Health in Hospitals survey
If you have a learning disability, autism, or both, the Speak Out Council would like to ask you a bit about your recent experiences at hospital.
The questions are about:
- How you accessed the hospital and found your way around
- How staff treated you – were they friendly?
- How you felt whilst at hospital
- Things that would help you feel more comfortable and confident in hospital
You can complete the Health in Hospitals survey online until 12 May 2023.
Please share it with anyone you know who might like to complete it.
The Speak Out Council will share the results with us. To help make sure that people get the support in hospital that they need.
Hear me, see me
This is a bi-monthly (every two months) listening group for autistic adults in the East of England. Parents and carers of autistic adults can also attend. It is a live Zoom session.
To find out more and attend a session, email annette.reid@autismbeds.org.
Cost of living support
Are you worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport?
You are not alone; the cost of living crisis is affecting many of us.
You may want help accessing grants and debt advice, support getting all the money you're entitled to, or simply want to know more about the government's recent support measures. Whatever your money worries may be, we've put together some helpful information in the links below to help you.
- General information on support with the cost of living
- The parent carers and carers page on the Local Offer has a section on ‘Money Matters
- General information on money and benefits
Emergency fund for seriously ill child dependent on vital equipment
Together for Short Lives has launched a new cost of living support fund. It will provide financial support towards energy bills for equipment.
Join your energy supplier’s Priority Services Register
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you can contact your energy supplier to register as a vulnerable customer on their Priority Services Register.
It is advised that families with children who have disabilities or rely on medical equipment to do this ahead of winter.
What does being on the Priority Services Register do?
Many suppliers will give vulnerable customers advanced notice of planned power cuts and offer priority support during emergencies. Some may be able to provide cooking facilities, hot meals or charge points to households that rely on medical equipment.
Suppliers must take all reasonable steps to avoid disconnecting you during the winter months (1 October – 31 March). Suppliers that have signed up to Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment cannot knowingly disconnect a vulnerable customer at any time of the year
You can also join the register of your energy network operator. This is the company that provides the pipes and cables that bring energy from your supplier to your home.
What is a vulnerable customer?
Ofgem – the energy regulator – lists customers normally considered vulnerable.
This includes disabled households and those young children, and households that use medical equipment that requires a power supply.
How do I register?
Contact your energy supplier and ask them to put you on their Priority Services Register.
You can also contact your local electricity network operator to ensure you are also on their register. Find out who that is.
SEND Update - Cambridgeshire SEND newsletter
This newsletter for parents will be published regularly.
