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Information about health pathways in Leeds

Information about health pathways in Leeds.

Pathways

Premature Baby

Having a premature or sick baby in hospital can be incredibly distressing for families.

We offer emotional and practical support to empower families and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best possible care to their baby, for however long they live and for however long their stay in neonatal care.

We provide information about caring for premature and full term sick babies at every stage of their hospital journey, and after they have gone home.

Through our network of dedicated volunteers we provide face-to-face and email support, meaning families have access to practical information and a listening ear when they need it the most.

Families can also share experiences through the Bliss message board, hosted by Netmums, and read other family stories in Little Bliss magazine.

Contact details: 

Communication Offer

Helping children learn to listen, understand, and communicate is an important life skill. In Leeds, many different services work together to support children, young people, and families with speech, language, and communication.

Children can be supported at home, in early years settings, at school, in health services, and in the wider community. Some children develop these skills easily, while others may need extra or specialist help.

The Communication Offer explains the services and resources available in Leeds to help every family, whatever level of support their child may need.

Online Support

You can find simple guidance online about:

  • how to help your child develop talking and communication skills
  • what to expect at different ages and stages
Community Support

Support is available in places your family already uses, such as:

  • your home
  • nurseries and childcare settings
  • schools
  • charities and community organisations

These services work together to help children communicate well in everyday life.

Levels of Support

1. Support for All

This level is for every child and young person. 
It helps parents/carers create a strong home learning environment and notice early signs of possible speech, language, or communication needs (SLCN). If risks are seen early, children can receive extra help sooner.

2. Focused Support

This level is for some children who may need closer monitoring of their communication development.
Children receive extra support from:

  • parents/carers
  • early years staff
  • teachers
  • community groups

Specialists like speech and language therapists guide this support.

3. Specialist Support

This is for children and young people with long‑term or more complex speech, language, or communication needs. They may need specific therapy or intervention.
Support often involves a team of professionals working together with parents and schools.

Click here to find more details about the Communication Offer. Scroll down to the ‘Where to get help section’ for further information.

 

Please email any updates or suggestions to lcht.cslt@nhs.net

Communication Offer: Online Support

Here are websites about supporting the development of speech, language, and communication skills.

Baby Buddy Smart Phone App: Advice and information every day throughout pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life. Contains specific advice about building relationships, play and interacting with your baby. 

Leeds Community Healthcare - 0-19 - Social Media: Interact with 0-19 Service Instagram and Facebook Pages

Start for Life: Learning to talk: Short videos and activities to do with your child to support language development.

Tiny Happy People: BBC website to help develop children’s communication skills. Simple activities and play ideas, and information to find out about early development.

Words for Life: Website that provides milestones, tips, fun resources. Also, advice to help caregivers support their children’s language and literacy development.

Top Ten Tips for Talking Animations: Short animations that help you to know how make the most of the times they interact with their child.

Ages and Stages Guide: A guide to the stages of speech and language development in babies, children, and young people.

Leeds Children's Speech and Language Therapy Toolkit: Guidance, information, and advice on ways of interacting with your child. Lots of games to play that help you know how to support your child. 

Afasic (charity) Helpline: A charity that supports children, young people with SLCN and their families. Speak to a speech and language therapist on the phone for advice and support. 

Telephone - 0300 666 9410

Opening hours – Monday & Wednesday: 10.30am to 4.00pm

Speech and Language UK (charity): An advice line for parents or carers and practitioners to discuss concerns they have about a child. A series of webinars designed to give parents the tools they need to support their child

 

 

Oral Health – Help with keeping Teeth Healthy

Families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), especially those with autistic children, may face unique challenges when it comes to oral health.

toothPASTE is a free, online resource designed to support families of young autistic children in caring for their teeth. Developed in collaboration with families, professionals, and researchers, it offers practical, autism-informed advice that is non-judgemental and easy to follow.

The resource includes:

  • Small, manageable steps to support toothbrushing
  • Tips for reducing sugary foods and drinks
  • Guidance on preparing for and attending dental appointments

Explore the resource here.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is when someone avoids certain foods, limits how much they eat or does both.

Beliefs about weight or body shape are not reasons why people develop ARFID.

Possible reasons for ARFID include:

  • negative feelings over the smell, taste or texture of certain foods
  • a response to a past experience with food that was upsetting, for example, choking or being sick after eating something
  • not feeling hungry or just a lack of interest in eating.

There’s currently no national pathway for support, but children and young people may access help through local services such as speech and language therapy, dietetics, or occupational therapy.

ND Hub

Neurodivergent individuals can process taste, touch and sound sensations differently to others, as well as other sensory experiences. This can influence an individual’s food and drink preferences. This can also make trying new foods particularly challenging.

It is important to support any dietary preferences and needs a neurodivergent individual may have while maintaining their nutrition and physical health.

Click here for information that can help you and your child understand what makes a healthy diet, answer concerns about eating in neurodivergent children and young people, and improve their confidence in trying new foods.

Resources

The West Yorkshire Neurodiversity Programme and All Star, have developed high-quality, practical, and accessible resources to support neurodivergent individuals and their families across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield.

Click here to view the eating and food support videos and resources. 

NHS & Clinical Resources

Support organisations

Organisations offering support to families: