We recognise that parents often need support for their own mental health and wellbeing. Many parents find valuable peer support through parent carer groups such as those listed above. You can also access support for your own mental health from your GP or through IAPT. The Kent County Council Mental Health includes information about mental health friendly services and activities across the city.
Some parents also identify as being autistic and may be interested in seeking an assessment for themselves. The Kent Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service is a specialist service responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and post-diagnostic support of neurodevelopmental disorders in adults, including autism.
We also provide ASD & ADHD Adult assessments within Foundations Service with Dr Goldsmith and Dr Mellor. Please inquiry for more details info@foundationschildtherapy.com
We also have a Parent Mentoring Service within Foundations to help with support following the diagnosis for families, EHCP process and having a space to reflect on how it has been for you. Claudia Goodman, SENCO and founder of the West Kent Parent Group offers this service on a Thursday at the clinic.
Short break services Short break services are for children and young people with disabilities, aged up to and including 18 years old. The primary aim of short break services is to help parent carers to continue to care for their children with disabilities, and, or siblings, or do so more effectively. Families can enquire about this service directly. If they meet certain eligibility criteria they will then have an assessment of need.
Sossen charity offers free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
The Involve Children’s Health and Wellbeing Navigator service is available at over 60 GP Practices throughout Kent. A Navigator based at the surgery will support children, young people (ages 0 – 18 and up to 24 for those with SEND)and their families/carers where the child has a long term health condition, particularly Neurodevelopmental issue (ie. ASD and ADHD) or Mental Health concerns both pre and post diagnosis.
Space2BeMe – Making a difference to the lives of disabled children and their families
Bessels Green Autism Group Bessels Green ASD Group (autism.org.uk)
Rainbow Rides: https://www.rainbowponyrides.org/
