Information and support

Pre-diagnosis and Post-diagnosis support plus what to do ‘while you are waiting.’

  • At SEND the Right Message Charity, our vision is to enable parent carers, children, and young people with specific educational needs and disabilities to reach their full potential. We aim to achieve this by helping families live happier, healthier, and longer lives and 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 ‘Pomodoro’ techniques, which we can help you complete and benefit your child in their everyday tasks.

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: 42 Clarence Street, Southend-On-Sea SS1 1BD

Need to know: Bookable £5 Fee.

Who: Registered STRM Members.
Supported areas: Southend, Castle Point & Rochford districts.

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.

When: Wednesday 4th September 2024 

10 am – 12 pm

Who: Vicki Lamb – ADHD: Debunking the Myths

When: Wednesday 2nd October 2024

10 am – 12 pm

Who: Nicola Durrant – Autism and the PDA Profile

When: Wednesday 6th November 2024

10 am – 12 pm

Who: Richard Dellow – ADHD Coaching

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.

Relaxed Coffee Mornings

Join us for a cup of coffee or tea with other parents and carers of neurodivergent children – diagnosed or not.

We also have partnership organisations that attend too. Find your community and have a friendly chat!

When: 3rd Wednesday of the month 

10 am-12 pm.

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

Need to know: 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 and SEND Support

What’s available:  *Shopping Vouchers, *Pre-Pay Fuel Vouchers, Digital SIM Cards, food referrals, carbon monoxide alarms, priority register service, Energy & Gas Advice supported by Cadent, disabled grant information, and SEND Support.

Please bring your ID with you too. *One per family per quarter.

When: Friday 25th Oct 10 am-12 pm.

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

When:  Friday 22nd Nov 10 am-12 pm

Where:
St Mark’s Hall
Saint Mark’s Field
Rochford
SS4 1PT

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

Who: Free access for Members and non-members*

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.

When: 

Thursday 26th September 2024

Thursday 31st October 2024

Thursday 28th November 2024