Free UK SEND support — all in one place.

Disposable continence containment products such as larger nappies, pads and sometimes bedding protection where clinically needed.

Who:

Disabled children and young people with ongoing bladder or bowel needs.

Cost:

Free if supplied by NHS service

Area:

Local NHS area / UK varies

How:

Ask GP, health visitor, school nurse, paediatrician or local continence service for referral.

Note: Do not assume all children qualify automatically. Local rules vary and many areas limit quantity.

Example NHS guidance says prescribed disposable continence containment products may be limited, such as up to 4 products per 24 hours.

Who:

Families checking what NHS continence product rules can look like.

Cost:

Free if supplied

Area:

Local example / England

How:

Use as an example only; check your own local continence policy.

Note: This is not a national guarantee; it shows why local checking matters.

Advice on toileting, constipation, wetting, soiling, toilet refusal, continence issues and school support.

Who:

Children, young people, parents, carers and professionals.

Cost:

Free advice; some products/resources may cost

Area:

UK

How:

Use the website guides or contact the helpline.

Note: Very useful before asking school/NHS for continence support.

Specialist bladder and bowel advice, resources and helpline support.

Who:

Children, adults, families and professionals needing continence support.

Cost:

Free advice

Area:

UK

How:

Contact helpline or email; use resources online.

Note: Good source for complex continence questions and school planning.

Individual toileting plan, privacy, spare clothes plan, hygiene arrangements, changing access and reasonable adjustments.

Who:

Children with toileting, constipation, wetting, soiling or sensory toileting needs.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Ask school for a written toileting/continence plan and reasonable adjustments.

Note: Schools should not shame children or punish continence accidents.

Map of larger accessible toilets with hoist, changing bench and space for disabled people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Who:

Disabled children, young people and adults needing full changing facilities.

Cost:

Usually free to find; some venues charge entry

Area:

UK

How:

Use the official map before days out, travel or appointments.

Note: Always check opening hours and whether a RADAR key or staff access is needed.

Public toilet finder to plan journeys and days out.

Who:

Anyone planning accessible toilet stops.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Search by location before travel.

Note: Useful alongside Changing Places map.

Key for many locked accessible toilets under the National Key Scheme.

Who:

Disabled people and families needing access to locked accessible toilets.

Cost:

Usually around £3 to £6 depending seller; some councils/charities may offer cheaper/free

Area:

UK

How:

Buy from a reputable provider or ask your local council/disability charity.

Note: Avoid overpriced unofficial sellers if possible.

Prepaid card to help buy milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses, infant formula and access free vitamins.

Who:

Pregnant women and children under 4 in qualifying low-income families.

Cost:

Free if eligible

Area:

England, Wales, Northern Ireland

How:

Apply online through Healthy Start.

Note: SEND families may qualify through low income rather than disability alone.

Prepaid card for healthy food and milk for pregnant people and children under 3.

Who:

Families in Scotland meeting benefit/income rules.

Cost:

Free if eligible

Area:

Scotland

How:

Apply through Social Security Scotland.

Note: Scotland-specific alternative to Healthy Start.

One-off £500 payment to help with costs of a new baby.

Who:

Usually families on qualifying benefits expecting first child or multiple birth rules.

Cost:

Free grant if eligible

Area:

England, Wales, Northern Ireland

How:

Claim using GOV.UK form SF100 or ask Jobcentre Plus.

Note: Not SEND-specific but important for low-income families.

Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment.

Who:

Families in Scotland meeting benefit and age/stage rules.

Cost:

Free grant if eligible

Area:

Scotland

How:

Apply through Social Security Scotland.

Note: Scotland only.

Emergency help with essentials such as food, energy/water bills, essential items and sometimes white goods.

Who:

Families in hardship, including SEND families facing crisis costs.

Cost:

Free if approved

Area:

England local council areas; names vary

How:

Search GOV.UK cost of living local council support or your council website.

Note: Often time-limited funding. Apply early and keep copies.

Free school meals for eligible children. From 2026/27, eligibility is planned to expand to all children in Universal Credit households.

