Useful Links to Support Parents and Children | Updated 2024

At Meeting of Minds, we understand that raising children with complex or additional support needs can be both rewarding and challenging. That's why we've curated a list of invaluable online resources to assist families in Kelso and Berwickshire, situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders.

Our parent-led support group granted charitable status in 2016, is dedicated to providing a strong network of support for local families. In our ongoing commitment to your well-being, we've organized these resources into three distinct categories - "For Parents", "For Young People" and "For Both." Each category offers a selection of websites tailored to your specific needs.

Support For Parents

These resources cater to parents and caregivers, offering guidance and information on various aspects of caring for children with additional support needs.

Whether you're seeking legal advice, assistance with guardianship, or support in dealing with domestic abuse, our carefully curated list has you covered. We believe that informed and empowered parents are better equipped to provide the best care for their children.

1. Borders Carers Centre (borderscarerscentre.co.uk)

2. Equine Therapy and Wellness Centre in East Lothian (eatsleeprides.org)

3. Cullen Kilshaw Solicitors and Estate Agents - regarding Guardianship

4. parentspace.org.uk

5. Domestic abuse: support - mygov.scot

6. Peer2Peer-Mindfulness

7. NEW - Special and Additional Needs Transport Guidance

Support For Young People

We haven't forgotten about the young members of our community. This section contains resources tailored to their needs. From services that can enhance their well-being to educational opportunities, we've gathered links that can be beneficial to the youth in Kelso and Berwickshire.

1. Aberlour | Options Disability Service – Borders

2. Apply for a Blue Badge | Scottish Borders Council

3. Social Security Scotland

4. Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) - gov.scot

Support For Both

Our commitment to fostering connections extends to both generations. Here, you'll find resources that can be valuable for parents and young people alike. These links cover a wide range of topics, including autism awareness, support for siblings, and access to local services.

1. Interest Link Borders | Website of Interest Link Borders: Befriending for people with learning disabilities

2. Borders Additional Needs Group

3. CEA Card Cinema discount card

4. Jim Taylor: Knows Autism

5. Love Autism

6. SWAN | For & by autistic women, girls and non-binary people

7. The Patrick Wild Centre Research Centre based in Edinburgh

8. Young people with learning disabilities in transition | Learning disabilities | Scottish Borders Council

9. Children and families | Scottish Borders Council contact details of your local Social Work office to find out assessment for CHAD support.

10. Action For Children | Children's charity | For safe and happy childhoods can help with sibling support

11. http://enquire.org.uk/ - offering independent support and advice to parents and young people

12. Borders Group of Riding for the Disabled

13. NEW - Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder have given me the ability to be hyper-focused on creative tasks

14. NEW - Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) | Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre

15. NEW - SAN Transport
    

Meeting of Minds is more than just a support group; it's a community dedicated to making the journey of raising children with additional support needs a bit easier.

We invite you to explore these carefully selected resources and hope that they provide you with valuable information and support. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community for local families.