Category: Uncategorized

Published: [14/03/2025]

For families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the fight for support has always been an uphill battle. But recent reports suggest that the system is reaching breaking point. From skyrocketing EHCP delays to councils running out of funding, parents are being left stranded—forced to navigate an increasingly hostile and under-resourced system alone.

What’s Happening Right Now?

A new wave of concerns has emerged across the UK regarding SEND provisions, and parents are feeling the impact:

🔴 EHCP Chaos – Delays in processing Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) are worsening. The legal deadline for an EHCP assessment is 20 weeks, yet some councils are taking well over a year. In many cases, families are forced to appeal—leading to even longer waits.

🔴 Funding Crisis – Many councils are running multi-million-pound SEND budget deficits, leading to cutbacks in school places, transport, and crucial specialist support. The latest figures reveal that SEND transport costs alone are draining double what councils spend on fixing roads—yet children are still being left without school placements.

🔴 Legal Loopholes & Excuses – Schools and local authorities are increasingly citing “lack of resources” to deny support, despite their legal duty to provide adequate education. Some parents are being told their children must fall years behind their peers before being considered for an EHCP.

🔴 Tribunal Battles Are Rising – A record number of families are taking their councils to tribunal to fight for their child’s right to an education. The worst part? 96% of appeals against local authorities are successful—proving that these councils are failing children on an unacceptable scale.

The Impact on Families

For parents, these delays and rejections aren’t just frustrating—they’re life-changing. Many are:

⚠️ Forced to quit their jobs to homeschool their children.
⚠️ Battling burnout and declining mental health due to constant fighting.
⚠️ Spending thousands on private diagnoses, legal help, and therapy.
⚠️ Watching their child’s anxiety, self-esteem, and education suffer.

The system is pushing families to breaking point, and many parents are asking: Where do we go from here?

How AskEllie is Helping Parents Take Back Control

We created AskEllie because we’ve been in this fight ourselves. We know how isolating and exhausting it is to deal with the endless paperwork, legal jargon, and roadblocks put in place by local authorities.

💜 Ellie is an AI-powered legal assistant that gives parents instant, 24/7 support—completely free.

✔ Understand Your Rights – Ellie simplifies EHCPs, SEND law, and funding rules, so parents know exactly what they’re entitled to.
✔ Draft Powerful Responses – Struggling with a school rejection or council delay? Ellie helps you craft legally strong emails and appeals.
✔ Break Down Complex Documents – Copy and paste letters from councils, and Ellie will translate them into plain English, helping you take the right next steps.
✔ Support for Everyday Challenges – From sleep struggles to school refusals, Ellie provides practical advice, not just legal help.

🚀 Try AskEllie Now: [Insert Website Link]

The fight for SEND reform is far from over, but parents don’t have to battle alone. The more parents know their rights, the harder it is for councils to get away with failing children. Ellie is here to make sure no parent is left in the dark.

Parents Left Struggling as Schools Report Stricter EHCP Criteria

A growing number of parents are being told that their child must now be at least 2.5 years behind their peers in education to even be considered for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). If true, this is a devastating shift in SEND provision—one that risks leaving countless children without the support they desperately need.

Recently, a parent shared their frustrating experience after being called into their child’s school, where they were told this new threshold was preventing the school from applying for an EHCP on their child’s behalf. The reasoning? The school was already “doing great” supporting their child as though they had an EHCP, but now couldn’t justify a request for one due to these new restrictions.

But what happens when the child moves schools? What if funding changes? Will the process have to start all over again?

What Does This Mean for Parents?

If schools are being discouraged from applying for EHCPs due to cost or arbitrary academic benchmarks, this could leave many children—especially those with autism, ADHD, and PDA—without legally enforceable support. Many children with SEND do not present with academic delays but instead struggle with anxiety, sensory needs, and emotional regulation.

This change, if true, represents a major barrier to accessing SEND support. It’s not enough to say a school is ‘doing well’ without an EHCP. The whole point of an EHCP is that it provides long-term, legally protected support beyond what a school can offer on its own.