Who:

School-age children meeting income/benefit rules; some universal year groups also covered.

Cost:

Free if eligible

Area:

England; other UK nations have own rules

How:

Use GOV.UK checker to find your local authority application page.

Note: Ask school about pupil premium support linked to free school meals.

Holiday clubs with healthy meals and activities, mainly for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Who:

Eligible school-age children, often those receiving benefits-related free school meals.

Cost:

Free eligible places

Area:

England

How:

Search your council name + HAF or ask school before holidays.

Note: Ask early about 1:1 support, sensory needs, medical needs and risk assessments.

Free breakfast clubs in participating/rollout primary schools.

Who:

Primary-age pupils in participating state-funded schools.

Cost:

Free where available

Area:

England rollout

How:

Ask your child’s school whether they are part of rollout or have breakfast club support.

Note: Ask how the club will support sensory, anxiety, eating or transition needs.

Free community meals open to everyone, no referral usually needed.

Who:

Anyone needing a hot meal or community support.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK locations

How:

Use the meal finder and attend local project.

Note: Not SEND-specific but helpful for family food pressure.

Free surplus food from local community fridges.

Who:

Local community members; rules vary by fridge.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK locations

How:

Use Hubbub map to find a community fridge.

Note: Stock varies daily.

Emergency food parcel and practical support.

Who:

Families in financial crisis.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Use Trussell finder, ask school, GP, health visitor, social prescriber, council or charity for referral.

Note: Ask for toiletries/nappies if needed; availability varies.

Weekly access to discounted food through pantry membership; members choose food.

Who:

Local residents; membership and local rules vary.

Cost:

Low weekly membership cost

Area:

UK locations

How:

Find nearest pantry and apply/join locally.

Note: Useful for dignity and choice compared with emergency parcels.

Affordable weekly groceries from surplus food, usually ordered by text through local hubs.

Who:

Families and individuals in participating areas.

Cost:

Low cost

Area:

Selected UK areas

How:

Text full name, postcode and hub if available; check website for local hubs.

Note: Not free, but can be much cheaper than supermarket shopping.

Possible help with school uniform costs, grants, vouchers, swap shops or school hardship support.

Who:

Families struggling with uniform costs.

Cost:

Free or low cost depending scheme

Area:

UK local

How:

Check GOV.UK school uniform page, your local council, school office and local uniform banks.

Note: Ask school about second-hand uniform and hardship funds.

Help with school costs such as uniform and equipment.

Who:

Eligible families in Wales.

Cost:

Free grant if eligible

Area:

Wales

How:

Apply through local authority/Welsh Government guidance.

Note: Wales-specific.

Help with NHS costs such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, glasses and travel depending eligibility.

Who:

People on low income not automatically exempt.

Cost:

Free to apply; certificate may give full/partial help

Area:

England

How:

Apply for HC2/HC3 certificate via NHSBSA.

Note: Separate from SEND but can help family budgets.

Children under 16 and young people 16-18 in full-time education can get free NHS prescriptions.

Who:

Children under 16 or 16-18 in full-time education.

Cost:

Free

Area:

England

How:

Tick the correct exemption when collecting prescriptions.

Note: Rules differ in devolved nations where prescriptions may be free.

Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 who need extra care/supervision or have mobility difficulties.

Who:

Children under 16 with disability/health needs meeting criteria.

Cost:

Payment if awarded; claim is free

Area:

UK with devolved variations

How:

Request/complete DLA child claim form; include detailed examples and evidence.

Note: A child can sometimes qualify for mobility support even if they can physically walk, depending on the legal test.

Benefit for people caring at least 35 hours a week for someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.

Who:

Parents/carers providing substantial care.

Cost:

Payment if eligible; claim is free

Area:

UK with devolved variations

How:

Apply online through GOV.UK.

Note: Can affect other benefits. Get advice if on Universal Credit or legacy benefits.

Extra Universal Credit amount for a disabled or severely disabled child.

Who:

Universal Credit households with a child on qualifying disability benefit.

Cost:

Added to UC if eligible

Area:

UK with devolved variations

How:

Report child’s disability benefit award in Universal Credit journal.

