UK Disability Resource of Disabled Needs

New disability guide for one parent families
ONE Parent Families/Gingerbread has produced a new booklet for lone parents bringing up disabled children.

The Lone Parents Guide to Caring for a Child with Additional Needs gives advice and information on a range of issues, including ideas for play and leisure activities, and information about travelling with children who have disabilities that affect mobility.

The booklet also covers guidance on employment rights, financial help, housing and education support, and includes extensive details about organisations that can offer further help and advice.

Natasha Benenson, at One Parent Families/Gingerbread says: “Twenty-seven per cent of lone parents have a sick or disabled child and, for many, the pressure is intense.

“They have to cope with a range of feelings and issues surrounding the health and welfare of their child, whilst enduring frequent exhaustion from the physical and emotional demands of raising a child with additional needs on their own.

“We are delighted that we can offer this service to help lone parents who are bringing up a child with additional needs. There is a desperate need for specialist help for the thousands of lone parents who are raising a disabled child. The information and support we provide can make a huge difference to peoples’ lives.

To receive a copy of the guide, or to speak to one of the specialist advisers on the charity’s Disabled Child Project, lone parents can call the Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am-5pm, with extended opening on Wednesdays to 8pm).