah Crowther (Deputy Headteacher)
https://www.sasm.kingston.sch.uk/parents-carers/getting-help-the-local-offer
There is lots of support for families in Kingston
ADHD Embrace – Advice Clinics for Parents
Free for Richmond and Kingston residents.
These are 1:1 online sessions for parents who need some input, Claire, our Family Support Worker, runs one to one advice clinics to provide you with resources and tools. She can advise on a wide range of questions including help with family dynamics, mental health, managing behaviour/emotions, organisation and executive function, school accommodations to SEN pupils, school avoidance, school selection, treatment options for ADHD, understanding ADHD and pre-diagnosis support. Click here to find out more or book.
Skylarks
Skylarks – an independent charity based in Twickenham – are keen to support children with additional needs and their families. They are based in Twickenham but can be used by anyone from anywhere. Their focus is on the whole family - not just the child. They provide a wide range of therapies, activities, advice and support. Please click here to register directly through their website
Meet the Short Breaks Team online with Kingston Parent Carer Forum
Join Kingston Parent Carer Forum in conversation with Alys and Geraldine from Achieving for Children Short Breaks Team.
Short breaks provide disabled children and young people with fun, enjoyment and a chance to be with friends while their parents and carers get a break from caring. They come in many different forms, ranging from an overnight stay in a residential centre or a carer’s home to attending a youth club, leisure centre or getting involved in a sports activity.
This is your chance for Kingston families to hear what facilities are out there for their children and raise any concerns.
Register to join online on Wednesday 25 January at 10:00am.
If you have any questions or topics you would like to discuss, whether it is to do with Short Breaks or any other matter, please contact the Kingston Parent Carer Forum at help@kingston.co.uk.
Do you have concerns about a child?
Adults - you can contact the Single Point of Access to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person. Click here to make a referral. You can also call for advice. Opening hours: From 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Friday call 020 8547 5008 (Out of hours, phone 020 8770 5000).
If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999. Referrals are not limited to safeguarding: the Single Point of Access acts as a signposting service to other services, including mental health. Matt Gates is our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Urgent mental health support - 24/7 crisis lines (from last term)
There is a new single 24/7 crisis line for our local families. The South London Partnership CAMHS crisis line can be accessed via one single number - Tel. 0800 028 8000. This number is for children, young people and families in crisis to call BEFORE attending A&E (unless there is an emergency medical need). Please click here for further details and other support available.
Parent Champions Network
Parent Champions Network is a non-professional, informal volunteer lead project uniting parents to support other parents through times of need and crisis, including but not limited to: arrests, exclusions, pandemic-related issues, school attendance, behavioural problems and more.
The support cafes are a welcoming environment to meet with friends and other parents, discuss local issues and share hobbies and interests.
If you feel like you need support or guidance and you’re unable to obtain this from conventional services, pop on down, or contact us for more information! Search "Parent Support Cafes" in the What's On calendar (opens a new window) to see dates for sessions in each centre.
The National Sleep Helpline
The National Sleep Helpline helps anyone with sleep issues including adults, parents and young people. The helpline is available from 7pm and 9pm, Sunday to Thursday on 03303 530 541.
How to support children with SEND
Please follow this link for further information and support. For Kingston & Richmond the number is: 0800 028 8000
Places to go for cost of living support in Kingston
Citizens Advice: cost of living toolkit
Food and essentials help - see services are available to your family in Kingston here
Local hardship grants - We continue to have the ability to apply for a limited number of small grants to help disadvantaged children. Applications must come from the school but please let us know if you are suffering hardship. Please contact the school office for more details
Emergency essentials programme - funded by Children in Need, this provides items that meet children’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to give them a hot meal, clothing (in a crisis) and other items and services that are critical to children’s wellbeing.
Connected Kingston - helps Kingston residents find local activities and navigate local services