Note: Check correct lower or higher disabled child element is added.

Home adaptations such as ramps, widened doors, accessible bathroom, heating/lighting controls or other adaptations.

Who:

Disabled adults and children needing home adaptations.

Cost:

Grant if approved

Area:

England, Wales, Northern Ireland; separate Scotland arrangements

How:

Contact local council housing/adaptations team and request OT assessment.

Note: Waiting times can be long; ask about urgent interim equipment.

Short breaks, respite, clubs, holiday activities, sitting services or direct payment support for disabled children.

Who:

Disabled children and families needing breaks from caring.

Cost:

Free or subsidised; may vary

Area:

Local council / UK

How:

Search your council Local Offer + short breaks, or ask social care/SENDIASS.

Note: Ask about both universal short breaks and assessed short breaks.

Money paid to family to arrange agreed support, personal assistant hours or services.

Who:

Disabled children/young people assessed as needing social care support.

Cost:

Free support budget if agreed; contribution rules vary

Area:

Local council / UK

How:

Request child in need/disabled child assessment through local council.

Note: Payroll/PA responsibilities may apply.

Personal budget linked to an EHC plan to secure specified provision.

Who:

Children/young people with an EHC plan where a personal budget is suitable.

Cost:

Free if agreed

Area:

England

How:

Ask during EHC needs assessment, draft EHCP or annual review.

Note: Not every type of provision can be delivered through a direct payment.

Support for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, travel and disability-related study costs.

Who:

Disabled higher education students, including specific learning differences and long-term conditions.

Cost:

Does not normally need repaying

Area:

UK students; rules vary by nation

How:

Apply through student finance body.

Note: Useful for SEND young people moving to college/university.

Refund of reasonable travel costs to NHS appointments where eligibility criteria are met.

Who:

Patients/parents taking eligible children to qualifying NHS appointments if on qualifying benefits or low income.

Cost:

Refund if eligible

Area:

England

How:

Ask hospital/clinic cashiers or check NHS HTCS guidance.

Note: Routine GP/dentist visits are usually excluded.

One-off discount on electricity bill for eligible households.

Who:

Low-income and vulnerable households meeting scheme rules.

Cost:

Discount if eligible

Area:

Great Britain

How:

Check GOV.UK and your supplier when scheme opens.

Note: Scheme windows close; check each autumn.

Energy debt grants and support; open to British Gas and non-British Gas customers under certain schemes.

Who:

Households in fuel debt/hardship.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

England, Scotland, Wales

How:

Apply online after getting money advice and gathering evidence.

Note: Availability and criteria can change.

Capped water bills where household is on benefits and has high essential water use due medical need or number of children.

Who:

Households on qualifying benefits with water meter and high water use criteria.

Cost:

Capped bill if accepted

Area:

England and Wales

How:

Apply to your water company.

Note: Ask water company about social tariffs too.

Grants for essential items such as washing machines, fridges, tablets, clothing, bedding, furniture, sensory items, breaks and more.

Who:

Families raising disabled or seriously ill children/young people on low income.

Cost:

Free grant if awarded

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online or call for help.

Note: One of the most important national SEND grant providers.

Support for families with disabled children in England through a DfE-funded programme.

Who:

Low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

Cost:

Free if awarded

Area:

England

How:

Apply through Family Fund scheme page.

Note: Funding schemes can open/close; check current page.

Sensory toys and equipment grants for disabled children where eligible.

Who:

Eligible families raising disabled/seriously ill children.

Cost:

Free if awarded

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through Family Fund.

Note: Explain why item is needed, not just wanted.

Specialist equipment such as buggies, wheelchairs, beds, car seats and other essential disability equipment.

Who:

Disabled and terminally ill children needing specialist equipment.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through Newlife; speak to nurse helpline for advice.

Note: Very useful when statutory services delay or cannot fund.

Fast emergency loan of specialist equipment in urgent situations.

Who:

Disabled children needing urgent equipment while waiting for statutory provision or decision.

