Setting up a community or parent led group

Have you observed a need in your community? Are there a lack of groups or services to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND or their parents where you live?

Many funders actively want to support:

Parent‑led groups
Lived‑experience projects
Small grassroots initiatives

You don’t usually need to already be a large organisation — many grants are specifically designed to support local ideas and small community projects.

Some activities may not be called “Short Breaks”, but they can still:

give children with SEND meaningful opportunities outside the home
reduce isolation
support wellbeing and confidence
offer parents informal breaks and peer support

All of this plays an important role in supporting families.

Expand the boxes below to find some helpful information on how to turn your idea into a reality!

Step 1: Start with the need (not the activity)

Funders rarely fund activities just because they are nice. They fund activities because they:

Reduce isolation
Improve wellbeing
Increase inclusion
Support families under pressure
There is a lack of provision in that geographically area
There is a gap in the market / current available provision

Ask yourself:

Who is struggling or being excluded?
What is missing locally?
What would make life easier, healthier, or fairer for them?

Example:

Parents of autistic children have nowhere locally to meet without judgement.

That need comes before the idea of a coffee group, sports session, or play activity.

Step 2: Be clear who the group is for

Strong projects are specific, not vague.

Instead of:

“Families with additional needs”

Try:

Parents of children aged 5–11 with autism
Young people with learning disabilities aged 14–18
Siblings of children with complex needs

Funders want to know exactly who benefits and why they matter.

Step 3: Keep the project realistic

It is better to:

Start small
Run a pilot
Deliver something well

than to promise too much.

Many successful groups start with:

A monthly activity
A short programme (6–12 weeks)
One targeted group rather than many

Step 1: Start with the need (not the activity)

Funders rarely fund activities just because they are nice. They fund activities because they:

Reduce isolation
Improve wellbeing
Increase inclusion
Support families under pressure
There is a lack of provision in that geographically area
There is a gap in the market / current available provision

Ask yourself:

Who is struggling or being excluded?
What is missing locally?
What would make life easier, healthier, or fairer for them?

Example:

Parents of autistic children have nowhere locally to meet without judgement.

That need comes before the idea of a coffee group, sports session, or play activity.

Step 2: Be clear who the group is for

Strong projects are specific, not vague.

Instead of:

“Families with additional needs”

Try:

Parents of children aged 5–11 with autism
Young people with learning disabilities aged 14–18
Siblings of children with complex needs

Funders want to know exactly who benefits and why they matter.

Step 3: Keep the project realistic

It is better to:

Start small
Run a pilot
Deliver something well

than to promise too much.

Many successful groups start with:

A monthly activity
A short programme (6–12 weeks)
One targeted group rather than many

Money can be scarce and funders like groups that raise some money themselves. Consider getting your community involved and raising funds as well as applying for grants.

Choose the right fundraising approach

Common options:

1. Events (great for community engagement)

Coffee mornings or bake sales
Quiz nights or bingo
Family fun days or discos
Sports events or sponsored walks
Craft fairs or markets

Events are effective because people are often more willing to attend something enjoyable than just donate money.

Online fundraising

Crowdfunding pages (e.g. JustGiving, GoFundMe)
Social media campaigns
Donation links alongside events

Partnerships and sponsorships

Local businesses sponsoring activities
Donations of equipment, space, or refreshments

Pick a fundraising idea that fits your community

Choose something that:

Appeals to different age groups
Is inclusive and accessible
Is realistic to organise

👉 Think: What would local families actually enjoy coming to?

Plan your event or campaign

Good planning increases your chances of success.

Key steps include:

Set a budget (costs vs expected income)
Choose a venue (check accessibility and safety)
Decide ticket price or donation method
Promote your event early

Planning ahead helps reduce stress and improves fundraising results.

Tell your story (this really matters)

People are more likely to support you if they connect with your cause.

Explain why your project matters
Share real-life examples or experiences
Be clear about how the money will be used

Fundraising works best when people feel emotionally connected to the cause.

Promote your fundraiser

To maximise support:

Share on social media (local groups, community pages)
Ask friends, schools, and professionals to share
Use platforms like Eventbrite to manage bookings and tickets
Consider posters in local venues

Make it easy for people to give

You can raise money in different ways:

Ticket sales (set price or suggested donation)
Raffles or auctions
Optional donations during the event
Gift Aid (if eligible)

Some events work best with a fixed ticket price, while others encourage donations alongside attendance.

When organising fundraising:

Check if you need licences (e.g. food, alcohol, raffles)
Make sure your event is safe and accessible
Be clear how funds will be used
Follow fundraising regulations and guidance

Keep people involved after the fundraiser

Fundraising isn’t just about one event.

Thank everyone who supported you
Share how the money will be used
Show the impact (photos, updates, stories)

This builds trust and makes it easier to raise funds again in future.