Being a student has always been stressful, in today’s competitive academic environment hasn’t made anything easier. Whether depression, anxiety or simply a lack of confidence, there are a number of mental health issues afflicting the modern student. To help spread awareness, Maryville University put together a mental health resource guide for parents and teachers.

• https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/psychology/mental-health-resources-for-students-and-educators/
• Download Guide/PDF

Sense is a specialist service for children and young people with multi-sensory impairments. Sense aim to make sure that no one with complex communication needs is isolated, left out or unable to fulfill their potential.

• 07780443279
• sue.fawcett@sense.org.uk
• https://www.sense.org.uk/
• Download Guide/PDF

The Guide Dogs’ grant service considers funding for technology and sensory items for blind and visually impaired children and young people aged 18 and under, including iPads, portable magnifiers and sensory kits.

They also have a service called Children and Young People’s Services which offers support, both emotional and practical through the diagnosis process and beyond including DLA/PIP applications.

Their CustomEyes service prints large print books at cost price for children with vision impairment. They current have more than 4,000 titles and are updating all the time.

• 0118 983 8329
• grants@guidedogs.org.uk
• https://www.guidedogs.org.uk
• Download Guide/PDF

Guide Dogs offers a range of services to children and young people with a vision impairment and their families:

• Our Specialist Family Support Service provides information, advice and guidance, including emotional support from early diagnosis throughout a child’s life, to parents/guardians of children with a vision impairment. The aim is to develop their confidence and knowledge so they can address the specific needs of their child, enabling them to achieve their full potential, within a supportive family unit.
• Our Specialist Education Support Service offers independent, tailored, impartial information, advice and guidance in relation to the education system and the SEND Code of Practice. We deliver this service directly to a young person with vision impairment, or to parents and/or carers of a child who has vision impairment and their families.
• Habilitation is the process of helping children and young people with vision impairment to achieve as much independence as possible in their daily lives. We do this by providing personalised training and support in mobility, orientation and independence skills, often in partnership with the local authority.
• Our Access Technology Grant Service provides 90% toward the total cost of funding for equipment and software for children and young people with a vision impairment where no statutory funding is available.
• Our Access Technology Service offers independent expert advice and support on all accessible and standard technology and software for children and young people with a vision impairment.
• Our Recreational Activities enable children and young people with a vision impairment and their families to meet, share experiences and support each other whilst having fun in a relaxed environment with access to specialist advice from our Children’s Services team.

To access our range of support for your child with a vision impairment, please contact our advice line on 0800 781 1444 or via email cypservices@guidedogs.org.uk

• 0118 983 5555
• guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
• http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services/children-and-young-peoples-services

SWAN UK is an initiative of the charity Genetic Alliance UK offering support and information to families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions.

• +44 (0) 20 7831 0883
• info@undiagnosed.org.uk
• https://www.undiagnosed.org.uk/contact-us/

National charity which provides vital information and support services for individuals and families affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), related syndromes and other retinal dystrophies.

• 0845 123 2354
• info@rpfightingblindness.org.uk
• https://www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk/home.php?home=yes

The Royal Blind Society provides support to give blind children and their parents the confidence to live beyond their sight condition. The Family Support Service supports young people aged 0-25 years who have been diagnosed with a serious eye condition and their family.

• 07593405428
• diane.rutherford@royalblindsociety.org
• http://www.rsbc.org.uk/about-us/

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

In England RNIB works with Action for Blind People to offer help and support for anyone affected by sight loss. Support includes: recently diagnosed, children & family services, young people’s services & activities calendar.

• 0303 123 9999

The leading patient information, support and scientific research charity for Nystagmus in Europe. Provides support and information to families affected by the condition.

• 0845 634 2630
• info@nystagmusnet.org
• http://nystagmusnetwork.org

Information about Microanophthalmia, Anophthalmia, Coloboma and related conditions. MACS offer support and information to parents and professionals in the UK and around the world. Macs also give parents, families and children the opportunity to meet each other, support each other and learn from each other.

• 0800 169 8088
• enquiries@macs.org.uk
• http://macs.org.uk