Support Directory
A verified directory of England's SEND support organisations. Free helplines, financial grants, emotional support. Every entry checked May 2026.
Crisis support
9 organisations
Free SEND legal advice. The Advice Line and Tribunal Helpline work by booked appointment — book at ipsea.org.uk/advice-line.
Advice line by booked appointment — book at ipsea.org.uk/advice-line
For current opening hours, please visit ipsea.org.uk
Free national helpline staffed by volunteers offering next-step SEN advice.
Open during term time only
Term-time only: Mon–Fri 9.30am–12.30pm & 1–4pm · Tue/Wed evenings 8–10pm
Free legal advice on child, family and education law.
Mon–Fri 10am–4pm (telephone) · Webchat 8am–5.30pm · Email 24/7
UK-wide charity for families with disabled children. Advice on benefits, education, health, social care and transition.
Freephone
Mon–Fri 9.30am–5pm (Tue from 10.15am)
NAS no longer runs a phone helpline — visit their advice and guidance hub for information and support for autistic people and their families.
Information and support for people with learning disabilities and their families.
Freephone
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm (hours may vary — check mencap.org.uk)
Free, confidential support on disability — by phone, webchat and email.
Mon–Sat 10am–5pm
Investigates complaints about councils, including EHCP handling. Free to use.
Mon–Fri 10am–4pm
Statutory free, impartial advice on SEND for parents and young people. Every local authority must provide a SENDIASS, and it works separately from the council itself. There is no single national directory — you reach your SENDIASS through your own council. The quickest way: search '[your council name] SENDIASS' in any search engine. Or use the link below to find your council on GOV.UK, then look for 'SENDIASS' or 'SEND Local Offer' on their website.
Varies by local authority
All helpline numbers verified against each organisation's own website: 11 June 2026. Spot an out-of-date number? Email help@ehcpcompass.co.uk.
