Family resources
You can find useful external resources, links and downloads and the most recent updates from Demelza on this page.
Useful partner organisations
Together for Short Lives
Supports and speaks up for children living with a serious or life-limiting condition and those who care for them.
Affinity Hub
Emotional support for parent carers of disabled children and adults.
Unique
Understanding rare chromosome and gene disorders.
Money saving and benefits information
Turn2us benefits calculator
Check what benefits you're entitled to by using this benefits calculator.
StepChange
A charity offering free debt advice, including help with a plan to deal with debt.
Together for Short Lives energy advice
Book an appointment with an energy adviser for support with using energy safely, efficiently and affordably.
www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/get-support/supporting-you/energysupport
Citizens Advice debt and money advice
Free debt and money advice from Citizens Advice.
Benefits
Disability Living Allowance
Information about the Disability Living Allowance and advice and guidance on how to apply:
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA): www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
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Tips on completing the Disability Living Allowance form: contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/
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Cerebra guide: www.cerebra.org.uk/download/disability-living-allowance-dla-guide/
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Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Learn what PIP is, who’s eligible and how to claim.
Universal credit
Get support with your living costs.
Wellbeing
Mind
This charity provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Calm
Calm is the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). They stand against suicide and offer support and advice.
Mental Health Matters
Mental health support for individuals and communities.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers support dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
Money Saving Expert
A site dedicated to help you cut your bills and save money.
Citizens Advice
Information and advice for people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and other problems.
Better Health – every mind matters
Ways to support a child or young person's mental health.
www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/
Family recipes
Budget-friendly recipes, inspiration and tips.
Jamie Oliver: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/budget-friendly-recipes/
Breathing space meditation
Join Liz for a calming guided meditation.
Winter by Susie Bridges
A poem about winter by Susie Bridges to help you reflect and unwind.
Sibling support
Sibs
For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults.
Carers Trust
Support for young carers.
Rainbow Trust
Tools for supporting siblings.
www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/support-for-families/sibling-support
The Children’s Society
Advice and support for young carers.
Imago
Support including health and wellbeing, tackling loneliness, building social and educational opportunities and more, across Kent, East Sussex and London.
Local council (East Sussex)
The Sibling Service (Sibs) supports children aged 6 to 17 who have a brother or sister with a disability.
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/children-families/family-support/young-carers/siblings
Local council (Kent)
For siblings under 5
Home Start: trained volunteers helping families with young children.
For bereaved siblings
Winston’s Wish: support for brothers or sisters who are grieving.
Sibling Support
Resources for children whose brother or sister has died.
Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Demelza Equality and diversity
How to be a trans ally
Black History Month
British Dyslexia Association
Dyspraxia Foundation
Disability Pride Month
ADHD Awareness
Advocacy services
NHS
What is advocacy and where to get support.
POhWER
A charity that provides information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion. Call POhWER's support centre on 0300 456 2370 for advice.
The Advocacy People
A charity that helps you access mental health services, NHS complaints or social care services. Call 0330 440 9000 for advice or text PEOPLE to 80800 and someone will get back to you.
VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility provides advocacy and involvement services so that people are heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. Call their helpline on 0300 303 1660 for advice or use VoiceAbility's online referral form.
Skiggle
A registered charity providing help and support to disabled people, their families and carers. They have an online marketplace with the aim of rehoming much-needed supplies i.e. care products and equipment.
Carer’s assessment
If you care for someone, you can have an assessment to see what might help make your life easier.
Croydon
Southwark
We’re here to help
If you have any general questions or would like more information about our family services, please contact our team on 01795 845280 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk.
Families already supported by Demelza should send any queries about bookings or clinical care to careadministration@demelza.org.uk or call the team on 01795 845270 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm).