Like most businesses and organisations this past year, Shropshire’s Information Advice and Support Service (IASS) have had to change and adapt the way they work whist doing their best to ensure they can still deliver the same level of service to Shropshire families.

IASS provide information, advice and support to parents of children aged 0 to 25, to children, and to young people aged 16 to 25 who have, or may have, special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Some of the things they might be able to help you with are, listening to your concerns and provide relevant information, including SEND law, to help you explore your options and make informed decisions regarding your child’s education. They can support you to prepare for upcoming meetings including annual reviews and also explain reports written by professionals. They can help you to develop positive relationships and improve communication with schools, the local authority and other services and signpost you to other relevant organisations or sources of information.

IASS are a small team of 5 which includes our fantastic youth worker Lynne. Lynne works one day a week and works directly with young people, supporting them with any worries or problems they might be experiencing particularly at school or college. You can contact Lynne by email on lynnetaylor@cabshropshire.org.uk, text 07532 821 379 or messaging our Young IASS Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/youngiass/

This year IASS have spent some time developing their website and Facebook pages so that they can make information as accessible as they can. On their website they have a whole range of Factsheets available to read, download and print. They are also in the process of developing online training packages which will be available to access on their website at any time.

Currently IASS offer advice over the phone, via email and can attend some meetings using an online platform such as Teams or Zoom. If you think you could benefit from some advice from IASS, please get in touch, like and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/IASSShropshire/ and head on over to their website https://www.cabshropshire.org.uk/shropshire-iass/ to take a look.

Shropshire IASS is based at Citizens Advice in Shrewsbury. Please leave a message for IASS on the Citizens Advice answerphone on 01743 280019 or email us directly at iass@cabshropshire.org.uk and the admin team will get back to you and take further details.