{"id":69609,"date":"2025-07-01T11:22:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T10:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/?page_id=69609"},"modified":"2026-10-13T15:35:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T14:35:44","slug":"parent-and-carer-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/support-for-parents\/support-groups-and-networks\/parent-and-carer-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Parent and carer support groups and organisations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#advice-and-support\">Advice and support organisations<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#support-groups\">Support groups<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"advice-and-support\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice and support organisations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"autism-central\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Autism Central<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismcentral.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autism Central for Parents and Carers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults, it can be hard to find help when you\u2019re trying to get the right support. Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"esteem-team\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Esteem Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.esteemteam.co.uk\/communityoffer\" rel=\"noopener\">The Esteem Team community<\/a> offers professional and confidential support with form filling, enquiries, general parent or carer support and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"family-lives\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Lives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.familylives.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Parenting and Family Support<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Family Lives services are free to access and here to support you with parenting and family challenges. They include an advice line, courses, videos, forums, leaflets and WhatsApp support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"headway-devon\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Headway Devon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/headwaydevon.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Headway Devon<\/a> provides a range of services for people with brain injuries, family members and carers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"parent-talk\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parent Talk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/parents.actionforchildren.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Parent Talk &#8211; Support for parents from Action For Children<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parent Talk offers free advice for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 19 in the UK. They can support families with disabled and neurodivergent young people up to age 25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"parental-minds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parental Minds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/parentalminds.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Parental Minds<\/a> offers a lifeline for carers \u2013 parents, family members, friends, or colleagues (18+) \u2013 supporting someone of any age who is struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"special-needs-jungle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Needs Jungle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.specialneedsjungle.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Special Needs Jungle<\/a> creates easy to understand resources, articles and information for parents and carers of children with special needs,&nbsp;disabilities&nbsp;and health conditions to better enable them to navigate the special needs&nbsp;system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"ups-and-downs-southwest\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ups and Downs Southwest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/upsanddowns.net\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Ups and Downs Southwest<\/a> is a Down Syndrome support charity serving children and young people, their parents or carers and all linked professionals dealing with the health and education of children and young people who have Down Syndrome.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"support-groups\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support groups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"asperations-group\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asperations Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/asperations.co.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Asperations Group<\/a> based in Kingsteignton is a place where parents of parents of children with ASD and ADHD Autism can talk and discuss problems with like minded people, sharing ideas and experiences. Children have the express themselves through play worker run sessions, with activities also laid on for siblings to have some fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"cranbrook-community-send-group\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cranbrook Community SEND group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/4556279954424899\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Cranbrook Community SEND group<\/a> is a peer support group for families with SEND (additional needs) children in Cranbrook, and surrounding area, offering a listening ear, signposting, advice and information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"connecting-moments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connecting Moments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/support-for-parents\/support-groups-and-networks\/connecting-moments\/\">Connecting Moments<\/a> \u2013 friendly, online sessions being run by Devon\u2019s Family Hubs teams, to support parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"dawlish-childrens-special-needs-group-aims\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dawlish Children&#8217;s Special Needs Group &#8211; AIMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aimsfamilies.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">AIMS<\/a> operates a free Saturday &#8216;drop in&#8217; group at Oaklands Park School in Dawlish from 11.00 to 2.00pm, where paid play leaders and volunteers offer craft, cooking, music, games and a great outdoor space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"happy-hands\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Happy Hands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A drop in support and play group where you can meet other parents and deaf and or hard of hearing adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A stimulating environment for your child to meet other 0-5 deaf or hearing impaired children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Singing, signing, stories, craft activities, snacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chestnut Children\u2019s Centre, Exeter, EX2 6DJ. <a href=\"https:\/\/eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.devon.gov.uk%2Fsupport-schools-settings%2Fsend%2Fareas-of-need%2Fsensory-and-or-physical%2Fdeaf-or-hard-of-hearing%2Fevents%2Fhappy-hands%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CSharon.Roberts%40devon.gov.uk%7C6d87d7b9d355446febed08ddc866c140%7C8da13783cb68443fbb4b997f77fd5bfb%7C0%7C0%7C638887065825397872%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=tqgGnRhAbJzGTx9pal3SNQjElJaxNxqnBC3uXFFbgZo%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Happy Hands &#8211; Support for schools and settings<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2nd Wednesday of the month (1.00 \u2013 2.30 pm). All sessions are term-time only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more details contact your local teacher of the deaf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"ivybridge-south-brent-buckfastleigh-send-parent-carers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ivybridge, South Brent &amp; Buckfastleigh SEND Parent Carers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SouthHamsParentCarers\" rel=\"noopener\">Ivybridge, South Brent &amp; Buckfastleigh SEND Parent Carers<\/a> is a community group for parents and carers from Ivybridge, South Brent, Buckfastleigh and surrounding areas. The group allows parent carers to share ideas, strategies and experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"north-devon-forum-for-autistic-spectrum-conditions-and-adhd\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Devon Forum for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ndfautism\/\" rel=\"noopener\">North Devon Forum for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD<\/a> is a parent or carer-led support group offering informal support to parents, carers and people with autistic spectrum conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"okehampton-parent-carer-support-group\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Okehampton Parent Carer Support Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.communitylinks-sw.co.uk\/service\/neurodiverse-parenting-support-group\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Okehampton Parent Carer Peer Support Group<\/a> helps people connect with others, feel less isolated and tap into parent expertise and local support. We have regular speakers on topics that parent carers have told us they would like to know more about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your child does not have to have any particular difficulties, or a formal diagnosis, to benefit from the support on offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"seaton-parent-carer-sen-support-group\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seaton Parent\/Carer SEN support group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/981833852804567\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Seaton Parent\/Carer SEN support group<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open to all parents, carers and family members with an SEN child, no diagnosis is needed. An informal friendly meet up to chat in a safe, non judgmental environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"teignmouth-neurodiversity-hub-cic\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teignmouth Neurodiversity Hub CIC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teignneurohub.org\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Teignmouth Neurodiversity Hub CIC<\/a> is an award-winning non-profit community group, run by neurodivergent parents of neurodivergent children, supporting children and families across South Devon. Several group sessions are available, including &#8216;Social Saturdays&#8217;, and Peer Support Groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"walk-talk-sen-families\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walk &amp; Talk &#8211; SEN families<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/people\/Walk-Talk-SEN-families\/100078012889390\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Walk &amp; Talk &#8211; SEN families<\/a> is a support group for SEN families in and around Exeter. We meet once a month on a Sunday for a walk and a talk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Advice and support organisations Autism Central Autism Central for Parents and Carers As parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults, it can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":171,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-69609","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69609","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69609"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69609\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76407,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/69609\/revisions\/76407"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}