STRM – SEND the Right Message Charity was created to support families in Southend and Essex who are caring for children with, or suspected to have, special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The idea for the charity began in 2019, when Maggie Cleary, the STRM’s Co-founder and CEO, was trying to find the right support for her neurodivergent children. Like many parents, Maggie felt overwhelmed by the complicated SEND system and often found herself feeling isolated, unsure where to turn or how to get help. She realised that things became even more challenging, especially when children start to struggle with their mental health, often due to unmet needs, delays in early intervention, and a lack of timely identification.

Along the way, Maggie connected with other parents who shared similar experiences. Together, they felt inspired to create a supportive space that could offer understanding, guidance, and hope to families like theirs.

This led to the creation of SEND the Right Message Charity (STRM), which officially became a constituted and registered charity on 17th February 2021. We are a by-parents, for-parents organisation offering practical support, genuine understanding, and a strong sense of community for families navigating the world of SEND.