Reaching Families: A parent-carer-led charity

Service

Reaching Families is a parent-carer-led charity established to empower, inform and support parents and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex. We achieve our mission through the delivery of information, training and peer support to parent-carers.

What we do:

  • Information: Making Sense Of It All - parent guide covering issues from birth to adulthood available in paperback and ebook format. Factsheets and animations - covering a wide range of subjects and issues on SEND.
  • Training: Free workshops on a range of subjects including anxiety, ADHD, ASC, behaviour, benefits, education, resilience, and sleep. Plus 2 courses - Making Sense of It All Foundation Course & Making Sense of Wellbeing. Delivered in person and via Zoom.
  • Benefits Advice Service: Supporting parents of children and young people with SEND to apply for Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independent Payments. 1-2-1 advice sessions and support with editing draft applications.
  • Face2Face Befriending: Our team of specially-trained volunteers provide emotional and practical support to parents during the period of their child’s diagnosis, helping them to find out about and access other services and prepare for the journey ahead.
  • Umbrellas: Parent support groups monthly in 6 locations around the county and fortnightly, via Zoom. Providing a supportive, relaxed and non-judgemental environment in which parents can swap experiences, and share information and resources.

Our users say:

"Reaching Families offers a unique product in West Sussex. It is comforting to know that the organisation is parent carer led but offers practical tools to assist us in our day to day lives"

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Age Range: 0–25

Wheelchair Accessible?

Free to use?

Contact Details

01903 366 360

07845 648 518

Read More

Website
Address

Dove Lodge,
49 Beach Road,
Littlehampton,
BN17 5JG

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, 16 April 2024
Shoreham

Shoreham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 17 April 2024
Horsham

Horsham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Via Zoom

Making Sense of Masking

People on the autistic spectrum often use the strategy of masking or camouflaging when responding to the demands of varying contexts. It is a coping strategy frequently used by autistic children and young people, particularly in the school setting, but can cause them significant stress. This workshop will help you to understand and recognise the signs and impact of masking, and look at ways to help...
Thursday, 18 April 2024
N/A

Umbrellas Online

We are running virtual groups weekly as well as in-person events monthly at Horsham, Littlehampton, Chichester, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Worthing, contact hannah@reachingfamilies.org.uk Umbrellas is a support group for parent carers of children and young people with special additional needs and disabilities. What we do: Umbrellas is a great opportunity to meet other parent carers and share ide...
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Worthing

Worthing Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Littlehampton

Littlehampton Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Chichester

Chichester Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Monday, 29 April 2024
Via Zoom

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity...

This online workshop will help parents and carers gain an understanding of ADHD in children and young people and its impact on behaviour, relationships and day-to-day life. You will leave with a basic toolkit of strategies that enable positive behaviour, successful relationships and reaching potential in and out of school and will be signposted to local, national and international resources availa...
Tuesday, 30 April 2024
Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 1 May 2024
Via Zoom

Making Sense of SEN Support at School

This online workshop is aimed at parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs and /or Disabilities (SEND) who want to have an understanding of what schools need to be doing to support you and your child where there is no Education Health Care Plan (EHCP). Please note this workshop is not suitable for parents who already have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) in place for their chil...
Thursday, 2 May 2024
N/A

Umbrellas Online

We are running virtual groups weekly as well as in-person events monthly at Horsham, Littlehampton, Chichester, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Worthing, contact hannah@reachingfamilies.org.uk Umbrellas is a support group for parent carers of children and young people with special additional needs and disabilities. What we do: Umbrellas is a great opportunity to meet other parent carers and share ide...
Tuesday, 7 May 2024
Shoreham

Shoreham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Tuesday, 7 May 2024
N/A

Making Sense of Anxiety in Adolescence (11+)

This workshop is aimed at parents/carers of young people aged 11+ who feel anxious, worried or stressed. It will introduce ‘anxiety’ and its symptoms, offer ideas for helping in the moment, suggest ways to support your young person to be able to manage and provide a few tips for looking after yourself along the way. Please note our workshops are for parent carers, if you are a professional please ...
Wednesday, 8 May 2024
Littlehampton

Littlehampton Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 9 May 2024
Via Zoom

Making Sense of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

In this workshop, delivered by Lizzie Batten from Amaze, you will find out how to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), how the process works, the various rates, understanding how decisions are made, tips for making a strong claim and appealing a decision. This workshop will also be useful to parents/carers who are completing a renewal as it will provide you with up-to-date information. This...
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Worthing

Worthing Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Via Zoom

Making Sense of Wellbeing - Self-care and...

