What the Local Offer is
The Local Offer gives information about support available in Essex for children and young people aged between 0 to 25, with Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
You can use the Local Offer to:
- understand what to do if you're new to SEND
- browse for local support such as support groups, fun activities or specialist healthcare
- find out what to do in a complex situation, for example if you need to appeal a decision
- get advice for young adults with SEND, such as housing and employment support
You can watch this animation to find out more about how the Local Offer can help:
How we keep information up to date
It's important that the information on this site is kept up to date.
To do this we:
- review all the advice information on a regular basis
- contact local listing owners to update their information
How parents, carers, children and young people help to improve this website
We gather regular feedback to develop and review the Local Offer, including:
- user research activities
- feedback from the Essex Family Forum and parent carer support groups
- direct feedback from families, including emails and comments at roadshows
- family feedback received by other practitioners and partners
We write information for the Local Offer with the Essex Family Forum and parent carer support groups. Their knowledge and experience helps us to write information that will help families.
To give feedback on the Local Offer or take part in future research activities, email essex.localoffer@essex.gov.uk.
Helping someone access this information without internet access
For people without internet access, the options are to:
- access the website at a local library
- ask your school, nursery or a health professional for this information
- attend an in person SEND roadshow
- phone the Essex SEND Information Advice and Support Service helpline on 01245 204338