Can Parents Still Apply for an EHCP Themselves?

Yes! If your school refuses to apply, you can apply for an EHCP independently. You do not need school approval to begin the process.

Steps to Apply Independently:

1. Gather Evidence – Request copies of school reports, IEPs, medical letters, and professional assessments.
2. Write to Your Local Authority – You must submit a written request for an EHCP assessment. There is no requirement for a child to be 2.5 years behind—this is not in the SEND Code of Practice.
3. Seek Legal Advice – If your request is refused, you have the right to appeal.

How AskEllie Can Help

If you’re facing this situation, AskEllie can guide you through the process. Ellie provides:

• Legal guidance on EHCPs, appeals, and SEND law.
• Step-by-step support on how to apply independently.
• Help with drafting letters to your local authority.

📲 Try Ellie today for free at www.askellie.co.uk or via Telegram at https://t.me/AskEllieBot.

Have you been told about this new barrier? We want to hear from you. Drop us a message and let’s push back against these unfair restrictions together!

#EHCP #SEND #AutismSupport #AskEllie

📅 Published: March 2025

The UK government has recently announced that NHS England will be abolished, marking a significant shift in how healthcare services are managed. For families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this raises urgent questions:

• Will this affect NHS support for EHCPs?
• What happens to services like CAMHS, speech and language therapy, and OT?
• Does this mean more delays and funding issues for children with SEND?

As we know, healthcare plays a crucial role in EHCPs—whether it’s getting medical assessments, securing therapy recommendations, or accessing mental health services. With NHS England being scrapped, local decision-making will take over, and while this may sound like a move towards better localized care, many fear it could lead to even greater disparities in access to essential support.

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What This Means for SEND & EHCPs

1️⃣ Possible Delays in Assessments & Reports
NHS delays are already a major issue for families waiting for diagnoses, therapy, and specialist input for EHCPs. This structural change could cause further confusion, as responsibilities shift from NHS England to new or existing bodies.

2️⃣ Funding & Service Cuts
SEND services have already been underfunded for years, and there are concerns that local health authorities may struggle to maintain provisions for therapies like speech and language, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy—services that many EHCPs depend on.

3️⃣ Inconsistent Support Across Regions
With more local control, parents could see an even wider postcode lottery, where support varies drastically depending on where they live. Some areas might prioritize SEND health services, while others could deprioritize them due to funding constraints.

4️⃣ Impact on CAMHS & Mental Health Support
Many children with SEND rely on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which already has years-long waiting lists. With structural upheaval, parents fear delays will only increase, leaving children without vital support.

5️⃣ More Pressure on Parents to Fight for Support
Without clear national oversight, parents may face even greater challenges in securing the right health provisions for their child’s EHCP. Expect more appeals, complaints, and tribunals as families fight to ensure children receive their legal entitlements.

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How AskEllie Can Help

💡 Instant Legal Guidance: Ellie can break down the latest changes and explain how they might affect your child’s EHCP.

📋 Appeal & Complaint Support: If your child’s health provision is reduced or removed from their EHCP, Ellie can help you draft letters and challenge decisions.

🔍 Understanding Your Rights: With health, social care, and education all linked in an EHCP, Ellie ensures you know what your child is entitled to and how to fight for it.

📱 Try Ellie for Free!
💻 Website: www.askellie.co.uk
📲 Ellie V2 on Telegram: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

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The school system is failing some of our most vulnerable children—those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Unfortunately, many schools are still struggling with underfunding, outdated policies, and lack of adequate resources, resulting in an environment that negatively impacts these children’s mental health. In fact, the situation has become so dire that it’s contributing to conditions like PTSD in some students.

The Strain on Mental Health:

For children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), navigating school can feel like a constant battle. Many of these children require consistent support, tailored education, and safe spaces to thrive. However, due to underfunding, too many schools are unable to provide these resources. This leads to situations where children feel unsupported, isolated, or even traumatized.