Cost:

Free loan if accepted

Area:

UK

How:

Contact Newlife nurse helpline urgently.

Note: Ask when a child is unsafe without equipment.

Loan of specialist toys/play packs for disabled children.

Who:

Disabled children who would benefit from specialist play.

Cost:

Free loan if accepted

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through Newlife play therapy pod service.

Note: Good for sensory/developmental play when funds are tight.

Rapid practical help such as specialist equipment, beds, baths, mobility aids, domestic appliances, educational equipment and sometimes holidays.

Who:

Children with life-shortening illnesses living in financially disadvantaged families.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through React, often with professional support.

Note: Focused on life-shortening illness.

Sensory packs and equipment support.

Who:

Disabled children meeting Caudwell criteria.

Cost:

Usually contribution required; sensory packs noted around £20 contribution

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through Caudwell Children families section.

Note: Low-cost rather than completely free.

Wheelchairs, specialist equipment and support for disabled/disadvantaged children.

Who:

Disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

Cost:

Free grant if awarded

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through Variety grant pages.

Note: Also offers days out and Sunshine Coaches.

Adapted equipment for disabled children and young people up to 25.

Who:

Disabled children and young people needing equipment.

Cost:

Free grant if awarded

Area:

UK

How:

Apply via Children Today.

Note: Can fund items not available through statutory services.

Help with specialist equipment, therapies and other support for children affected by disability, poverty or life-limiting illness.

Who:

Children aged 18 and under who meet criteria.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online or contact applications team.

Note: Check current priorities before applying.

Grants for equipment, home adaptations or other items for disabled/ill people in financial need.

Who:

People of all ages with physical/learning disability or long-term illness.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Apply with a professional/referrer.

Note: Useful when family has a professional willing to support application.

Educational equipment, computers, software, tuition and support for disabled children/young people.

Who:

Disabled children and young people aged 17 or under.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through Able Kidz.

Note: Good for learning technology not funded by school.

Sleep advice, legal rights resources, guides and practical support for families of children with brain conditions.

Who:

Children with brain conditions and their families.

Cost:

Free advice/resources

Area:

UK

How:

Use guides, helpline and services on Cerebra website.

Note: Excellent for sleep and legal rights signposting.

Small welfare grants for basics/replacements such as household items in hardship.

Who:

People on low income/benefits with urgent welfare need.

Cost:

Free grant if approved

Area:

England and Wales primarily; check scheme

How:

Apply through Family Action welfare grants programme where open.

Note: Not SEND-specific but useful for struggling SEND households.

Nappies, wipes, clothes, prams, cots, beds, toys, hygiene products and household essentials depending local stock.

Who:

Families in hardship; referral may be needed.

Cost:

Free or low cost

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search local area + baby bank, family hub, community pantry or ask health visitor/school.

Note: Create local Bright Steps directory entries for your area.

One or two carers/companions can enter free with a disabled visitor.

Who:

Disabled visitors who need someone with them.

Cost:

Companion free; disabled visitor pays or uses membership

Area:

England, Wales, Northern Ireland

How:

Apply online or contact National Trust access team.

Note: Good for family days out when carer support is needed.

Free entry for helper/companion supporting disabled visitor.

Who:

Disabled visitors who need assistance.

Cost:

Helper free; disabled visitor pays/membership as normal

Area:

England

How:

Ask at site or contact English Heritage for access information.

Note: Check site accessibility before travel.

Free entry to staffed Cadw sites for disabled people and companion support.

Who:

Disabled visitors and companions.

Cost:

Free entry at staffed sites under Cadw policy

Area:

Wales

How:

Ask at site or contact Cadw.

Note: Wales-specific; check before going.

Free entry for accompanying carers, often up to two carers.

Who:

Disabled visitors needing carer support.

Cost:

Carers free; disabled visitor pays/membership as normal unless other concessions apply

Area:

Scotland

How:

Book/check online before visiting.

Note: Scotland-specific.

Single-day admission tickets to a Merlin attraction for eligible children and immediate family.

Who:

Children facing adversity, serious illness or disability meeting criteria.

