A hub of information and resources
Challengers may not always be the right option for your family. That is why we have gathered different information and support here that may be useful in navigating what is available to your family.
General information
There are a number of nationwide resources available to children with disabilities and their families:
- The Citizens Advice are able to offer advice and support on benefits, debt, money, housing, family, health and more. Visit their website here to explore the available advice.
- Should you need to use the services of a Food Bank, you can find your local one using the Trussell Trust’s website. They also have a helpline you can ring if you are struggling to afford the essentials or need some help and advice. Just call 0808 208 2138 – they are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (closed on public holidays).
Money advice
At Challengers, we are extremely aware of the challenges families with disabled children face in terms of money issues and financial support. The following resources all focus on benefits support and how you can ensure you are receiving what you are entitled to:
If you would like to check if you are receiving all the benefits which you may be entitled to, you can use one of the following websites/calculators:
- Debt Aware, part of Debt Advice Foundation offer money skills for life. You can call free advice on 0800 043 40 50 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
- Money Helper is a government-approved online advice service provided by the Money and Pensions Service, a body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions. You can contact them: by phone on 0800 011 3797, by webchat via their online portal, via WhatsApp message on 07701 342 744, or via Typetalk: 18001 0800 915 4622.
- Step Change provide the UK’s most comprehensive debt advice service. They have a wide selection of debt management resources to download, and you can also get personalised advice online or over the phone. Use of this service is free and confidential and will not affect your credit score.
- Should you need to contact the Job Centre to discuss claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit details can be found on their website.
Support by county
Hampshire
Kingston & Richmond
Surrey
West Sussex
Other support
Learn My Way – This website offers free online courses to help with job hunting, computer skills, literacy and money management
Home-Start – Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming – that is why Home-Start is ready to support families through their toughest times – support available for families with a child under 5 years old.
We hope that this list of resources has been useful, but if you do have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
