service
Free
The FSD is an online directory of local information and support services for families with children and young people aged 0-19
What is this service?
Special People provides flexible, person-cententred community support for children, young people and adults with disabilities, complex health needs and additional support needs.
Our trained support workers help each person take part in activities that are meaningful to them while remaining safe and supported. Every package is based on an individual assessment, care plan, preferences, communication needs and personal goals.
Support may include attending social, leisure, educational, cultural or faith-based activities; travelling safely in the community; going shopping; using public transport; attending healthcare appointments; developing everyday living skills; and maintaining friendships and social connections.
We can support children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, communication needs and complex health conditions. We also support adults with learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions, physical disabilities, neurological conditions, acquired brain injuries and complex mental health needs.
Where identified in the person’s care plan and risk assessment, appropriately trained staff can provide specialist support in the community. This may include epilepsy management, medication support, PEG or enteral feeding, catheter care, mobility assistance and postural support.
Support can be provided on a one-to-one basis or at another agreed staffing level. Our aim is to promote choice, independence, confidence and inclusion while providing reassurance to families and professionals.
Referrals are welcomed from individuals and families, local authorities, social workers, NHS teams and other professionals. We also accept enquiries from people who are self-funding or using a Personal Health Budget. An assessment is completed before support begins so that we can understand the person’s needs and confirm whether we can provide suitable support.
Special People has more than 30 years of experience supporting people with complex needs. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted, and our support workers undergo enhanced DBS checks and receive training appropriate to the people they support.
What we offer?
- One-to-one community support
- Support to access leisure and social activities
- Travel and public transport support
- Supported shopping and budgeting
- Independent living skills
- Support to attend appointments
- School, college and training escorts
- Support for hobbies and interests
- Autism and learning disability support
- Physical disability and mobility support
- Complex health and clinical support
- Social inclusion and confidence building
- Short-notice and urgent support, subject to assessment
Good to know
- Cost: Paid
- Signing up:
To enquire about support, please contact Special People by phone or email. We will discuss the person’s needs, availability and funding arrangements. Referrals are welcome from individuals, families, social workers, local authorities and other professionals. An assessment may be arranged before support begins.
- Keeping updated:
We keep individuals, families and relevant professionals informed throughout the referral and assessment process. Once support begins, the care team will communicate regularly and review the support provided when needs or circumstances change.
- Additional information:
Support is planned around each person’s individual needs, preferences, communication and goals. Services may be delivered in the person’s home or in the community. Please contact us to discuss eligibility, availability, funding and the areas we cover.