The Effects of a Broken System:

The lack of specialized staff—such as trained SEN teachers, support workers, and mental health professionals—means that many children are not receiving the care and attention they need. This can result in feelings of insecurity, stress, and anxiety, which can escalate to more severe conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When children repeatedly face bullying, unmet needs, or disruption to their education, the psychological toll can be immense.

Furthermore, the outdated curriculum and rigid expectations often do not accommodate the individual learning needs of children with SEND. These children often face exclusion, whether it’s being removed from class, subjected to disciplinary actions, or simply falling behind. Without proper accommodations, this lack of support can have a devastating effect on their mental health.

A Need for Change:

The school system needs urgent reform. There’s an immediate need for increased funding, better-trained staff, and more comprehensive mental health services within schools. Children with SEND deserve the same opportunities to succeed as any other student—but they need the right resources and support to do so.

How AskEllie Can Help:

At AskEllie, we understand the toll the system is taking on families. We believe no child should suffer in silence or fall through the cracks. Through our free, AI-powered assistant, Ellie, we’re here to help parents navigate the complex landscape of EHCPs, SEND law, and mental health support.

Ellie can help parents better understand their rights, draft responses, and connect them with advocates, therapists, and educational experts. By making legal and support services more accessible, we aim to reduce the emotional and financial strain many parents feel while advocating for their children.

If you’re a parent struggling to navigate the SEND system, don’t do it alone. Ellie is here to help guide you through the complexities, giving you the tools and support you need to ensure your child receives the education and care they deserve.

It’s time for change. The system is broken, but together, we can make a difference.

🔗 Get started with Ellie today at www.askellie.co.uk.

The UK benefits system is undergoing changes in 2025, and for parents of disabled children, staying informed is crucial to ensure you receive the right support. Here’s what you need to know about Universal Credit (UC), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carer’s Allowance, and other key updates from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

1. Changes to Universal Credit for Parents of Disabled Children

If you receive Universal Credit (UC) and claim additional support for a disabled child, you should be aware of the following:
✅ Child Disability Additions – The additional support for parents of disabled children remains, but eligibility assessments are becoming stricter in 2025. More claimants may be asked to provide updated medical evidence.
✅ Mandatory Work Requirements – Some parents may be asked to engage with work coaches more frequently, even if they are caring for a disabled child. However, exemptions still apply if your child receives the highest rate of DLA (Care Component) or is deemed to have ‘severe limitations’.
✅ Transitional Protection & Migration from Legacy Benefits – Many families are still being moved from legacy benefits (such as Income Support or Tax Credits) to Universal Credit. Some may see changes in their payments, so it’s essential to check how your Disability Elements are being transferred.

2. Carer’s Allowance & New Earnings Thresholds

📌 The earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance has been raised slightly, meaning some parents working part-time may now qualify where they didn’t before.
📌 However, there is no increase in Carer’s Allowance itself, despite inflation concerns.

3. Disability Benefit Reassessments – What Parents Need to Watch Out For

🏥 If your child receives DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or PIP (Personal Independence Payment) once they turn 16, you may notice:

• More frequent reassessments, even for conditions that will not improve over time.
• A focus on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone.

💡 Tip: If your child is due for reassessment, ensure you keep all medical letters and reports up to date to avoid disruptions in payments.

4. Changes to School Transport Funding

🚍 Many councils are struggling to fund SEND transport, with reports showing some areas are reducing services. Parents may be asked to contribute more financially or justify their child’s transport needs in more detail.

How AskEllie Can Help

With so many changes happening, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. AskEllie is here to help parents navigate these updates.
✅ Explain benefit changes in simple terms.
✅ Guide you on appeals if your child’s support is reduced.
✅ Assist with drafting letters for DWP, local authorities, and benefit reviews.
✅ Help you understand your legal rights when dealing with cuts to school transport or part-time education timetables.

💬 Try Ellie for free today! She’s available 24/7 to answer your questions on Universal Credit, EHCPs, and SEND law.

