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  • What You Need to Know About Potential Benefit Reforms in 2025 – And How AskEllie Can Help

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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. 💜

  • How AI is Changing Access to SEND Support – And Why AskEllie is Leading the Way

    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

  • The SEND Crisis: The Financial Strain on Councils – Why Parents Need AskEllie Now More Than Ever

    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.

  • PIP Changes in 2025: What They Mean for You & How AskEllie Can Help

    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. 💜

  • Need Free Legal Help with PIP Reforms? AskEllie is Here to Support You!

    The UK government is proposing significant reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), sparking confusion and concern for thousands of families who rely on this vital support. If you’re worried about how these changes might affect you—or if you’re facing a PIP reassessment or appeal—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

    What Are the New PIP Reforms?

    The government is reviewing how PIP is assessed and delivered, with proposals that could:
    🔴 Make it harder to qualify for PIP support.
    🔴 Reduce or replace cash payments with vouchers or alternative services.
    🔴 Increase scrutiny on assessments, leading to more refusals.

    Many disabled individuals and their families fear these changes could limit financial independence and increase the difficulty of securing much-needed support.

    How AskEllie Can Help—For Free

    Ellie is a free AI-powered legal assistant designed to help people understand their rights and navigate the complicated world of PIP applications, reassessments, and appeals.

    ✅ Instant Answers – Get clear, easy-to-understand explanations about your eligibility and entitlements.
    ✅ PIP Appeal Guidance – Step-by-step help if your claim is refused or reduced.
    ✅ Break Down Legal Jargon – Confused by complicated decision letters? Ellie can simplify them for you.
    ✅ SEND & Benefits Support – Need help beyond PIP? Ellie also provides guidance on EHCPs, carers’ rights, and other disability benefits.

    Get Help Now – It’s Completely Free!

    📌 Chat with Ellie directly on our website: www.askellie.co.uk
    📌 Try the new Beta version on Telegram for instant support: https://t.me/AskEllieBot

    As these PIP changes unfold, you don’t have to struggle alone. Ellie is here to help you understand your rights, take action, and fight for the support you deserve. 💜

  • Preparing for a SEN Tribunal or School Placement Appeal in 2025: A Parent’s Guide

    Understanding the Tribunal Process

    If your child has been denied an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) or a suitable school placement, you may need to appeal through the First-tier Tribunal (SENDIST). This process can feel overwhelming, but preparation is key to achieving a successful outcome.

    With increasing pressure on SEND services and school placements in 2025, it’s more important than ever to build a strong case, understand your rights, and prepare effectively.

    Key Steps to Prepare for a Tribunal

    1. Understand the Deadlines

    • You must submit your appeal within two months of the decision letter from your local authority (LA) or one month after receiving a mediation certificate—whichever is later.
    • If you are appealing a school placement decision, this typically follows an EHCP finalisation.

    2. Gather Strong Evidence

    To strengthen your case, collect: ✅ Professional Reports – Private and NHS assessments (e.g., Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy)
    ✅ School Reports – Any evidence from teachers or SENCOs highlighting your child’s needs
    ✅ Medical Documentation – GP or consultant letters confirming diagnoses and additional support requirements
    ✅ Parent and Pupil Statements – A detailed account of how your child’s needs are (or are not) being met in their current setting

    💡 Tip: If you believe your child’s current school is unsuitable, gather behaviour logs, exclusions, and progress reports showing unmet needs.

    3. Consider Mediation

    Before submitting an appeal, you must attempt mediation unless you are only appealing a school placement.

    • Mediation can lead to a resolution without going to Tribunal.
    • You’ll receive a mediation certificate, even if you choose not to proceed with the session.

    4. Prepare Your Tribunal Bundle

    • You will need to submit all your documents to the Tribunal Service before the deadline.
    • You’ll receive a hearing date, usually within 12-14 weeks of submitting your appeal.
    • Be ready to present your case and answer questions from a panel of legal and education experts.

