Independent supporters work directly with young people and their parents or carers
Our independent supporters help children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are going through an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment.
We give independent support in 29 local council areas, listed below. The service is free of charge if you live in one of these areas.
Our independent supporters:
- listen and understand the young person's needs
- attend meetings for extra support
- make sure everybody involved understands the young person's views
- help to explain all the reports and recommendations
- help with developing an education, health and care (EHC) plan
Our independent supporters don't work for the local council. They are Barnardo's staff specially trained to work with families. The support usually lasts between 15 and 20 weeks for each family.
Request an independent supporter
Parents, carers and young people aged 16 to 25 can contact the independent support service in the local councils listed below by email or telephone.
Local councils
Barking and Dagenham
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Barnet
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Blackburn with Darwen
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01772 629470
Blackpool
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01772 629470
Bolton
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01772 629470
Bradford
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01274 481183
Bury
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0161 283 4848
Halton
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555
Hammersmith and Fulham
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Haringey
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Harrow
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Havering
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Kensington and Chelsea
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Knowsley
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555
Lancashire
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01772 629 470
Liverpool
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555
Manchester
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0161 283 4848
Newham
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Oldham
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0161 283 4848
Rochdale
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01706 515717
Salford
Email: isd[email protected]
Telephone: 0161 283 4848
Sefton
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555
St Helens
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555
Tameside
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0161 283 4848
Tower Hamlets
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Wakefield
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01924 304152
Waltham Forest
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0808 800 0037
Warrington
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555
Wirral
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0151 702 5555