The Network

Network for Disabled Children
The Network is an interagency database of information about disabled children in Sunderland and their families. It is a joint project between Children's Services, City Hospitals NHS Trust, South of Tyne and Wearside NHS Trust and Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust. The benefits of joining the Network for families include having a chance to put your views across about changes to services, and being on a mailing list to be kept up to date with all service developments, including receiving the regular newsletter, Real Issues. By joining the Network, families help agencies to have a more complete picture of the needs of disabled children in Sunderland, which helps when planning services for the future.

Families who have a child under the age of 17 and whose disability is likely to continue throughout their childhood can join the Network. Disabilities included are

• difficulties with seeing or hearing
• difficulties with language or communication
• a developmental delay or learning disability
• a physical disability or difficulties with walking
• or a severe physical or mental illness.

For more information contact:

Services for Disabled Children, Gilpin House, Blind Lane, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 5HX
Tel: 0191 566 2190

Fax: 0191 566 2191
E-mail: child.disability@ssd.sunderland.gov.uk

For an application form click here 156.1kb

Free entry to local leisure attractions

We have arranged for members of the Sunderland Network of Children with Disabilities to receive a 'Max Card' for each member of their family. This gives free entry to over 50 different attractions across the North East, including the Washington Wild Fowl Trust, the Ryhope Engine Museum and the Tynemouth Blue Reef Aquarium. This could be a big help in planning activities for your family over the summer holidays.

If you receive your copy of Real Issues by post you are already a member of the Sunderland Network and should by now have received your Max Cards. To become a member please phone or e-mail to get an application form. Membership is open to all disabled children or those with additional educational needs in Sunderland. By joining the network you will also help us to gather information on the needs of families in Sunderland to help us with planning services.  

Tel: 0191 566 2190

E-mail: child.disability@ssd.sunderland.gov.uk

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