📲 Visit: www.AskEllie.co.uk
📩 Try our new Beta Telegram chatbot for instant support: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

If these changes affect you, share your experience below. Let’s make sure every family gets the support they’re entitled to! 👇💙

The Growing Issue of SEND Transport

In recent news, The Guardian highlighted the growing disparity in SEND transport funding across England, with local councils spending more on transporting children with special educational needs (SEND) than on improving local roads. According to the article, English councils are spending twice as much on SEND pupil transport as on road repairs, a situation that has raised significant concerns among parents, councils, and local authorities alike.

As the number of children requiring transport to specialist schools or therapies continues to increase, many local authorities are struggling to meet the rising demand, leaving families feeling burdened and uncertain. The article reveals that SEND transport costs have soared, creating a financial crisis that threatens the quality of care children receive and puts a strain on already overstretched public resources.

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The Impact on SEND Families

For many families, the rising cost of SEND pupil transport means they’re seeing fewer resources available for crucial services like specialist education, therapy support, and early intervention. Parents are feeling frustrated as they navigate complicated funding processes while trying to secure the necessary transport for their child’s education and well-being.

Here are some of the challenges families are facing:

• Financial strain: The increased spending on transport often leaves local authorities with limited funding for education, therapies, and other services that children with SEND urgently need.
• Inconsistent access: Some children face delays or uncertainty around transport availability, making it harder for them to attend specialist schools or therapies.
• Confusion about legal rights: Many families struggle to understand their rights when it comes to SEND transport entitlements and how to apply for support.

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How AskEllie Can Help Families in This Crisis

At AskEllie, we understand that navigating the complexities of SEND services, including transport entitlements and funding support, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built Ellie – your AI-powered legal assistant – to provide immediate, clear guidance on the issues that matter most to families dealing with the SEND transport crisis.

Here’s how AskEllie can help you in light of these new challenges:

✅ Clarify Your Rights: Ellie can help you understand your rights when it comes to SEND transport, explaining entitlements, eligibility, and what local authorities should be providing.

✅ Guidance on Applications: If you need help with the SEND transport application process, Ellie can guide you through what you need to include in your application, which documents are required, and how to make sure your request is processed efficiently.

✅ Help with Appeals: If your child’s SEND transport request has been denied or delayed, Ellie can assist in drafting appeal letters, explaining the reasons for appeal, and helping you navigate the process of contesting decisions.

✅ Connecting to Local Support Services: Ellie can also connect you with local advocacy groups and support services that can offer additional help, so you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone.

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The Bigger Picture: Addressing SEND Challenges

The issue highlighted in The Guardian article is just one part of the wider SEND crisis that families are facing across the UK. With SEND funding continuously squeezed, many families are left to manage these challenges without the proper support. As local authorities continue to struggle with budget allocations, parents are left wondering how they can get the help they need.

But there’s hope – AskEllie is here to provide support, guidance, and practical advice on SEND transport, EHCPs, legal rights, and other vital services. Our mission is to empower families with the tools and knowledge they need to get the support they deserve without the stress and confusion.

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Get Support Today

Whether you’re dealing with SEND transport issues, facing difficulties with EHCP applications, or just need some clarity on your legal rights, Ellie is here for you.

👉 Visit AskEllie for instant, free AI-powered support: www.askellie.co.uk

📱 Try the new Beta version on Telegram for 24/7 support: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

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At this crucial moment in the SEND landscape, AskEllie is a game-changer – offering families the support they need to navigate a complex system and ensure their children get the right transport and care they deserve.

Let us help you through these challenges, one step at a time. 💜

Big Changes on the Horizon for Benefits in the UK

The UK government is considering major welfare and benefits reforms that could impact thousands of families, particularly those with disabled children or additional needs. These proposed changes have sparked concern among parents, carers, and advocacy groups, as they could affect access to financial support, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

If you rely on benefits such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Carer’s Allowance, it’s crucial to stay informed and understand how these potential changes might affect your family.

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What Benefit Changes Are Being Proposed?

