Supporting Parents
One of the key aspects of Gentle Learning Support is supporting parents. My students often have additional needs, which means the parents have sought support in many places before finding GLS.
I, too, am that parent who was dealing with a multitude of health and education services and trying to communicate with agencies to get the proper support for my child.
Having been through that system, I am determined to help parents find the proper support for their child.
This support can come in many forms and is not limited to the list below:
sign posting to services
advocating at meetings
help with form filling
help with writing emails
meeting together to understand their child and their family needs fully
screeners for Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia
NEW Gentle Community Group
Another element of the support we offer here at GLS is our new Gentle Parents group. Our aim is to foster a community where parents feel empowered, understood, and equipped with practical tools and emotional resilience. This is not about gentle parenting, but a comprehensive support system for parents that includes:
A monthly online meeting to learn about and discuss issues that affect us and our children, such as “how to communicate with schools”, “what is masking?”, and “supporting siblings”.
A dedicated WhatsApp group for easy communication among parents
Exclusive access to recordings from monthly meetings
Access to unique educational and supportive materials
Exclusive member discounts on more in-depth support, such as letter writing and advocacy at meetings etc
Unlock this invaluable resource for you and your child’s learning journey! You can gain complimentary access to our vibrant online community for two months when you make any purchase from the Gentle Learning Support (GLS) shop.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, ask questions, and participate in engaging discussions. Our community is a supportive environment designed to enrich your parenting experience and provide you with additional guidance and resources.
Without a shop purchase, the regular monthly cost for membership is £5.49. Take advantage of this special offer and immerse yourself in a collaborative and enriching learning space!
Non-Violent Resistance Parenting
NVR is a parenting course that is often offered by local services to parents who have reached their limit and are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their child's behavioural needs.
It is based on the non-violet resistance movements in the civil rights era. Those like Ghandi and Dr Martin Luther King Jr who resisted oppression through non-violent means.
The main aim of the method is to build connection between the family members.
Rather than wait until a family is at breaking point, I aim to offer this to parents as an early intervention.
Again, many of my students are neurodivergent, and so I offer this support through a neurodivergent and trauma informed lens.
Services
Our monthly themed meetings cover topics affecting us as parents to children with additional needs. With a talk and opportunities to ask questions and share experiences.
The monthly meeting is free for members of the Gentle Community at £5.49 per month.
The list of forms we are expected to complete seems endless. Book a session with me, and together we can complete these complicated forms so that your child is truly reflected in them.
From £70 for non-members. Only £50 for members of the Gentle Community.
There are many people to communicate with when you have a child with additional needs. It can become very overwhelming.
Book a call with me, and we can chat about what you need, and I will write the letter for you and email it to you on headed paper, ready to make any edits or send.
From £70 for non-members. Only £50 for members of the Gentle Community.
I vividly recall the feeling of attending meetings, where I often felt out of my depth and intimidated by the number of professionals in the room. Having an understanding person by your side, who will speak up for your child and ask relevant questions, can make all the difference.
I can be that person during annual reviews, TACs, and other appointments.
From £75 (plus travel costs if applicable) for non-members. Only £50 for members of the Gentle Community.
Other Useful Support
I have compiled a list of helpful organisations and websites where you can seek further support for your family.
This list is not exhaustive, and I will add to it regularly. Please let me know about other organisations you have found helpful:
HC1 form https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/ for free or discounted NHS services for those 18 and over on a low income
Drumbeat Autism Outreach https://www.drumbeatasd.org/web/introduction/441482 Drumbeat Autism outreach in Lewisham. They hold parent workshops etc
Autistic Inclusive Meets AIM https://www.autisticinclusivemeets.org/ a proudly autistic led organisation that have several groups etc in Woolwich, Southeast London
SIGNAL Family Support https://www.signalfamilysupport.org/ a mutual support group for those families living or attending school, or have their GP in Lewisham, Southeast London. They offer mutual support through coffee mornings and a Facebook group, as well as activities for children and family trips.
CEA Card https://www.ceacard.co.uk/ free carer admission to most UK cinemas for those with disabilities.
Access Card https://www.accesscard.online/ access card to communicate your access needs at events and attractions
IPSEA https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ advice and information and SEND law
London Autism Group Charity https://www.londonautismgroupcharity.org/ a unique Charity serving the Autistic Community of London and surrounding Counties in the UK
Make and Create Club is a creative stay and play group run by local home ed families each Monday in Downham at the Goldsmiths Community Centre.
A 2nd Voice https://www.a2ndvoicecic.co.uk/is a not-for-profit organisation supporting the needs of autistic people and their families, raising awareness and understanding from different perspectives, also to the African, Caribbean, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Communities (ACAME) and Dual Heritage Communities in tackling the taboos and myths around Autism.
CASPA (Bromley bases autism support charity) https://caspabromley.org.uk/ We support autistic individuals of all ages and their families with clubs, support groups, holiday activities and more. Members are able to be their authentic selves, find community and develop valuable skills to serve them well throughout life.