STRM – SEND the Right Message exists to reduce inequality, isolation and unmet need experienced by disabled and neurodivergent children, young people, adults and their families, through early support, peer connection and practical guidance.
STRM exists to ensure disabled and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and the families who support them, are not left navigating systems alone.
We work to reduce inequality, isolation and preventable crisis by offering early, practical support rooted in lived experience, community connection and trust.
We want a future where disabled and neurodivergent people — and the families who support them — are not left struggling or fighting systems alone.
We believe support should arrive early, be easy to understand, and feel human, not exhausting.
Our long-term vision is fewer families in crisis, fewer people falling through gaps in services, and more communities that understand, include and value disabled and neurodivergent people.
Providing support services, assistance, information, activities, and training programmes.
Creating opportunities for respite breaks.
Relieving financial hardship.
Promoting social inclusion, raising awareness and acceptance.
Developing and promoting innovative and early interventions for the well-being of beneficiaries.
Our mission is to improve the lives of families in Southend and Essex where a child or young person (aged 0-25) has been identified or is suspected of having specific educational needs and/or disabilities.
Our GUIDE Values — Growth, Understanding, Integrity, Diversity, and Encouragement
This highlights our neuro-affirming, family-led approach. They express the qualities that define STRM: growth, diversity, and encouragement, which capture the essence of how we help families and communities to thrive.
Together, these values strengthen STRM’s identity and ensure our principles are consistent across our communications, staff culture, and partnerships. They are also embedded within our HR framework and safer recruitment processes, shaping how we attract, recruit, induct, and support our team. This helps us maintain consistency across culture, practice, and communication, and strengthens trust in everything we do.
Championing radical resilience and confidence in families and communities.
Acting with honesty, authenticity, and transparency — building trust in all we do.
Our Charity Constitution sets out STRM’s charitable objects, governance structure and how decisions are made, in line with Charity Commission requirements.
SEND the Right Message is registered with the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator. We are also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Disability Rights UK, and are a Disability Confident employer, committed to inclusive and equitable practice.
We operate robust safeguarding and safer recruitment processes. All staff and volunteers are recruited in line with safer recruitment standards, including appropriate DBS checks, references and role-specific training. Safeguarding training is mandatory, and our work is delivered using trauma-aware, neuro-affirming approaches that prioritise dignity, safety and trust.
We proudly support the White Ribbon campaign as ambassadors, taking a clear stand against violence towards women and girls.
We are also participating in the Cranfield Trust Journey to Excellence (J2E) programme . A structured assessment framework designed to strengthen leadership, governance and organisational effectiveness. On completion, STRM will be awarded the Journey to Excellence Recognition Badge, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and high standards in charity practice.
