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Childline has launched a new campaign, Nobody is Normal which aims to help children understand that lacking confidence, feeling not good enough or that you don’t fit in, is a shared experience. Figures also show that the monthly average number of Childline counselling sessions about eating and body image disorders increased by 32% on the pre-lockdown average; and the monthly average number of sessions about sexuality and gender identity increased by 16% compared with the pre-lockdown average.

Throughout this crisis, Contact has been calling on the government to step in with financial help for carers struggling to make ends meet. Last week Contact joined 70 charities and groups involved in the Fairer for Carers campaign, to write to the Work and Pensions Secretary urging her to introduce a supplement to Carer’s Allowance. This would match the £20 increase in Universal Credit to help those on low incomes affected by the pandemic.

Disability Rights UK has been working together with Sense and Durham University to find out how disabled people have been staying active during the coronavirus pandemic, and to find out what resources can help to stay active at home as we enter the second wave.

As a disabled access charity all about helping people find accessible places to go, Euan’s Guide is looking at keeping everyone safe and sharing ideas of things to do while following the Government new restrictions. Whether that is going out for essentials, exploring the outdoors or finding different ways to stay entertained while you stay indoors.

Did you know Derby City Council has a ‘Post SGO Support Team’ available for you to access?

If you have a Special Guardianship Order ISGO) and are looking for support, advice or guidance, their team can support you with any issues you may have. N.B. If you live outside of Derby and your order has been granted for more than 3 years, you would need to access support from your current Local Authority.

What support is available? They are able to provide:

• Information on how to request an assessment of need
• Signposting to suitable agencies
• Applications to the Adoption Support Fund for specialist assessments, or therapeutic services to be carried out for the child
• Advice on contact issues with birth families
• Information regarding your general queries
• Examples of other support might include: training, support with behaviour management, mentoring, support groups for children or carers, life story work.

How can I get in touch? If you feel you need support from the team or any SGO related queries, please contact them on:

• Telephone: 01332 641881
• Email: sgo.support@derby.gov.uk

Support doesn’t end once the SGO is granted!