Information and support

Pre-diagnosis and Post-diagnosis support plus 'waiting well.’

At SEND the Right Message Charity, we aim to enable parents, carers, children, and young people with specific educational needs and disabilities to reach their full potential. Our goal is to help families live happier, healthier, and longer lives by empowering them to support each other through inclusive and supportive activities.

We offer the following:

– Information and support regarding money and benefits.

– Activities to assist you and your child in day-to-day life, such as improving social and leisure activities and supporting learning at school.

– Connection to our support groups and resources to help you become part of a community of parent carers and broaden your knowledge of disabilities and neurodiversity.

Disability Benefit Sessions - "Work solo, not alone"

Are you feeling overwhelmed by how to complete the forms?

Do I qualify for additional financial assistance for my child?

Where do I begin if we are eligible?

Are you confused about where to start?

If you are a parent or carer of a child with disabilities, there are various ways in which you can receive support for additional expenses. If you require help filling out a claim form, STRM can assist you.

The STRM Team will go through the DLA form with you in a small, intimate group alongside other parents. You’ll also learn about the ‘Body Doubling’ and ‘The Pomodoro’ techniques, which can help you complete the form and support your child with the same strategy.

A breakout room is available if you need a movement or brain break.

Supported areas:

Southend, Castle Point & Rochford districts.

When: Second Tuesday of the month. 10.00 am – 1.30 pm Where: Ground Floor 320D High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5HD Need to know: Bookable £5 Fee When: Second Friday of the month. 10.00 am – 1.30 pm Where: Salvation Army, Southend Citadel 42 Clarence Street, Southend-On-Sea SS1 1BD Need to know: Bookable £5 Fee 42 Clarence Street, Southend-On-Sea SS1 1BD Who: Registered STRM members 

Guest Talks

Join us and listen to experts share their knowledge in a non-judgmental environment. This is a chance to learn from a specialist in a welcoming atmosphere, broaden your insights, and feel empowered to seek answers to any questions. We invite you to come, learn, deepen your understanding, and feel free to ask any questions. 

Who: Vicki Lamb – ADHD: Debunking the Myths

When: Wednesday 4th September 2024 10 am – 12 pm

Who: Nicola Durrant – Autism and the PDA Profile

When: Wednesday 2nd October 2024 10 am – 12 pm

Who: Richard Dellow – ADHD Coaching

When: Wednesday 6th November 2024 10 am – 12 pm

Where: St Mary’s Centre – East Hall, 11 Hill Road,

Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6JT

Need to know: Bookable.

Who: Registered STRM members 

Supported areas: Southend, Castle Point & Rochford districts.

Drop-in Relaxed Coffee Mornings

Join us for a cup of coffee or tea with other parents and carers of neurodivergent children, whether diagnosed or not. We understand how challenging it can be to navigate the system, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, we also love to share achievements and fun moments and swap tips. Anything goes – celebrate success, rant, cry, or just come for a cuppa and a piece of cake!

Our community is not just about us – we often have partner organisations join us, offering additional support.

Pick up your FREE ‘Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child’ resource and discover what else is happening in your local area.

No need to book! Pop along at any time.

When: 3rd Wednesday of the month 

10 am-12 pm.

Where: TheHub at the Megacentre 7 Brook Rd, Rayleigh SS6 7UT

Need to know: Drop-in Session 

Relaxed coffee morning is free access for Members and Non-members (Donation is welcome)

Who: *Non-members can join on the day.

Supported areas: Southend, Castle Point & Rochford districts

Drop-in Cost of Living Event with SEND Support

We understand that raising a child with a disability can be expensive. Families often have to source for various therapies not available by the NHS, buy one specific brand of cereal, replace forgotten PE kits or coats, buy specific expensive sensory items, cover the costs of travel for additional medical appointments, or deal with the loss of income due to taking time off work for these appointments. All of this is in addition to the rising cost of utilities and other bills.

This is why we offer a Drop-in Session to help you find alternative ways to source the above, or we can help with any of the following depending on our funding:

  • Disabled Grant Information
  • Fuel Bank Pre-payment meter top-ups
  • Priority Register Service
  • Energy & Gas Advice supported by Cadent
  • Carbon Monoxide Monitors
  • Foodbank Referrals
  • Benefit Guidance
  • Disabled Toilet Key


The STRM Team also provides support, information, and guidance during these sessions. Additionally, you can pick up your FREE ‘Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child’ resource.

Please bring your ID with you too. *Some restrictions apply.

When: 4th Friday of the month 

10 am-12 pm.

Where: Across the community

Need to know: Drop-in Cost Living Support and SEND Support 

Who: Free access for Members and non-members*

Donation is welcome

*Non-members can join on the day

Supported areas: Southend, Castle Point & Rochford districts

Online Support Session

Join us for an online evening session with other parents and carers of neurodivergent children – diagnosed or not. 

Find your community and have a friendly chat!

When: Last Thursday of the month

8 pm – 9.30 pm.

Where: Online –Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll receive an invitation to join our Teams event. 

Need to know: Bookable.

Who: Registered STRM members

Supported areas: Southend, Castle Point & Rochford districts.

What: Bouldering Session for Children & Young people

When: Every Wednesday Term time

4.30 pm – 5.30 pm

Ages: 6-17yrs  Parent required to stay

Where: Indirock – 1st Floor, Victoria Shopping Centre, 362 Chartwell Square, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5SP 

Need to know: Bookable via the membership zone or by contacting [email protected]

Who: Registered STRM members

Supported areas: Castle Point, Rochford Districts and Southend.

What: Bouldering Session for Children & Young people

When: Every Wednesday Term time 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm

Where: Indirock – 1st Floor, Victoria Shopping Centre, 362 Chartwell Square, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5SP 

Ages: 6-17yrs – Parent required to stay

Need to know: Bookable via the membership zone or by contacting [email protected]

Who: Registered STRM members 

Supported areas: Castle Point, Rochford Districts and Southend.

Bookable via the membership zone or by contacting [email protected]

Further information:

1. ‘Give it a go’ taster sessions –Want to give your child a chance to try it out and see if they like it?

2. Join the Bouldering Club: Following the taster session, children can join the Bouldering Club, which meets weekly and requires advanced booking.

In partnership with Indirock, we provide complimentary bouldering sessions for children and young individuals who are neurodivergent and/or have disabilities. These sessions can benefit children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism and ADHD, who may struggle with social and emotional communication, self-regulation, and executive functions. Bouldering can help build motor skills, coordination, balance, core strength, and self-confidence, enhancing their overall well-being.