    5. Know What to Expect at the Hearing

    • Remote or in-person hearings: Most are now conducted remotely via video call.
    • Structure of the hearing: 1️⃣ The judge will introduce the case.
      2️⃣ You (or your representative) will explain why you are appealing.
      3️⃣ The LA will respond with their arguments.
      4️⃣ Witnesses (such as experts or school staff) may give evidence.
      5️⃣ The panel asks questions and makes a final decision (which may take up to 10 working days).

    6. Get Support & Legal Help

    You don’t need a lawyer, but specialist SEND legal advice can make a huge difference.
    ✔ Charities & Free Legal Advice:

    ✔ Specialist SEND Solicitors:
    If you want formal representation, you can hire a solicitor with experience in SEND Tribunal cases.

    How AskEllie Can Help You Win Your Tribunal

    Ellie is a free AI-powered assistant that simplifies legal guidance for parents.

    🔹 Get clear, step-by-step advice on preparing your appeal.
    🔹 Draft letters & responses to the local authority.
    🔹 Understand Tribunal procedures without complex legal jargon.
    🔹 Find relevant laws and regulations quickly.
    🔹 24/7 access—whenever you need support.

    With Ellie V2 now available on Telegram, you can get instant help on your phone, anytime. Try it here:
    📲 https://t.me/AskEllieBot

    Final Thoughts

    Appealing an EHCP or school placement decision can be daunting, but preparation, evidence, and the right support can significantly improve your chances of success.

    🚀 You are not alone—Ellie and specialist SEND organisations are here to help you fight for your child’s rights.

    💜 Try Ellie now at www.askellie.co.uk to start preparing for your Tribunal today!

  • How to Get Free Legal Advice for SEN (Special Educational Needs) in the UK

    Navigating the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system can be incredibly challenging for parents. Whether you’re trying to secure an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), appeal a decision, or understand your child’s legal rights, accessing free legal advice can be a game-changer.

    Many parents don’t realize that help is available—without the high legal fees. In this post, we’ll outline the best places to get free legal support for SEN and how AskEllie can help you through the process.

    1. IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)

    📌 Best for: EHCP appeals, SEND Tribunal cases, and legal rights under education law.

    IPSEA is one of the leading SEND legal charities in the UK. They offer:
    ✅ Free online guides on EHCPs, exclusions, and SEN law.
    ✅ A helpline service where you can speak to a trained legal advisor.
    ✅ Tribunal Support for parents appealing LA decisions.

    How to access: Visit their website and book a free legal call.

    2. SOS! SEN

    📌 Best for: One-on-one guidance, legal workshops, and independent SEN case support.

    SOS! SEN provides affordable and free services, including:
    ✅ Helpline support for parents facing EHCP issues.
    ✅ In-person and online workshops to understand SEND law.
    ✅ Independent tribunal support at lower costs than private solicitors.

    How to access: Call their helpline or attend a workshop.

    3. SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice, and Support Services)

    📌 Best for: Local, impartial advice for parents dealing with school or EHCP issues.

    Every council in England provides SENDIASS, a free advisory service that helps parents:
    ✅ Understand their rights under SEND law.
    ✅ Challenge school or council decisions regarding SEN support.
    ✅ Get local mediation support before tribunal appeals.

    How to access: Find your local SENDIASS via this directory.

    4. Law Centres & Pro Bono Legal Clinics

    📌 Best for: Free legal representation and case-specific advice.

    Many law centres and universities offer pro bono legal services for SEND cases, including:
    ✅ Free EHCP and tribunal advice from law students under solicitor supervision.
    ✅ Face-to-face legal support for complex cases.

    How to access: Search for your local law centre via LawWorks or check nearby university legal clinics.

    5. Citizen’s Advice

    📌 Best for: Initial legal guidance and mediation support.

    Citizen’s Advice offers:
    ✅ Basic legal guidance on education law.
    ✅ Help with formal complaints to local authorities.
    ✅ Advice on discrimination and school exclusions.

    How to access: Visit your nearest Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) or use their online chat service.

