As parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults, it can be hard to find help when you’re trying to get the right support. Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you.

The Carents Room is the go-to place for people supporting elderly parents.

The Carers Trust operates the largest UK-wide network of local carer organisations, working collaboratively to transform the lives of unpaid carers.

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. They support, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK. They provide a wide range of information and advice on many aspects of caring and campaign with carers for lasting change.

If you are the parent or carer of someone under 25 years old with a special educational need or disability you can register them with the Children and Young People's Network.

Need help to find the right care and support? Connecting County Durham is a free online resource providing care and support information and services, making it easier for you to make plans now and in the future. This includes local, regional, and national services to help meet your needs.

Connecting County Durham offers options to support you at home, such as help with odd jobs, everyday living aids, equipment to make life easier, and home care. It includes voluntary services, support for carers, day care opportunities, and residential care information. You'll also find options to keep you active and involved such as clubs, sports, and social activities.

Updated regularly, Connecting County Durham includes services and activities in your area and across County Durham. Use Connecting County Durham to:

• search for local groups and activities
• find the right care and support services to suit your needs
• contact organisations to make enquiries

Further information and support for carers can be found at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

The Local Offer is the place to find information for families of children and young people with SEND. The Local Offer includes a wide range of useful information with details on services that may help you or your child as they progress into early adulthood from birth to 25.

Family Hubs support children, young people, and their families from early pregnancy to the age of 19 years and for some children and young people who have a disability, up to the age of 25 years. Their team is made up of a number of services that can provide support with a range of issues such as parenting skills, school attendance, activities for young people, and progression into education and employment.

The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) is responsible for deciding how the NHS budget in the region is spent. Working with the NHS, local councils, and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors (VCSE), NENC ICB’s aim is to ensure better health and wellbeing for all now and in the future. For more information about the work of the NENC ICB, visit NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

NHS: social care and support guide is designed to help you get the help and support you need as a carer. They offer information that you may need to get the financial help which you're entitled to, as well as advice on getting a break from caring, going to work, and much more.

Most children in County Durham are well cared for and protected by their parents or carers, but a small number suffer harm or neglect. We all have a duty to protect children.

If you are concerned that a child or young person is being harmed or neglected call First Contact, on 03000 267 979. You can call First Contact 24 hours a day. If the child or young person is in immediate danger call 999.

Find out how Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership is working together to keep children and young people safe.

For information on how to make a compliment, comment or complaint about Children’s Services, please visit Compliments, comments and complaints about Children’s Services.

Every day vulnerable adults in County Durham suffer ill-treatment in many different forms including physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. We know this happens and we also understand that many instances of abuse are not reported. The aim of safeguarding is to ensure that people's lives are free from violence, harassment, humiliation, and degradation. You can find out more about adult abuse and how to report it by visiting Durham Safeguarding Adults.

If you are concerned about someone, please visit report a concern about an adult or call Social Care Direct on 03000 26 79 79. If the person is in immediate danger, call 999 – remember to say an ‘adult with needs for care and support’ or a ‘vulnerable adult’ is in immediate danger.

For information on how to make a compliment, comment or complaint about adult social care services, please visit Compliments, comments and complaints about adult social care services.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has a carers’ hub. Created with carers, the hub is a great resource for practical advice, information and support.