The children's physiotherapy service helps children and young people with physical difficulties take part in everyday activities.

We work with children and families to achieve goals that are important to them. This could include moving around more easily, taking part in school activities, accessing their environment or enjoying hobbies and interests.

We look at the whole child, including:

• what support may help them achieve their goals
• their environment
• what they can do now

Does your child need a physiotherapy assessment?

Your child may benefit from an assessment if they:

• have a physical difficulty, illness or injury that affects their ability to take part in daily activities
• are aged 0 to 18, or up to 19 if they are in full-time education
• are registered with a GP in Cumbria

Try our advice and guidance first

Before contacting the service, we recommend looking at the advice sheets below and trying the suggested activities and strategies. You can also use these resources while waiting for an appointment. You may find actions you can take straight away to help your child.

Advice and information

• Early development
• Physical activity
• Footwear - information and advice sheets
• Posture
• Physiotherapy in schools

Referrals

If your child is still experiencing difficulties after trying the advice and guidance, a health professional can refer them to the service using the referral form. Referrals must be made by a health professional.

We cannot accept referrals directly from:

• parents and carers
• school staff
• social care professionals

The referral should clearly explain the difficulties the child or young person is experiencing and how these affect everyday activities.

We cannot accept referrals that request a specific assessment where there is no evidence of difficulties with daily activities.

Children's physiotherapy service: Referral form [WORD 567KB]

If you need advice

If you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, contact your local therapy team for advice and guidance.

Contact your local therapy team

If you are unsure whether your child needs a referral, contact your local children's physiotherapy team for advice.

South Lakes

For Kendal, Windermere, Grange and Kirkby Lonsdale:

Telephone: 01539 715 227
Email: ncm-tr.admin.kinta@nhs.net

Furness

For Barrow, Ulverston and Millom:

Telephone: 01229 409627
Email: ncm-tr.admin.ahc@nhs.net

Carlisle and Eden

For Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton and Keswick:

Telephone: 01228 608 110
Email: ncm-tr.springboardadmin@nhs.net

West Cumbria

For Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport and Seascale:

Telephone: 01900 705 080
Email: ncm-tr.ChildrensSpecialistAdminHub@nhs.net

How the service works

Children's physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists work together as part of one integrated therapy service across Cumbria.

We work with children and young people in the setting that best meets their needs. This may include home, school, nursery or another community setting.

We provide support based on your child's needs.

This may include:

• online advice and self-help resources
• adapting activities to help your child take part
• advice for school or nursery staff
• group sessions
• one-to-one sessions
• recommendations for specialist equipment at home or school

Setting goals and reviewing progress

We will work with you and your child to agree goals that are important to them.

Our support focuses on helping children and young people take part in the activities they choose and need to do.

When the agreed goals have been achieved, your child will be discharged from the service.

If their needs change in the future, they can be referred again.