HemiHelp

19/10/2026

October is ADHD Awareness Month! 🧡

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It impacts areas of the brain that control attention, impulse regulation, and activity levels; meaning it can look very different from person to person.

People with ADHD may experience challenges with focus, organisation, and emotional regulation; but they also often show incredible creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to hyper-focus on topics that truly interest them.

It’s important to remember that ADHD is not caused by parenting style, diet, or screen time. It’s a difference in how the brain is wired, and with the right understanding and support, children and adults with ADHD can thrive.

💬 If you’re a parent or carer looking for guidance, these UK organisations offer excellent resources and support:

- ADHD Foundation – the UK’s leading neurodiversity charity offering training, toolkits, and family resources: https://f.mtr.cool/bjbnfkkojx
- ADHD UK - a charity offering information, support, research, advocacy and awareness: https://f.mtr.cool/kmonzonobh
- ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) – information, publications, and training for parents and professionals: https://f.mtr.cool/xjdrbukohr
- YoungMinds – advice and mental health support for young people with ADHD and their families: https://f.mtr.cool/gypyeghicv
- Mind - advice and mental health support: https://f.mtr.cool/mwumhvjggg

14/10/2026

Children shouldn’t have to wait for a diagnosis to get the support they need.

An independent government-commissioned review has found no evidence of overdiagnosis of ADHD, autism and mental health conditions. Instead, it highlights an overwhelmed system and calls for earlier support based on children’s needs.

At HemiHelp, we see the impact that long waits for assessments have on the whole family. We welcome the review’s call for help to be available before a formal diagnosis.

If you’re waiting for your child’s assessment, our information, advice and helpline can help.

Read more about the findings and our response 👇

The government has published an independent review into the prevalence of and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, led by Professor Peter Fonagy. Despite headlines in the press, the review found that there is no overdiagnosis of these conditions. Instead, it found that the system i...

02/10/2026

Depending on where you live and your family’s circumstances, help may be available with free school meals, uniforms or travel to school.

In England, children in households receiving Universal Credit are eligible for free school meals from September 2026. Other support has different rules, so it’s worth checking what your family can claim.

Our website covers advice on education across all four UK nations.

Select your country to see the information that applies to you: https://f.mtr.cool/52ldthgz9q

29/09/2026

Martha's Rule, which triggers an urgent review when a patient’s condition is deteriorating and family members feel they are not being listened to, is being extended to all hospital A&E departments and waiting rooms.

15/09/2026

We have some encouraging updates on our work to make accessing Child Trust Funds (CTFs) and Junior ISAs (JISAs) simpler for families with disabled children. Parliament debates a legal solution The House of Lords has backed an amendment to the Financial Services Act, put forward by Baroness Kramer. ...

11/09/2026

Campaigners have described the social care provided to disabled children in England as outdated, fragmented and no longer fit for purpose.

08/09/2026

Transport should help disabled children and their families live their lives, not create yet another barrier 🚌

The Law Commission has launched a major review of transport accessibility laws in England and Wales. It will consider whether current laws properly protect disabled passengers, whether complaints lead to meaningful action and whether transport operators are held accountable when things go wrong.

We want families’ real experiences to help shape this work from the beginning.

Whether you’ve faced problems with public transport, taxis, assistance, physical access or transport to education, please tell us about the barriers your family faces.

Link in the comments to have your say 👇

03/09/2026

Across England, children are missing vital provision written into their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, from speech and language therapy to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical support.

We need MPs to understand what this means for children and families, and to press for stronger accountability when health services fail to deliver.

Please invite your MP to stand up for disabled children’s health support. It’s quick and easy to take part using our form.

Take action via the link in the comments 👇

13/08/2026

Today is AS level, A level and T Level results day! Good luck from all of us here at Contact.

No matter their results, everyone should be proud of their achievements today. We know that today can be difficult for parents whose children haven't been able to go to school due to their health, or who have missed out on education because of unmet needs in school.

If you need any information or advice about your young person's next steps, give us a call on our free helpline 0808 808 3555, or submit an enquiry here: https://f.mtr.cool/fyfhtptogr

07/08/2026

Join Our 2027 London Marathon Team
We’re on the lookout for passionate, determined runners to join our 2027 London Marathon team. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or taking on your very first 26.2 miles, this is your chance to be part of something bigger while supporting Contact and HemiHelp.

By running with us, you’ll be helping to make a real, lasting difference. Every step you take and every mile you train brings us closer to changing lives and supporting the work that matters most.
In return, you’ll get a place in one of the world’s most iconic races, plus support every step of the way — from fundraising tips to race-day motivation and a team cheering you on.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, meet incredible people, and run for a cause that counts, we’d love to have you on the team.

Apply now and start your journey to the 2027 London Marathon - https://contact.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/events/event/london-marathon/