Cost:

Free tickets if approved

Area:

UK / Merlin attractions

How:

Apply through Merlin’s Magic Wand website.

Note: Not the same as Merlin Annual Pass carer pass.

Complimentary carer pass for eligible disabled Merlin Annual Pass holder.

Who:

Disabled annual passholders needing a carer.

Cost:

Carer pass free; disabled person buys pass

Area:

UK Merlin attractions

How:

Apply through Merlin Annual Pass accessibility page.

Note: Check current terms before buying passes.

Digital access/pass registration for Ride Access Pass and accessibility arrangements at Merlin attractions.

Who:

Disabled guests needing access arrangements.

Cost:

Registration route may be free for Merlin-specific access; Access Card optional costs may differ

Area:

UK Merlin attractions

How:

Apply through Merlin Digital Access Pass portal.

Note: Do this well before planned visit.

Discounts/free offers for attractions for foster families and families of children with additional needs.

Who:

Families with children/young people with additional needs, often aged 0-25.

Cost:

Card may be free through local scheme or low-cost depending issuer

Area:

UK, depends local availability

How:

Check local council Local Offer or Max Card website.

Note: Not every council participates.

Children with badge and valid ID card can access participating attractions for free.

Who:

Children aged roughly 6-15 who earn a Blue Peter badge and hold ID card.

Cost:

Free to apply; child free entry at participating attractions

Area:

UK participating attractions

How:

Apply to Blue Peter; use attraction map after card arrives.

Note: Not SEND-specific but brilliant for low-cost days out.

Trips, experiences, respite breaks and group holidays.

Who:

Children aged 3-17 with disabilities, learning difficulties, life-limiting illness, abuse/bereavement/poverty or special needs.

Cost:

Free if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online or contact charity.

Note: Great for respite/experience grants.

UK breaks, holidays or day trips for families facing tough times.

Who:

Families who meet hardship/need criteria and usually require referral.

Cost:

Free/subsidised depending programme

Area:

UK

How:

Ask a support worker, school, charity or professional about referral.

Note: Usually needs a referrer.

Holiday grants toward accommodation for low-income families with disabled family member.

Who:

Low-income families with disabled family member.

Cost:

Grant amount varies; may not cover full cost

Area:

UK

How:

Apply through 3H Foundation.

Note: Plan early due application windows.

Some reserves have free access areas, blue badge parking or accessibility facilities; mobility scooters may be bookable at some sites.

Who:

Families planning accessible nature visits.

Cost:

Varies by reserve

Area:

UK reserves

How:

Check each reserve’s accessibility page before travel.

Note: Call ahead for tramper/mobility scooter availability.

SEND clubs, holiday sessions, youth groups, sensory sessions, sport and leisure activities.

Who:

Disabled children/young people and families.

Cost:

Free or subsidised

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search Local Offer + short breaks + your council.

Note: Add local schemes into Bright Steps directory as you find them.

One complimentary cinema ticket for someone accompanying a disabled cinema guest.

Who:

Disabled people aged 5+ who need support at cinema.

Cost:

£6.50 application fee; card usually valid for 1 year

Area:

UK participating cinemas

How:

Apply online with photo and evidence.

Note: Check participating cinemas.

Card translating access needs into symbols recognised by many venues/events.

Who:

Disabled people with access needs.

Cost:

Often £15 for 3 years

Area:

UK and online venues

How:

Apply online and upload evidence.

Note: Useful but not mandatory everywhere; some venues use Nimbus directly.

Sunflower lanyard/card to discreetly show hidden disability and possible need for support.

Who:

People with hidden disabilities and families/carers.

Cost:

Often free at member venues; online shop items may cost

Area:

UK and international

How:

Ask at participating airports, supermarkets, transport hubs or order online.

Note: Does not guarantee adjustments but helps signal support needs.

Free Sunflower vehicle sticker/magnet for road users in England.

Who:

Road users with hidden disabilities who want to signal support needs.

Cost:

Free

Area:

England

How:

Order through Sunflower National Highways page.

Note: For hidden disability awareness, not parking entitlement.