    6. AskEllie – Your Free AI-Powered SEND Legal Assistant

    If you need instant, free guidance, AskEllie is here to help!

    🔹 AskEllie.co.uk is an AI-powered legal assistant designed to support parents 24/7.
    🔹 Get clear, reliable answers on EHCPs, appeals, school rights, and more.
    🔹 No waiting lists, no high legal fees—just instant support at your fingertips.

    📌 Try AskEllie now: www.askellie.co.uk

    If you’re fighting for your child’s rights, you don’t have to do it alone. These free legal resources can help you navigate the SEND system with confidence! 💜🚀

  • The Future of AskEllie: A Game-Changer for Parents Navigating the SEND System

    At AskEllie, we believe that no parent should have to struggle to access the support their child needs. The current system for securing SEND support, EHCPs, and essential benefits is overwhelming, complex, and often inaccessible, leaving families lost in legal jargon, excessive paperwork, and endless delays.

    We built Ellie to change that.

    But this is just the beginning.

    Our Vision for the Future

    Our long-term goal is to turn AskEllie into a comprehensive, AI-powered support hub—a tool that not only provides free guidance and legal insights but also actively helps parents secure the right support for their children with less stress, lower costs, and greater efficiency.

    Here’s what the future of AskEllie will look like:

    ✅ A Free Version that allows parents to:

    • Get instant answers to everyday legal and parenting questions.
    • Receive SEND law guidance and EHCP support at home.
    • Connect with legal professionals who can help without expensive consultations.
    • Organize and compile case information in a way that makes it easy for legal experts to review—saving parents time and reducing legal costs.

    ✅ A Premium Version with powerful, next-level features, including:

    • Custom AI agents that help parents and teachers complete, update, and optimize EHCP plans.
    • Step-by-step assistance with benefit applications, such as DLA, PIP, and Blue Badges.
    • Document upload and analysis, so parents can instantly understand and act on letters from local authorities.
    • Matching with professionals, including SEND solicitors, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and other essential specialists—both locally and nationally.

    Over the next 12 months, we plan to scale AskEllie and form partnerships to bring this vision to life—creating an accessible, AI-powered tool that removes the barriers parents face when navigating the outdated and complicated SEND system.

    Why AskEllie Matters Now More Than Ever

    We are at a pivotal moment in technology where AI can be a force for real change. The SEND crisis is worsening, legal services are becoming increasingly expensive, and parents are left without the help they need.

    With AskEllie, we are building a one-stop hub designed to cut through the confusion, save families time and money, and reduce the emotional toll of fighting for support.

    This is not just a project—it’s a movement.

    We are looking for partners, investors, and collaborators who share our vision of a fairer, simpler, and more accessible system for families of disabled children. If you believe in the power of technology to change lives, we’d love to connect.

    👉 Try AskEllie today: www.askellie.co.uk
    📩 Interested in working with us? Get in touch at hello@askellie.co.uk

    Together, we can revolutionize the way families access the support they need. 🚀

  • The Growing Impact of SEND Budget Cuts on Families: What You Need to Know and How to Navigate the System

    Introduction: The latest reports show that local authority budgets for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are being slashed, causing an overwhelming burden for families already struggling with the complex and often frustrating education system. The impact of these cuts is already being felt across the UK, with many parents finding it increasingly difficult to access the support their children need. In this post, we explore how these changes are affecting SEND families, and how AskEllie can help you navigate this challenging landscape.

    The Reality of SEND Budget Cuts Recent figures indicate that SEND funding has dropped significantly over the past few years, leaving many schools and local authorities struggling to meet the needs of children with disabilities. As schools face pressure to cut costs, children with SEND are at risk of losing crucial resources like support assistants, therapy sessions, and specialist education programs.

    The reduction in funding has led to longer waiting times for assessments and delays in the provision of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). More and more children are not receiving the tailored support they need, and this is having a real, lasting impact on their education and well-being.

