We’re thrilled to announce that Raw Learning and SEND the Right Message have secured funding from the Mid and South Essex ICS Micro Grant Program to tackle health inequalities!
We’re launching a Test & Learn Project to drive real change!
The TASK Project is a Test & Learn initiative designed to help families navigate neurodivergence by providing:
Self-identification tools to help families understand neurodivergence
Support strategies to help children and young people thrive
Guidance on formal diagnostic processes for those who want to explore further
Funded by: Mid and South Essex ICS Micro Grant Program
In Partnership with: Raw Learning
In Partnership with: STRM – SEND the Right Message Charity
Understanding neurodivergence isn’t just about getting a diagnosis—it’s about self-awareness, advocacy, and support at every stage.
Self-Awareness & Advocacy
For Parents & Caregivers – Understanding neurodivergence helps you support your child’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges. It gives you the confidence to advocate for them in school, healthcare, and social settings.
For Children & Young People – When children understand their own neurodivergence, they can develop self-acceptance, communicate their needs, and advocate for themselves as they grow.
Immediate Support & Strategies
You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start making a difference!
The Diagnostic Process Can Take Time
Many families face long waiting times for a formal neurodivergence diagnosis, sometimes years. But you don’t have to wait to start learning, supporting your child, and building strategies that will help them thrive.
Taking Care of Your Well-Being
Supporting a neurodivergent child can be overwhelming. Accessing resources helps you prioritise your own well-being and health, connect with others who understand, and develop a balanced, sustainable approach to support.
There will be two screening session dates (3rd May & 24th May 2025), and families must commit to attending both sessions in full.
All required forms must be completed and submitted on time to remain eligible.
Selection Process: We will use a point-based system to assess Expressions of Interest (EOIs).
1 family will be selected from each age group:
6 additional families will be selected for a reserve list in case of cancellations.
Ages 7-11
Ages 11-16
Ages 16-25
This is a unique opportunity to take part in a project designed to show real impact.
By participating, you will
Help shape future support for families navigating neurodivergence
Contribute to the development of a long-term program to assist more families, children, and young people in the future
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form
Notification Date: 15th April 2025
17 March 2025 – EOI Opens
31 March 2025 – EOI Closes
By 15 April 2025 – Selection or non-selection and notifications Sent
17 April 2025 – Successful Participants Confirmed
24 April 2025 – Background & Additional Info Forms Due
3 May 2025 – Screening Session 1
24 May 2025 – Screening Session 2 & Support Plan
24 May 2025 – 1st Feedback Form Due
Two weeks later – 2nd Feedback Form
Time slots for both sessions:
9:30-10:30 AM
11:00-12:00 PM
12:30-1:30 PM
Full attendance at both sessions is required.
Special Family Screening Sessions: Join Rachel (Founder, Raw Learning) and Maggie (CEO, SEND the Right Message Charity) for FREE family screening sessions.
Rachel is a specialist teacher who has 25 years of experience of working across the age ranges in both mainstream and independent settings.
She believes every neurodivergent child, suspected or diagnosed should have long-term access to nature which naturally encourages co-regulation and good mental well-being.
Rachel has been developing land in Rochford to meet the needs of children in the form of a forest school style alternative provision. The results have been incredible.
Rachel is suspected neurodivergent herself and it was on this journey of discovery that led to her creating Raw Learning in 2019. She believes children should be screened for differences and their needs met through the identification of these needs. She is excited about working with charities like STRM, who are doing similar work, and knows that their values align for supporting the neurodivergent community.
Rachel said “She is excited about the task and learn project because families are waiting such a long time for support but knows by creating this pathway many more families could be helped in the interim.”
Maggie Cleary is the co-founder of a grassroots charity supporting SEND families in Castle Point, Rochford Districts, and Southend. A former financial derivatives professional, she left London to raise her family and later worked locally in a dentist’s office.
As a parent of two neurodivergent young people and an ADHDer herself, Maggie’s firsthand struggles with the SEND system inspired her to create a support network for families facing similar challenges. She is passionate about advocacy, community, and ensuring no family feels alone.
Maggie said “I am excited about this Test and Learn project and look forward to showcasing our experience and expertise to drive real, meaningful change in our community. Uncertainty and overwhelm are key contributors to health inequalities, and this project is a commitment to addressing them while evaluating our approach and ideas.”
Is this a diagnosis?
No, this is not a formal diagnosis. The TASK Project is a screening and support initiative designed to help families identify potential neurodivergent traits, understand their child’s needs, and explore next steps.
Can I be involved if my child or young person already is diagnosed?
No, this project is only for children and young people within the specified age ranges who are on the waiting list, have been rejected at referral, or for families currently exploring neurodivergence. If your child already has a diagnosis, they would not be eligible for this particular project.
I have three children aged 8, 12, and 16. How should I proceed?
Please complete a separate form for each child you would like to be considered, based on their age range. In this case, you would need to submit three forms—one for your 8-year-old, one for your 12-year-old, and one for your 16-year-old
Will this help me get support with the school?
The screening does not guarantee school-based support, but it can provide useful insights and evidence that may help you advocate for reasonable adjustments.
Will this help me access CAMHS or a diagnostic centre?
This project does not guarantee access, but it may provide documentation and self-awareness that could support future referrals.
Can I attend one session but not the other?
No – you must be fully committed to attending both screening sessions (3rd May & 24th May 2025).
Will I receive a report?
Yes, you will receive a copy of your screening information with further guidance on support. This will be shared with funders as part of impact reporting, and you must sign a consent form for data sharing.
What happens at the end of the second session?
After your second screening (24th May 2025), we will
This project has been funded by the Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System Health Inequalities Microgrant Fund. Funding is administered through Community360.
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We are a ‘ by parents for parents’ registered charity.
Our mission is to improve the lives of families in Southend and Essex whose children have been identified or are suspected of having specific educational needs and/or disabilities.
SEND the Right Message Charity is registered in England.
Charity Number 1193572