While specific details are still developing, here are some key proposed reforms that could impact families with SEND children:

🟢 Tougher Eligibility Criteria for PIP & Universal Credit

• The government is considering stricter assessments for disability-related benefits, with a focus on “those who could work” being encouraged off benefits.
• This has raised concerns about how children with SEND and their carers will be affected.

🟢 Changes to Carer’s Allowance

• The rules around Carer’s Allowance may be tightened to ensure only those providing high levels of care qualify.
• Many parents of SEND children depend on this financial support to cover additional costs.

🟢 Increased Reviews & Reassessments

• More frequent benefit reviews could mean shorter award lengths, making long-term financial planning difficult.

🟢 Push Towards Employment for Claimants

• More benefit claimants may be pushed into work, even those with disabilities or long-term conditions, raising questions about suitable job availability and support.

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How Could These Changes Affect Families with SEND Children?

💡 Reduced Financial Security – If eligibility becomes stricter, families may lose vital support or have to reapply more often.

💡 More Complicated Application Processes – If reassessments increase, parents may face additional stress proving their child’s needs repeatedly.

💡 Uncertainty About Future Support – With reforms still unclear, many families worry about how their financial situation might change.

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How Can AskEllie Help?

We know that navigating benefit applications, appeals, and policy changes can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already advocating for a child with additional needs.

Ellie is here to help you make sense of the system by:

✅ Explaining benefit rules in simple terms – No more confusing jargon! Ellie can break down what changes mean for your family.

✅ Helping you prepare for reassessments – If you’re asked to prove eligibility, Ellie can guide you through gathering supporting evidence and writing responses.

✅ Providing appeal guidance – If your benefits are reduced or denied, Ellie can offer advice on challenging decisions and writing appeal letters.

✅ Supporting you with EHCPs & legal rights – If benefit changes impact education or care funding, Ellie can provide information on your child’s legal entitlements.

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Stay Informed & Get Support

⚠️ Benefit reform discussions are ongoing – changes aren’t final yet, but it’s important to stay ahead of any decisions that could affect you.

💬 Have a question about benefits? Ask Ellie!

👉 Visit AskEllie for instant, free AI-powered support: www.askellie.co.uk

📱 Try the new Beta version on Telegram for 24/7 support: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

👥 Join the conversation – If you’re concerned about potential benefit reforms, connect with SEND advocacy groups, seek advice, and make your voice heard!

Ellie is here to help you navigate the changes ahead and make sure your family gets the support they deserve. 💜

The way parents access SEND legal advice and EHCP guidance is changing—fast. With more families struggling to navigate complex legal systems, AI-powered solutions like AskEllie are emerging as game-changers, offering instant, reliable, and free guidance at the click of a button.

🚀 Why AI is Critical for Parents Navigating the SEND System
For too long, parents have been forced to fight through bureaucracy alone. The EHCP process is confusing, appeals are complex, and waiting times for support are at an all-time high. AI tools like AskEllie are bridging the gap, helping parents understand their rights and take action—without the usual delays.

The Power of AI in SEND Advocacy

AI tools like AskEllie can:
✅ Instantly explain EHCPs, SEND law, and appeals in clear, simple language.
✅ Help draft letters and responses to schools and local authorities.
✅ Provide step-by-step guidance through legal processes.
✅ Reduce costs and time wasted on navigating the system alone.

Why AskEllie Stands Out

Unlike other online tools, AskEllie is:
🔹 Completely free for parents needing urgent help.
🔹 Trained on UK-specific SEND laws and legal guidance.
🔹 Available 24/7 via the website and now on Telegram (Try Ellie V2 here).
🔹 Actively growing, with new features in development, including document analysis and professional connections.

The Future of AI in SEND Support

AI is not replacing SEND lawyers, advocates, or professionals—it’s empowering parents with instant access to knowledge and tools to advocate for their children more effectively. As we continue to develop AskEllie, we’re looking to collaborate with organizations, charities, and legal professionals who share our vision of making justice more accessible.

💡 Want to see what AI can do for you? Try AskEllie today and experience the future of SEND support.

