Parent support groups and services

In Kent there are a number of voluntary organisations, support groups and advice charities active that can help you, often for free if your child or young person has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Local charities

• For us Too -  Canterbury, Swale and Thanet
• Includes Us 2 - Ashford, Dover and Folkestone and Hythe
• Space 2 Be Me - Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells
• We are Beams - Dartford, Gravesham and Sevenoaks

You can also find support groups on our community directory for:

• both parents
• families
• dads.

Our support services

For early years

• Children Centres - meet other parents, have fun or get information, advice and support
• Early Help support - find local services that supports Kent families with the educational, social and emotional needs of children.
• Health Visiting Service -  specialist community public health nurses who help new parents and those with children under 5 with expert advice and support.
• Kent Children and Families Information Service (CFIS) - provides impartial childcare advice.
• Portage - work with families and focus on play activities to help your child grow.
• Start for Life - improves the health of babies and children from conception to age 2.

For children and young people

• Kent Resilience Hub resources - a wide range of resources to support your child growing up into adulthood and understanding their behaviour.
• MASHs centres - attend appointments with different services in the same place on the same day, including members from health, social care, education and voluntary services.
• Short breaks - a positive, fun activity for disabled children (0-18) to take part in. They can be anything from an after school activity or weekend club to an overnight stay.
• Support for carers - help and support for those who regularly care for another person in Kent.

Independent impartial support

• Kent Parent and Carer Together (PACT) - is the parent carer forum for parents of children and young people with disabilities. Join their forum to help get your voice heard and meet other parents.
• Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK) - a free, confidential and impartial service based in Kent to support you and your family. IASK also offer parent workshops and local events.