Skip to content

Building a Support Network

Finding Support for Carers

Caring for a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can be rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Having the right support around you makes a big difference. This section is designed to help carers connect with others, share experiences, and access organisations that offer practical advice and emotional support.

Here, you’ll find information on:

Creating your own support network – tips on finding like-minded carers, joining local groups, and building connections that provide encouragement and understanding.

Caring for someone with additional needs or a disability can be challenging so seeking help is essential. Support can come from family, friends, neighbours, or formal groups.

Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to, advice on navigating services, or opportunities to share experiences, this section will point you in the right direction.

It can feel award to ask for help but we all need help sometimes and there is no shame in this. Try sharing practical tasks with family, friends or neighbours to ease daily pressures. This could be things like shopping, transport, errands, or occasional caregiving so you can have a bath or go grab a coffee on your own. 

Build connections with the people around you with open communication for emotional support and practical help.

Nextdoor connects people with neighbours for local advice and recommendations. Try posting here to find carers or support in your area. Your local library will run events for children and parents and are a great way to meet new people in an inclusive environment. Meetups hosts group events for different groups of people. Have a look at what is happening local to you. 

It can feel award to ask for help but we all need help sometimes and there is no shame in this. Try sharing practical tasks with family, friends or neighbours to ease daily pressures. This could be things like shopping, transport, errands, or occasional caregiving so you can have a bath or go grab a coffee on your own. 

Build connections with the people around you with open communication for emotional support and practical help.

Nextdoor connects people with neighbours for local advice and recommendations. Try posting here to find carers or support in your area. Your local library will run events for children and parents and are a great way to meet new people in an inclusive environment. Meetups hosts group events for different groups of people. Have a look at what is happening local to you. 

Websites such as Carers UK and condition-specific forums offer tailored advice and links to local support groups run by national charities such as the National Autistic Society and Mencap. 

You can attend support groups without having to leave your home. For example, The National Autistic Society, ADHD UK, Carers UK, Forward Carers, PANDAS Foundation, OCD UK, and Motor Neurone Disease Association all have online groups that you can attend.

Websites such as Carers UK and condition-specific forums offer tailored advice and links to local support groups run by national charities such as the National Autistic Society and Mencap. 

You can attend support groups without having to leave your home. For example, The National Autistic Society, ADHD UK, Carers UK, Forward Carers, PANDAS Foundation, OCD UK, and Motor Neurone Disease Association all have online groups that you can attend.

Religious institutions often offer support so if you attend a local place of worship, let people know you need help and find out what they can offer.

Religious institutions often offer support so if you attend a local place of worship, let people know you need help and find out what they can offer.

Helpful Links