🔗 Get started now: www.askellie.co.uk
📱 Try Ellie on Telegram: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

In recent weeks, reports have highlighted the growing crisis in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system across England. Local councils are struggling to manage the rising costs of SEND services, particularly school transport, which now consumes twice the funding allocated for road maintenance in many areas. With the system at breaking point and new government reforms on the horizon, parents are more anxious than ever about securing the right support for their children.

A System on the Brink

The number of children requiring SEND transport has surged by 25% since 2019, leading to a financial strain that could see council deficits reach £5 billion by next year. In response, the government is preparing major reforms that could limit parental rights to appeal Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) decisions and reduce the powers of SEND tribunals. Many fear this will leave families with fewer options and less legal protection when fighting for their child’s education.

The Human Cost

Beyond the financial figures, this crisis is affecting real families every day. Parents who are already exhausted by the battles they face to secure EHCPs, school placements, and the right support now fear even greater obstacles. Some have had to leave jobs to home-school their children due to inadequate provision, adding to financial stress and mental health pressures.

How AskEllie Can Help

With the future of SEND services in flux, access to clear, immediate, and legally sound advice is more crucial than ever. This is where AskEllie steps in.

✅ Instant Guidance – Parents can get clear answers on SEND law, EHCPs, and appeals, without having to sift through confusing government documents.
✅ Drafting Support – Ellie can help parents create professional, legally structured responses to schools, councils, and tribunals.
✅ Simplified Legal Information – Ellie breaks down complex policies and legal jargon into easy-to-understand advice.
✅ 24/7 Access – No waiting lists, no unanswered emails—Ellie is always available when parents need her.
✅ New & Improved Version (V2) – Now available on Telegram, offering even faster responses and deeper integration with key legal sources.

As the government prepares to make changes that could limit SEND support, parents need to be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their children effectively. AskEllie is designed to empower families with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly challenging system.

Be Prepared. Stay Informed. Get Support.

The months ahead could bring significant challenges, but parents don’t have to face them alone. AskEllie is here to help.

💻 Try Ellie on our website: www.askellie.co.uk
📱 Get instant support on Telegram (Beta V2): https://t.me/AskEllieBot

If you’re a parent navigating the SEND system, now is the time to take action. Join the thousands of families using AskEllie to fight for their children’s education and future.

The UK government is considering major changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a vital benefit supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. Recent discussions have sparked concerns about eligibility changes, new assessments, and even potential cuts to financial support. Many families are now worried about how these reforms could impact them.

What’s Changing with PIP?

According to recent reports, the government is reviewing the way PIP is assessed, aiming to reduce the number of people receiving cash payments and potentially replace some financial support with vouchers or services instead. While no final decisions have been made, the debate is ongoing, and any changes could have huge implications for disabled individuals and their families.

Concerns raised in the media include:
🔴 Stricter eligibility criteria, which could make it harder for some people to qualify for PIP.
🔴 Replacing cash payments with vouchers, limiting flexibility for recipients.
🔴 Increased assessment scrutiny, potentially leading to more refusals or stressful reassessments.

How AskEllie Can Help

With uncertainty around these changes, understanding your legal rights has never been more important. This is where AskEllie steps in.

✅ Instant AI Guidance – AskEllie provides free, accessible legal guidance on PIP eligibility, appeals, and entitlements.
✅ Support for PIP Appeals – If you’re denied PIP or reassessed unfairly, Ellie can guide you through the appeals process, step by step.
✅ Clear Explanations of Legal Jargon – Confused by government documents? Ellie can break them down into simple, easy-to-understand terms.
✅ Everyday Advice on Managing Support – Whether it’s navigating benefits, SEND law, or accessing the right services, Ellie is available 24/7.

Try Ellie Now – Free Legal Support When You Need It

With the future of PIP uncertain, now is the time to understand your rights and prepare for possible changes.

🔗 Chat with Ellie now on our website: www.askellie.co.uk
📱 Try our NEW Beta on Telegram for instant support: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

Ellie is here to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered—especially when navigating complex changes like PIP reform. Don’t face this alone—Ellie is here for you. 💜