How we do it

Our services are free to the children and families we work with, however at present we only take referrals from Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust, North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust and South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust.

We provide services at 230 Belmont Road or in your home. We work in conjunction with child development teams and local pre school ASD education services. We also work with staff in other playgroups and nurseries in respect of children referred to us.

To access one of our services you must contact one of the following:

• a paediatrician
• a member of your Child Development Clinic e.g. Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker.

Referrals are made to Forward Steps by the paediatrician or other member of the Child Development Team. When we receive a referral we contact the family to confirm this and to answer any initial enquiries. An invitation is then extended to attend our monthly open morning or our Mums, Dads and Toddlers Group. After this initial contact all referrals are considered against Trust/Service priorities and criteria and where possible children and families are allocated the service of their choice as soon as possible.