Latest News for Parents & Carers

An autistic Derby girl prone to bolting from her family and into danger has had her life changed by an assistance dog. Alessa, aged eight, had always been “a bit of a runner”, mum Donna says. But after she was hit by a car, her parents thought about getting extra help.

It’s right to celebrate a groundbreaking medical trial. But what people really want is more support for people with hearing loss. Oliver-James Campbell explains why miracle cures are not for him.

A two-year-old Derby County Football Club fan suffered a stroke just days after the team secured promotion. Now Reuben’s family is fighting to help him recover before the Rams take to the pitch in the Championship once again. A stroke hit the left side of Reuben’s brain on 1 May, affecting movement in his right arm and leg and taking away his speech.

Adrian Chiles asked his blind guide if he was aware of any charity that paired blind people with those who would like to walk with them. He says: “I hope no blind person is missing out on the simple joys of a good walk for the want of guides who may themselves be missing out on the chance to see the world better.”

A seven-year-old boy and his support dog have starred in a special edition of The Beano written for visually-impaired children. Alex McQueen, from Sutton Coldfield, and golden retriever Chance featured in Beano Presents – A Buddy For Life! The comic teamed up with charity Guide Dogs to create the special edition.