Knit for Nowt

A charitable service based in Yorkshire which appeals for knitted toys, worry monsters, and hand puppets. Knit for Nowt have kindly donated some of these for us to use in school - much appreciated, they're really lovely. Thank you also to some of our children who volunteered to pose with these!

Project Linus UK

These beautiful quilts have been kindly gifted to us by Project Linus UK, which is a volunteer organisation. They provide new, homemade patchwork quilts and knitted blankets to babies, children and teenagers who may be going through a difficult time or suffering from illness. Their volunteer Area Co-ordinators and Assistants deliver around 3,500 blankets or quilts to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children every month, providing them with a sense of comfort and security.

Mrs Daynes contacted our local Co-ordinator, Mary Ann Caranza, who (despite having recently retired) very kindly offered to make us not one, but two quilts! What an amazing lady and an incredibly kind gesture! The quilts are now used in the Cosy Corner in the Hut, and provide a lovely sense of warmth and comfort to those children who need support with emotional issues.

Useful links

Neuro hub

A community drop-in hub for neurodiverse children and young people. Neurodivergence includes conditions such as autism spectrum, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, foetal alcohol syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and social anxiety. The aim of the service is to help provide early support without the need for an assessment or diagnosis. The Ripley hub can be contacted and visited Monday to Friday 15:30 to 18:30, and Saturday 10:00 to 13:00. Unit 3a Unicorn Business Park, Wellington Street, Ripley, DE5 3EH. Phone 07510 928349. More information at this link.

Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health & Wellbeing Website

Available at this link. This signposting website contains local and national links and resources to help individuals and families with many different problems and issues. It has a very useful search feature.

Young Minds

The UK's leading charity fighting for children's and young people's mental health. Young Minds offers services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child. You can visit their website, or call 0808 802 5544. This number is free to call and available Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:00. They are also able to offer advice through webchat and email.

National Autistic Society

Their website contains advice, guidance and a wide range of information about autism - from what autism is, to diagnosis, and socialising and relationships.