Early Intervention
Our Early Intervention service offers short-term, intensive support to families of children and young people with a new or suspected diagnosis of a disability or neurodiversity. We work alongside families to help them navigate early challenges, build confidence, and access the right support. Referrals can be made by the family or by professionals working with the family.
Who Can Access Our Early Intervention Services?
Families may be eligible if:
- They live in Derby City or Derbyshire.
- They have a new diagnosis of a disability (physical, learning or neurodiversity such as ASD, ADHD, SPD, PDA).
- They are waiting for or undergoing assessment for a disability.
- The child or young person is aged 0–30 years.
- The family is in need of support due to diagnosis or pending diagnosis.
How We Can Support You
We offer tailored support for families, including:
Intensive Support Programme
- 8 weeks of intensive support, extendable to 12 weeks if needed.
- Includes an initial home visit to understand your child’s needs and family circumstances.
- Ongoing regular contact through phone calls and emails.
Liaison and Advocacy
- Liaising with professionals and schools to ensure your child’s needs are met in line with their EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan).
- Attendance at meetings, reviews, TAF (Team Around the Family), and CIN (Child in Need) sessions
Emotional Support
- A listening ear for parents and children.
- Supporting conversations with professionals and schools about emotional wellbeing.
Practical and Routine Support
- Help with daily routines (e.g., bedtime, morning routines).
- Creation of visual timetables or social stories.
- Support around behaviour, sleep, eating, sensory processing, and toileting.
Signposting and Referrals
- Referrals to other agencies and professionals for additional support.
- Help with housing, form filling, tribunals, and essential household items.
- Links to charities and community services.
How to Access the Service
Families can self-refer to the Early Intervention service, or professionals can make a referral on their behalf.
Once the referral is complete, one of the team members will be in contact with the family to discuss other support available while awaiting Early Intervention support.
Each family will be added to a waiting list and allocated a worker in the order the referral was received. All families referred to the service will have access to all of the Family Support Services as well.
You may also be interested in:
FAMILY SUPPORT
The first point of contact for families contacting Umbrella. Offering a parent-led service designed to empower and support families.
ADULT SERVICES
A personalised service for 18 to 30-year-olds.
Providing opportunities to promote independence, life skills and social connection.
SUPPORT GROUPS
We run a variety of support groups for families, children, and young people.