Printable cards such as I am autistic, my child is autistic, or this person is autistic.

Who:

Autistic people, parents and carers.

Cost:

Free download; printed wallet cards may cost around £0.50 plus shop terms

Area:

UK

How:

Download from NAS or buy printed card from shop.

Note: Helpful in shops, school, travel or public dysregulation.

Alert cards/passports to help police/emergency services understand autistic people’s needs.

Who:

Autistic children, young people and adults.

Cost:

Often free; some cards low cost

Area:

Local UK

How:

Check local police/autism alert card scheme list or local autism charity.

Note: Examples include free Hampshire and Thames Valley schemes; availability varies.

Disabled parking badge for eligible disabled people including some hidden disabilities.

Who:

Disabled children/adults meeting mobility or hidden disability criteria.

Cost:

Up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, free in Wales; check current local rules

Area:

UK local authorities

How:

Apply via GOV.UK or local council.

Note: Hidden disability applications need strong real-life safety/risk examples.

Free off-peak bus travel through statutory concessionary travel scheme.

Who:

Disabled people meeting local/national criteria.

Cost:

Free pass if eligible

Area:

England local councils; devolved schemes vary

How:

Apply through GOV.UK/local council.

Note: Times and companion entitlement vary locally.

1/3 off rail fares for disabled person and one adult companion travelling together.

Who:

Disabled people meeting eligibility criteria; children can have one too.

Cost:

£20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years

Area:

Great Britain

How:

Apply online with evidence.

Note: Child still pays child fare but companion gets discount.

National access scheme providing free ticket for companion/carer/personal assistant at participating theatres/arts centres.

Who:

Disabled people needing support to access arts venues.

Cost:

Free card

Area:

Wales

How:

Apply through Hynt.

Note: Wales arts and culture venues.

Disability ID card for proving disability/access needs where accepted.

Who:

Disabled people wanting ID evidence.

Cost:

Around £20, valid 2 years

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online.

Note: Not universally accepted; Access Card may be more widely recognised by venues.

Disabled identification card for use where accepted.

Who:

Disabled people wanting a card to explain/prove disability.

Cost:

Around £16.50-£20 depending product

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online.

Note: Check whether venues accept it before buying.

Carer ID card/app with discounts and carer identification.

Who:

Unpaid carers.

Cost:

Around £8 every 2 years

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online.

Note: Not a government scheme; check local carers centre for free cards first.

Carer identification card and discounts.

Who:

Unpaid carers.

Cost:

Around £20 plus postage

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online.

Note: Paid private card; check free local carer ID alternatives first.

Local carer ID, emergency card, carer passport, discounts or support registration.

Who:

Unpaid carers including parent carers.

Cost:

Often free

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council/carers centre + carer card or ask GP/social prescriber.

Note: Often more useful locally than paid private cards.

Disability ID card for support/access recognition where accepted.

Who:

Disabled people wanting ID card.

Cost:

Around £8 every 2 years

Area:

UK

How:

Apply online.

Note: Check acceptance before paying.

Discount platform for disabled people with participating brands.

Who:

Disabled people/families seeking discounts.

Cost:

Around £9.99 per year

Area:

UK online

How:

Join online if discounts are useful.

Note: Not free; check savings outweigh membership cost.

Lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair using qualifying mobility allowance.

Who:

Disabled people/children with qualifying mobility allowance; children may access from age 3 with higher rate DLA mobility.

Cost:

Paid from mobility allowance; some advance payments/grants may apply

Area:

UK

How:

Check eligibility and search vehicles on Motability website.

Note: Do not treat as free; it uses benefit payments.

Grants to help with advance payments, adaptations, driving lessons or vehicle-related disability needs.

Who:

Motability Scheme customers or applicants in financial need.

Cost:

Grant if approved

Area:

UK

How:

Contact Motability for grants/advice before ordering vehicle.

Note: Grant funding and rules change; always check current eligibility.

Parking concessions and closer parking for eligible disabled people.

Who:

Disabled children/adults meeting criteria.

Cost:

See Blue Badge row

Area:

UK

How:

Apply via GOV.UK or local council.

