Disabled people and their families

Oxfordshire County Council Family Information Directory

Oxfordshire Association for the Blind (OAB)

Oxfordshire Association for the Blind are not running face to face services at the moment. However, they are providing email and telephone support for people who have a visual impairment, listening to their problems and offering advice.  

Contact details are: Tel: 01865 725595 / 07936 341444 Email: info@oxeyes.org.uk 

Guideposts - HERE For You

The HERE For You service aims to help people who are already self-isolating, considering the prospect of doing so or need support in a time of rapid change and uncertainty. A call on 0300 222 5709 with the HERE For You Information, Advice and Guidance Helpline includes:

  • A practical guide to staying in contact with families and friends during isolation

  • Planning for self-isolation

  • Tips on adjusting to self-isolation

  • Help with using social media during self-isolation, including practical support on what people can do to stay connected online. Our website will be a central resource for everything that's out there, from livestream music, art classes, exercise classes, and language exchanges to board games, reading groups and virtual quiz nights

  • Specific advice service for carers / family members on what they can do to support someone in isolation and help them stay connected

Visit the Guideposts website for more information.

Soundabout

Soundabout are currently in the process of moving their community music-making provision online, via Facebook live. 

They are running their Soundabout Inclusive Choir sessions remotely. They are also running their new one to one service provision for children in the early years with PMLD and young adults in the process of transition (17-25) online. Any interested families who are responsible for children and young adults with PMLD and interested in in being part of this, please email info@soundabout.org.uk 

Visit Soundabout’s website here.

Oxfordshire family SUPPORT NETWORK

OXFSN provides information, advice and support to family carers of people with learning disabilities (all ages). We can provide a listen ear to families who may be struggling at this time and signpost them to other sources of support. We are adding resources to our website  www.oxfsn.org.uk as we get them, that we believe will be of help for families specifically caring for a loved one with learning disabilities. We are also working with statutory agencies to ensure all information is correct and alerting them to where people may be in further need of assistance.

They can be reached on 07891 734987 or 07821 987080 and via email at info@oxfsn.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oxfsn/ 

They also suggest older family carers contact Carers Oxfordshire and Age UK Oxford if they need support. 

These organisations are offering a free telephone support service which will include a regular weekly call to see how people are (they are limiting home visits to essential visits only). If you think you would benefit from this service, call 01865 411 288, where you can leave your name and contact number. 

Oxfordshire Mind

Oxfordshire Mind is giving advice on their website about how to take care of your mental health when staying indoors. 

They have also shared some free resources related to school closures and mental health on their Facebook.