Our wellbeing workshops are designed to help you enhance your relationship with your child with additional needs, build resilience, reduce stress and help you to relax. This workshop aims to help you to learn how to recognise stress in yourself, provide strategies to reduce it and how to look after your health and wellbeing when you are busy caring for others. It will also include a short time to ...
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Via Zoom

Making Sense of Behaviours that Challenge in...

A free Zoom workshop for parent-carers of young people aged 11 + with special educational needs or disabilities in West Sussex. This workshop explores how your young person’s brain works, how hormones and puberty impact our children, and how we can support them and respond to any challenging behaviour during their adolescent years to achieve positive outcomes. There will be time at the end of the...
Thursday, 16 May 2024
N/A

Understanding Autism

Please note your child does not need a formal diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Condition to attend this workshop. Learn more about your child’s suspected/confirmed diagnosis and how Autism and social communication difficulties may impact upon them in the home, school and wider community. We will look at the autism profile, sensory sensitivities and helpful strategies for supporting your child. You w...
Thursday, 16 May 2024
N/A

Umbrellas Online

We are running virtual groups weekly as well as in-person events monthly at Horsham, Littlehampton, Chichester, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Worthing, contact hannah@reachingfamilies.org.uk Umbrellas is a support group for parent carers of children and young people with special additional needs and disabilities. What we do: Umbrellas is a great opportunity to meet other parent carers and share ide...
Tuesday, 21 May 2024
Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Horsham

Horsham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Via Zoom

Making Sense of Universal Credit

Introductory workshop on Universal Credit for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex. During this informative workshop, we will look at all the basic details about Universal Credit, the criteria and how to apply, covering the following:- * Issues around moving to Universal Credit from other benefits * How it is structured, allowances and elements * How income affe...
Thursday, 23 May 2024
Chichester

Chichester Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 6 June 2024
N/A

Umbrellas Online

We are running virtual groups weekly as well as in-person events monthly at Horsham, Littlehampton, Chichester, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Worthing, contact hannah@reachingfamilies.org.uk Umbrellas is a support group for parent carers of children and young people with special additional needs and disabilities. What we do: Umbrellas is a great opportunity to meet other parent carers and share ide...
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Shoreham

Shoreham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Littlehampton

Littlehampton Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Worthing

Worthing Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Horsham

Horsham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 20 June 2024
N/A

Umbrellas Online

We are running virtual groups weekly as well as in-person events monthly at Horsham, Littlehampton, Chichester, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Worthing, contact hannah@reachingfamilies.org.uk Umbrellas is a support group for parent carers of children and young people with special additional needs and disabilities. What we do: Umbrellas is a great opportunity to meet other parent carers and share ide...
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 27 June 2024
Chichester

Chichester Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Tuesday, 2 July 2024
Shoreham

Shoreham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Littlehampton

Littlehampton Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 4 July 2024
N/A

Umbrellas Online

We are running virtual groups weekly as well as in-person events monthly at Horsham, Littlehampton, Chichester, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Worthing, contact hannah@reachingfamilies.org.uk Umbrellas is a support group for parent carers of children and young people with special additional needs and disabilities. What we do: Umbrellas is a great opportunity to meet other parent carers and share ide...
Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Worthing

Worthing Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Wednesday, 17 July 2024
Horsham

Horsham Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...
Thursday, 18 July 2024
Chichester

Chichester Umbrellas

Support from fellow parent-carers is one of the most effective ways in which parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents also tell us their most valuable source of information, support and advice is other parent-carers. To help parents build networks of mutual support we run seven parent support groups in Burgess Hill, Chic...

Comments

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  • Posted by childrenatheart.childminder on 30 Nov 16 08:49

    I attended the Reaching Families workshop on Sensory Integration in Worthing led by Helen Cottell yesterday. This was time well spent as it was an excellent workshop full of really interesting, useful and relevant information, that covered practical advice as well as the theory behind it. Highly recommend, especially if you have a child with sensory issues.

  • Posted by jacky on 27 Apr 16 17:53

    Great course today about send support at school. Feel I have many more strings to my bow

  • Posted by bashford00 on 23 Apr 16 07:31

    A very big thank you to Reaching Families for organising the 'Making Sense of Benefits' workshop. Lizzie from Amaze who led the course was absolutely brilliant. Even if your child already gets DLA this workshop is still very useful. I now feel much more confident about tackling my daughters forms when it has to be renewed. Can't recommend it enough!