Note: Rules for parking vary by council/location; check signs.

Free travel on London transport and buses nationally under scheme rules.

Who:

London residents who meet disabled person criteria.

Cost:

Free if eligible

Area:

London

How:

Apply through London borough/Freedom Pass.

Note: London-specific.

Detailed accessibility guides for venues, hospitals, universities, shops and attractions.

Who:

Disabled people/families planning access before travel.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Search venue/location on AccessAble.

Note: Excellent for planning sensory/mobility/access needs before visiting.

Disabled access review website and resources such as red emergency cord cards.

Who:

Disabled people, families and carers planning visits.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Search reviews or order/download resources.

Note: Real-world disabled access reviews can highlight issues official pages miss.

Free local information, advice and support around SEND, SEN Support, EHCPs, exclusions and disagreements.

Who:

Children/young people with SEND and parents/carers.

Cost:

Free

Area:

England local authority areas

How:

Search your council + SENDIASS or use national directory.

Note: Useful before meetings, complaints, mediation or appeals.

Free SEND law resources, template letters and advice around EHC needs assessments, EHCPs and appeals.

Who:

Parents/carers and young people dealing with SEND law.

Cost:

Free

Area:

England

How:

Use website resources and book advice where available.

Note: One of the strongest free SEND legal resources.

Advice for families with disabled children on benefits, education, social care and family life.

Who:

Families with disabled children.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Use helpline/web resources.

Note: Excellent first stop for parent carers.

Advice on disability benefits, work, equipment, food hardship and daily living.

Who:

Disabled people and families.

Cost:

Free

Area:

England and Wales primarily

How:

Use Scope advice pages/helpline.

Note: Useful for money, food and equipment signposting.

Assessment of carer needs; may lead to support, breaks, direct payments or signposting.

Who:

Unpaid carers including parent carers.

Cost:

Free assessment

Area:

UK local

How:

Ask local council adult/children’s services or carers centre.

Note: Parent carers can ask for assessment/support; wording varies locally.

Pre-completed missing person information form to help police if a vulnerable person goes missing.

Who:

Vulnerable people at risk of going missing; often dementia but some forces include other vulnerabilities.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK local/national variations

How:

Download/complete form from local police or Herbert Protocol site; keep updated.

Note: For SEND children who abscond, also ask local police what vulnerability/safety schemes exist.

Document explaining communication needs, sensory needs, pain signs, medication, risks and reasonable adjustments.

Who:

Disabled children and young people attending hospital, appointments or respite.

Cost:

Free

Area:

UK

How:

Use NHS hospital passport templates or create one-page Bright Steps version.

Note: Keep printed and digital copy; update after changes.

Card/register that alerts services someone depends on you if you have an emergency.

Who:

Unpaid carers including parent carers.

Cost:

Often free

Area:

Local UK

How:

Ask local carers centre/council for emergency card or emergency plan.

Note: Vital for parent carers of children who cannot safely be left.

Find local SEND services, activities, short breaks, SENDIASS, EHCP guidance and parent carer forum.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Local Offer' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Register may unlock newsletters, Max Card/local offers, consultations and targeted information.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Disabled Children’s Register' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Shows local short breaks offer and criteria.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Short Breaks Statement' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Equipment, adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grant pathway.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Children’s Occupational Therapy' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Nappies/pads/continence assessment pathway.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Continence Service' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Parenting support, early help, baby banks, food support and local groups.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Family Hubs' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Emergency food, energy, white goods and essential item help.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Local Welfare / Crisis Scheme' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Free or assisted home-to-school transport if eligible.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'School Transport' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Challenge refusal of school transport where child cannot reasonably walk/travel.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'SEND Transport Appeal' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Free voice/support network and local updates.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Parent Carer Forum' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.

Free carer support, carer card, emergency card, groups and assessments.

Who:

SEND families in the council area.

Cost:

Usually free; some services means-tested

Area:

Local UK

How:

Search your council name + 'Carers Centre' and add details to the Local Council Tracker sheet.

Note: Use this row as a prompt to build your own local Bright Steps directory.