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Local support in Derry City and Strabane

SEN support in Derry and Strabane: local services and next steps

Schools and the Education Authority manage SEN support. Children's health and developmental services are provided through the Western Trust.

Sources checked 14 August 2026Next review 14 August 2027
An illustrated Derry City and Strabane riverscape with city walls, church spires, riverside buildings and green hills.
Stylised illustration representing the area's character, not an exact photograph of a landmark or service location.

How support is organised in Derry City and Strabane

A family in Derry, Strabane or a surrounding rural community may need to coordinate school support with a service based elsewhere in the Western Trust area. Start by writing down what is difficult, where it happens and what would make the next week more manageable.

Take school concerns to the teacher or SEN coordinator. Ask what can begin immediately and when you will review it together. That conversation does not have to wait for a health referral.

The Education Authority provides regional SEN services and carries out statutory assessment and statementing. Derry City and Strabane District Council does not make those decisions, although it is relevant for local leisure, access and community opportunities.

Western Health and Social Care Trust provides children's developmental and autism services across its trust area. Its published service information includes local and outreach provision, but the right team still depends on the child's needs and referral route.

SENAC offers independent education advice. Family Support NI lists registered services that can be filtered by area and type of help.

FamilyFX local support signals

The local picture in Derry City and Strabane

This section maps the current health bodies serving this area and, where a comparable official measure is available, presents it alongside the national figure. It is not a rating of the area or the quality of an individual service.

Health

Health and Social Care trusts for Derry City and Strabane

Health and Social Care trusts deliver many local health and social care services in Northern Ireland. Some services are organised regionally, so the organisation listed is a starting point rather than a promise that every pathway is based locally.

Western Health and Social Care TrustCovers Western Trust areaVisit trust website

Urgent help

Lifeline crisis support

Lifeline provides confidential crisis support in Northern Ireland. Call 999 if life is at immediate risk.

Visit Lifeline crisis support

Local organisations and advice

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Covers Derry City and Strabane

Council leisure, facilities and community services.

Visit website

Education Authority

Covers Northern Ireland

The Education Authority manages regional SEN services and statutory processes.

Visit website

Western Health and Social Care Trust

Covers Western Trust area

The Western Trust provides children's health and developmental services.

Visit website

SENAC

Covers Northern Ireland

SENAC provides independent education advice and advocacy.

Visit website

Family Support NI

Covers Northern Ireland

Family Support NI lists registered family and community services.

Visit website

Services and local pathways

Education Authority SEN information

Education Authority

Current Education Authority SEN information and online routes.

Who it is for: Children and young people in Northern Ireland who have or may have special educational needs.

How to access it: Begin with the school for current support. Use the Education Authority guidance and online services for statutory processes.

Check current details

Western Trust children and young people autism service

Western Health and Social Care Trust

Western Trust children and young people autism service information.

Who it is for: Access depends on the service geography and current referral pathway.

How to access it: Check the referral pathway on the live Trust page and confirm the receiving team.

Check current details

Family Support NI directory

Family Support NI

Searchable regional directory of registered family support.

Who it is for: Each listed service has its own location, age and eligibility criteria.

How to access it: Search by area and need, then confirm current details directly with the provider.

Check current details

HSC service finder and trust contacts

HSCNI Strategic Planning and Performance Group

Use the official finder when the correct HSC trust or service is unclear.

Who it is for: Open to anyone looking for current HSC service or trust information in Northern Ireland.

How to access it: Search by service or place. If the trust is unclear, check a current HSC letter or ask the referring professional.

Check current details

SENAC education advice

SENAC

Independent SEN education advice and advocacy.

Who it is for: Parents and carers of children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland.

How to access it: Check SENAC’s current advice and contact arrangements online.

Check current details

Practical next steps

Ask the school to record the support, responsible person and review date. If the EA is involved, ask which part of the process is current and what evidence is still needed.

For health or developmental questions, follow the Western Trust's current pathway and confirm where the appointment or service is delivered. Travel can be a material part of access, so ask about venue, frequency and remote options before agreeing a plan.

For family or community help, check the live provider record and contact it directly. A service listed for the wider district may operate on particular days or from one part of the area.

Related FamilyFX help

Library articleSchool Support Scotland Wales Northern IrelandUse the Northern Ireland SEN framework and the correct regional education route.Library articleSend Rights Scotland Wales Northern IrelandUnderstand statements, rights and the Northern Ireland system.Library articleKeeping A Record For School And Gp MeetingsKeep school and health actions clear without creating an unmanageable file.
Help us strengthen this directory

Do you support SEND families in Derry City and Strabane?

If you are part of a charity, parent group, advice service, inclusive activity or another organisation supporting SEND families in Derry City and Strabane, we would like to hear from you. Send us your website, the area you cover, who the service is for and how families can get in touch. We check submissions before deciding whether to add them.

Send us your details

Sources and checking dates

Local services change. We check the sources below and review any substantive change before altering the page.