The Family Support Service

Our Support Service is based in a new purpose built Family Support Centre in Cumbernauld.

How can we help?

Our main aim is to provide advice, advocacy & support to children, adults and families and all others affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

When a child is first diagnosed it is a very emotional and stressful time for parents and other family members. Parents may feel socially isolated, frustrated and under a great deal of emotional and finacial pressure. Families need advice and support to help them come to terms with the initial situation that faces them and to learn how to manage in the years ahead. Such support will also be required throughout

the child's life, usually into adulthood, to ensure that all the specialised needs of the individual are met.

Having access to the right advice and support helps ease the stress of those already experiencing a traumatic period.

Currently 3000 registered users of the Association benefit from access to a lo-call telephone help line that puts them in direct contact with a Family Support Worker. This is a professional service staffed by specialist support workers. 

Every individual or family situation is unique and therefore requires unique support, but our primary services include:

Medical

We can provide information and advice on health related issues such as continence and mobility and liaise with health professionals such as consultants, continence and pain management advisors. 

Education

Advice and information is available on such topics as nursery and pre-school provision, placement requests, education law, your rights, and disability discrimination. We can also provide training to teachers about physical, educational and behavioural aspects.

Housing

We can help if you have to apply for house adaptions, or indeed need to move to more suitable housing.

Financial Assistance

We can apply for grants on your behalf for assistance with the cost of holidays, clothing and bedding.

Equipment

We provide information and advice on mobility issues and the sourcing and purchasing of specially adapted equipment including cars, wheelchairs and even toys.

Benefits

There are some specific benefits you will be entitled to and we can assist with completing the applications.

Advocacy

If you would like someone to accompany you to a hospital visit, or to a school review, we would be happy to do so.  At other times you may just like to know what your rights are.  We are also happy to provide information to schools, colleges, universities, or employers.

Social Needs

Advice and counselling on planning for the future, building personal relationships or respounding to social barriers that may be encountered.

Leisure & Recreation

Organising group holidays and conferences for junior and adult users.

Call us about spina bifida and hydrocephalus on

08459 11 11 12- We can help.

We provide a lo-call telephone number which means you will only be charged the local call rate.   Both home or hospital visits may be arranged. A family support worker will be available between the hours of 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.  At other times please leave a message on the answering machine and all messages will be responded to.

Please continue to the next page to read more about the Support Services available at our new Family Support Centre