Transition is a process and it can take 10 years or more for things to fall into place. The kind of support you want might change but it’s important to know where to look for help when you need it.
In this article
Parent support organisations and groups
Other parents are a great source of information and support. Whether it’s pointing you in the right direction, recommending services or just offering a listening ear, parents can be the most likely to understand the anxieties, joys and frustrations of supporting a disabled young person.
There are parent groups across Scotland, some for specific conditions, others for all disabilities. You can find a list of them here and they can be one of the best sources of up-to-date local information. You can also contact our Scotland Enquiry line on 07458 04607 to find your local parent support group. If it’s difficult to get to meetings, many groups use social media to keep members informed.
Carers’ organisations
Many organisations across Scotland run social groups, training courses and local support networks for carers of all ages and backgrounds. They can give you free advice or a listening ear, point you in the direction of other services that can help, and sometimes link you with local services such as solicitors or financial advice.
Contact us to find out what support groups and organisations are in your area.
Online communities and chatrooms
These can be great ways to link up with others facing similar issues, especially if there aren’t any social groups where you live or it’s difficult to get to meetings.
You might be wary of chatrooms. But following a few basic safety rules can open up a good source of support and information.
- Protect your family’s identity. Don’t use real names and don’t give out any contact details.
- Don’t trust anyone. People you chat with online aren’t the same as friends.
- Look for online communities that are closed groups, where people have been invited to join by the group leader, or that are monitored so no one can post anything inappropriate.
- Stay in the public chat space. It’s safer to be where other people can see you. Don’t respond to private messages unless you already know the person outside the chatroom.
- If someone posts something that upsets or disturbs you, report it to the group leader or moderator. If they persist, report it to the police. Cyber bullying or cyber stalking is an offence.
Videos & Podcasts
When you don’t have time to read through lots of words, videos and podcasts can be a good way of getting the information you need.
Here, we’ve linked to some useful videos and podcasts which focus on disability (please note, these are external channels and the information posted reflects the views and opinions of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Contact).
BBC Ouch! – Ouch! is a website from the BBC that reflects the lives and experiences of disabled people. It has articles, blogs, a very busy messageboard and an award-winning downloadable radio show – The Ouch Podcast).
The Undressing Disability Podcast – A podcast series which strips back the taboo on all things sex and disability, with honest discussions about sex, sexuality, relationships, dating and more.
Let’s Talk About It – a podcast from Irwin Mitchell which aims to give disability issues a voice. Covers a wide range of topics from employment and education to transport.
Scottish Transition Forum Webinars – A series of 12 webinars aroud transitions, including legal rights, education, planning, employment and independent living skills.
We’ll keep adding to our list of topics so do keep checking back – and if there’s anything you think we should add, please let us know.
Scottish Transitions Forum
The Scottish Transitions Forum’s role is to support improved approaches to transitions across Scotland. They work with professionals as well as young people with additional support needs and their parents and carers, by bringing people together to share ideas, learn, identify areas for improvement and come up with solutions.
The Scottish Transitions Forum meet several times a year and the forum is open to everyone. They also provide regular e-bulletin updates along with training and information sessions across Scotland.
ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland)
This is a new online directory of services. Enter your postcode and a few keywords, e.g. “disability” or “carers”, for details of services near you. Because it’s new there are still a lot of gaps, but services are being added all the time, so it’s worth checking if you’re looking for something in particular – and if there’s something in your area that others might want to know about, you can add it yourself.
You don’t have to register to search the database, but if you want to add information, share links with someone else, or save a personalised list of organisations you’d like to follow, you’ll need to create an account (it’s free).
Compass
ARC Scotland created the digital tool Compass to help everyone involved in transitions planning to understand the process better and prepare for change.
Compass supports young people to explore what matters to them, and share their thoughts with people they trust. It gives parents and carers a transitions timeline that shows where they are in the process and points them to key actions at each stage. The professional tool has guidance on the statutory duties that apply to transitions, and clarifies responsibilities. All three versions link to the best sources of information currently available, and are specific to Scotland.
Compass is free and can be used by anyone who has additional support needs or who supports someone who does.
Sign up to the right version for you.
Further support
The Contact helpine provides information, advice and support by phone, email, Facebook or Twitter. We support parents and carers who have a child with any kind of disability or special need from 0-25 years. Find out more about Contact’s Helpline service and how to get in touch.
Support groups & networks
Parent and carer support networks can be the best sources of local information and advice. Download our list of networks, or to find your local parent support group, get in touch with our Scotland Enquiry line on 07458 046071.
Local and National Services that can help
We have produced 5 directories which list local and national organisations that can help with support around transitions. Find out more on our Directory pages.
Related information
Planning for transition in Scotland
Guidance on planning for transitions into adulthood in Scotland, including additional needs in education, work, and independent living.
Read more
Rights & responsibilities
The rights and responsibilities of everyone involved in transition planning for young people, covering legal duties, guidance, and best practices.
Read more
Legal matters
How to support and protect the interests of your young person into adulthood.
Read more
Talking about Tomorrow
The key topics to think about as your child moves into adulthood.
