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 right support for my child. 

Having been through that system, I am determined to help parents find the right 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

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.

Diagram depicting parental presence strategies such as de-escalation, priorities, reconciliation gestures, active resistance, supporters, parental self-care, siblings, and announcements surrounding a central idea of relationship rebuilding and child's needs.

Where to find 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