7/31/2019 Changes to Infomation Services to Families in Wiltshire - Details

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Changes to Information Services to Families in Wiltshire Details

During 2011 there was a review of information services to families in Wiltshire and

some changes have now been made. The new arrangements take effect from 1st

July 2012 and are as follows:

1. General Family Information Service (FIS):

The FIS, provided by ask, will continue to provide a helpline Monday Friday, 9.30am 4.30pm supported by their website. This will provide a

universal / mainstream information and signposting service including:

Details of activities available in Wiltshire e.g. leisure centres, non-registered holiday play schemes, holiday activities and toddler groups.

Details of other sources of information e.g. Extended Services, ParentSupport Advisors (PSAs), Job Centre Plus, benefits agencies, libraries andHeath Visitors.

Details of family support services available in Wiltshire e.g. ChildrensCentres, voluntary sector organisations and national helplines and

services. This information can also be found in the Find it directory onthe website.

Signposting to appropriate services where additional advice and/or supportis required.

For general information enquiries customers should telephone ask ontelephone: 08457 585072 or access their website: www.askwiltshire.org

2. Childcare Information:

This will now be provided by the Early Years & Childcare Team who will

operate a helpline Monday Friday, 9.30am 4.30pm. The Early Years &

Childcare Team already deal with queries relating to child care and under the

new arrangements all information on child care available in Wiltshire will be

held in one place.

Customers who require information on childcare available in Wiltshire

should telephone: 0300 003 4561 or access their website:

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schoolseducationandlearning/earlyyearsandchildcare.htm

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3. Benefits Advice:

The Wiltshire Council Revenue and Benefits Team currently provide

information and advice in relation to a wide range of benefits and will be

operating a helpline Monday Friday, 8.30am 5pm.

Customers with any queries relating to benefits or tax credits should be

directed for support to the Revenue and Benefits Team on telephone:

0300 003 4560 or access their website:

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/counciltaxhousingandbenefits.htm

4. Children with SEN and/or Disabilities:

Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) is a voluntary organisation run by

parents and carers of children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities.

WPCC will provide a helpline Monday Friday, 9.30am 4.30pm supported

by their website. WPCC will provide a specialist information and signposting

service to families including:

Details of clubs and activities accessible to children and young people withSEN and/or disabilities in Wiltshire e.g. sports activities, Kaya Drumming,NAS Youth Clubs, Bridging Projects etc.

Details of services available to support their families, across Social Care,

Health and Education e.g. Childrens Disability Teams (Social Care),Continence Service, Opportunity Groups, Portage, the Parent PartnershipService, Carers Support etc.

Details of how services in Wiltshire are being developed to better meet theneeds of children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities

Details of Consultation Events and Information Fairs

Signposting to appropriate services where additional advice and/or supportis required.

Customers who require information relating to services and support as

well as clubs and activities for children with SEN and/or Disability

should contact WPCC on telephone: 01672 569300 or access their

website: www.wiltshireparentcarercouncil.co.uk

ask will continue to provide the Parent Partnership Service (aPPS) which

provides parents and carers of children with SEN and or/Disability with

information and support to help them make informed choices and decisions

relating to their childs education.

Customers who require support relating to the educational needs of

their child with SEN and/or disability should contact ask on telephone:08457 585072 or access their website www.askwiltshire.org