    How These Cuts Are Affecting Families For parents of children with SEND, the battle to secure adequate support is already an exhausting one. With reduced budgets, many families are now having to fight even harder for their children’s rights. Here are some key issues families are facing:

    • Increased waiting times for EHCP assessments: Parents are reporting delays of several months, and in some cases, over a year, before their children are even assessed for an EHCP.
    • Reduced availability of support services: Many children are losing out on vital therapies like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy due to funding cuts.
    • Limited access to specialist education settings: With fewer resources, children with complex needs are often placed in mainstream schools, even when this is not the best environment for them.
    • Mental health struggles for parents and children: The emotional toll of fighting for the appropriate support can be immense, with many parents facing burnout and children becoming more anxious due to lack of appropriate services.

    How AskEllie Can Help: A Game-Changer for Families With all the challenges families face, having an easy-to-use resource to help them navigate the SEND system can be invaluable. That’s where AskEllie comes in.

    AskEllie is an AI-powered assistant designed to help parents of disabled children understand their legal rights, navigate the SEND process, and access the support they need. Whether it’s understanding the intricacies of EHCPs or drafting letters to local authorities and schools, Ellie provides immediate, clear guidance and practical advice, 24/7.

    What Ellie Can Do for You:

    • Answer questions about SEND law and rights: Ellie is designed to break down complex legal terms and help you understand what your child is entitled to.
    • Guide you through the EHCP process: From applying for an EHCP to appealing decisions, Ellie can support you every step of the way.
    • Provide advice on challenging local authority decisions: If you’re facing delays or refusals in getting the support your child needs, Ellie can help you understand your options and next steps.
    • Offer everyday parenting strategies: Ellie can help with common challenges, such as managing anxiety, building routines, and advocating for your child at school.

    Why Use Ellie Now?

    Given the ongoing cuts to SEND funding, it’s more crucial than ever for families to have easy access to support and information. AskEllie provides a valuable resource for those navigating an increasingly complex system. By using Ellie, you can take control of your child’s education and ensure they get the support they deserve.

    Conclusion: The reduction in SEND funding is a ticking time bomb for many families, but with the right support and tools, parents can still fight for their children’s rights. AskEllie is here to help you navigate this difficult journey with clear, actionable guidance that puts you in control.

    For more help, visit www.askellie.co.uk and start using AskEllie today to ensure your child receives the education and support they need.

  • 🚀 Try AskEllie V2 – Now on Telegram!

    (25/03/2025 currently down and being updated but back soon)

    We’re excited to introduce AskEllie V2, a major update to our free AI-powered legal assistant—now available on Telegram!

    💬 What is Telegram? If you’ve never used it before, Telegram is a free, secure messaging app—just like WhatsApp, but better for Ellie! It’s easy to set up and ensures private, confidential conversations with Ellie whenever you need support.

    Why is AskEllie V2 on Telegram Better?

    ✅ Instant Support, 24/7 – No need to visit the website every time you have a question. Just open Telegram and chat with Ellie like you would a trusted advisor.

    ✅ More Advanced AI – Ellie’s new Telegram version is smarter, faster, and more accurate, pulling the latest legal updates and government amendments daily.

    ✅ Secure & Easy to Use – Your chats are private and encrypted, and Telegram works on any device—phone, tablet, or computer.

    What Can AskEllie V2 Help With?

    💡 Understanding EHCPs, SEND law, and appeals
    💡 Breaking down legal letters & documents in simple terms (copy & paste for instant clarity!)
    💡 Guidance on school disputes, exclusions, part-time timetables & more
    💡 Everyday parenting strategies for children with SEND

    Still in Beta – Your Feedback Matters!

    We’re still improving Ellie—soon, you’ll be able to upload documents for even more tailored support!

    We’d love for you to try it out and share your thoughts—your feedback will help shape the future of Ellie for families like yours.

    👉 Try AskEllie V2 on Telegram Now!
    🔗 https://t.me/AskEllieBot (currently being updated and back soon)

    📢 Spread the word—Ellie is here to help, anytime, anywhere!