What’s on? – STRM Support

Our Support

We support families navigating neurodivergence, disability and the often complex SEND system across Essex and Southend.

Whether you’re right at the beginning or deep in the process, you can access practical, down-to-earth support here.

No diagnosis required.

New to STRM?

Open sessions are available to families across Essex and Southend.

If you live in Castle Point Areas, Rochford District or Southend Areas, you can also register (free) to unlock deeper support.

Not sure where to begin?

Community Support

Our support is are open to families across Essex and Southend including STRM members.

STRM members can also attend and receive priority booking on sessions.

Tea & Talk Sessions

Warm Wednesdays

A relaxed, in-person drop-in session in Benfleet.

Come for a cuppa.

Stay for a chat (or just listen).

No booking. No pressure. No diagnosis required.

It’s simply space to talk with other parents who understand.

No diagnosis required.

Centre of Warmth Drop-In – for SEND Parents & Carers at STRM HQ, Benfleet

Support available includes:

SEND support and guidance
Energy bills and financial advice
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance guidance
Priority Services Register (PSR) sign-up
Household Support Fund information
Food and wider cost-of-living support
Free items and take-away resources
Digital support (forms, access, and online help)

Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (Second Monday of each month)

13^th May, 17^th June, 15^th July, 16^th September, 14^th October, 11^th November

Dates vary slightly each month – please check our booking page for the latest sessions.

Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child

Tea & Talk – Upcoming Sessions

Southend (Tuesdays | 9:15–11:15) The Hangout, Southend

12^th May, 2^nd June, 7th July, 8^th September, 6^th October, 3^rd November

Benfleet (Thursdays | 10:00–11:30) STRM HQ, Benfleet

14^th May, 11^th June, 9^th July, 10^th September, 8^th October, 12^th November

Rochford (Thursdays | 10:00–12:00) WI Hall, Rochford

21^st May, 25^th June, 16^th July, 24^th September, 15^th October, 19^th November

Shoebury (Tuesdays | 9:30–11:30) Shoeburyness Youth & Community Centre

23^rd June, 14^th July, 29^th September, 20^th October, 24^th November

Dates vary slightly each month – please check our booking page for the latest sessions.

Eating & Neurodivergence Online Lunch & Learn

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm (Second Monday of each month)

11^th May, 8^th June, 6^th July, 7^th September, 5^th October, 2^nd November

Dates vary slightly each month – please check our booking page for the latest sessions.

If you’d prefer to start at your own pace, our free guide is often the easiest first step.

Written to reduce overwhelm and build confidence, it offers practical advice you can use straight away.

Eating & Neurodivergence Parent Peer Support (in-person)

Monthly (Benfleet – STRM HQ)

Time: 10:00 – 11:30am

11^th May, 8^th June, 6^th July, 7^th September, 5^th October, 2^nd November

These run on the last Monday of each month and are your in-person peer support sessions.

Dates vary slightly each month – please check our booking page for the latest sessions.

Online Parent Carer Forum

Our online forum connects over 2,100 local parent carers.

It’s a supportive space to ask questions, share experiences, get practical ideas and feel less alone.

Open to families across Essex and Southend
Moderated to keep conversations respectful and supportive
Focused on real-life experiences and practical advice

No diagnosis required.

STRM Membership: Support & Benefits

If you live in Castle Point, Rochford or Southend, free STRM membership unlocks additional support and practical benefits designed to reduce pressure and provide more structured help where needed.

Household Support Fund
Targeted pathway support
Membership Zone tools

Priority booking
1:1 appointments
Inclusive Bouldering