Space 2 Talks is for parents/ carers of children with additional needs to get support and advice in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, no matter where you are on your SEN journey.
People come along to Space 2 Talk for many reasons, such as:
- seeking advice about how to request support for your child
- recently received a diagnosis and would like some guidance on next steps
- to talk through some different behaviours you are seeing at home
- to get different ideas for strategies
- chat with other people who ‘get it’ and to off load
We most frequently support with concerns around autism, ADHD, PDA and anxiety but we are not disability specific and all parents and carers are welcome. These support groups are informal – you can attend regularly or just come along as and when. We support parents of children who attend mainstream and specialist schools. No formal diagnosis is required. Grandparents and other family members are also welcome to join.
Current locations:
Additionally, we offer:
- Neurodivergent Parent Support Group – this group is specifically for parents who are neurodivergent themselves.
- Drop-In Support Sessions in Tonbridge – we regularly attend St Stephen’s Church Cafe. You are welcome to come along and get some advice. This is run along side the church’s preschool stay and play.
Paddock Wood
Paddock Wood Community Centre, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, TN12 6EB
Paddock Wood Community Centre is a short walk from the train station and has ample on site free parking. Space 2 Talk is in the Elizabeth Thomas Room. This is usually held on the last Monday of the month during term time.
DATES FOR 2026:
Monday 26th January BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Monday 23rd February BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Monday 30th March BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Monday 27th April BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Monday 29th June BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Maidstone
Maidstone Community Support Centre, Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH
Maidstone Community Support Centre is centrally located and easy to access via public transport. Pay and display parking is available near by on King Street and Union Street.
Topic Focus
‘Topic Focus’ will involve a semi-structured group discussion around a topic. This may include our Family Support Officers sharing information or resources. It will be informal and an opportunity for parents to share their own experiences and ideas with each other.
DATES FOR 2026:
Wednesday 4th February BOOK 10:00 – 11:30 – Topic Focus: Communication
Wednesday 4th March BOOK 10:00 – 11:30 – Topic Focus: Emotional Wellbeing
Wednesday 1st April BOOK 10:00 – 11:30 – Topic Focus: Sensory Processing
Wednesday 6th May BOOK 10:00 – 11:30 – Topic Focus: Supporting Relationships
Wednesday 3rd June BOOK 10:00 – 11:30 – Topic Focus: Puberty
Wednesday 1st July BOOK 10:00 – 11:30 – Topic Focus: Exploring Services
Snodland
Pavilion Cafe, Cricket Pavilion, Rocfort Road ME6 5NQ
We meet in a separate room, this is directly opposite the main entrance. Come in and get settled – we will order you a drink.
There is a free car park on Rocfort Road, just off Malling Road (OPPOSITE Rectory Close ME6 5NT, this postcode maybe easier if using Sat Nav). The cafe is located across the cricket green.
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DATES FOR 2026:
Tuesday 13th January BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 10th February BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 10th March BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 12th May BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 9th June BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 14th July BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Drop-In Support Sessions
This is an opportunity to speak to a Family Support Officer on a 1:1 basis. These sessions are held at St Stephen’s Church Cafe in Tonbridge alongside their pre-school stay and play. You are welcome to join the stay and play or enjoy the cafe whilst you are here. Our Family Support Staff will be available 10:30 – 12:30 on the first Thursday of the month during term time, starting February 2026. No appointment necessary!
St Stephen’s Church, 35 Waterloo Rd, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW
Parking on nearby residential roads is restricted before 10:30. There are nearby pay and display carparks.
DATES FOR 2026:
Thursday 5th February 10:30 – 12:30
Thursday 5th March 10:30 – 12:30
Thursday 2nd April 10:30 – 12:30
Neurodivergent Parent Support Group
Our parent support group is specifically for neurodivergent parents and carers, to talk about the challenges of parenting, meeting their own needs and to make connections with other people. You do not need to have a diagnosis, you are welcome to join if you are just starting to explore the idea of being neurodivergent yourself. This is an adult only group.
If you are seeking support for your neurodivergent child, please come along to one of our Space 2 Talks. This space is for parents who are neurodivergent themselves.
Maidstone Community Support Centre, Marsham Street, ME14 1HH
This is a central location with good links to public transport. There are several nearby pay and display car parks including King Street and Union Street.
DATES FOR 2026:
Wednesday 14th January 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 11th February 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 11th March 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 13th May 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 10th June 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 9th July 10:30 – 12:00
If you would like to join our Neurodivergent Parent Support mailing list, please contact ndparent@space2beme.org.uk. We are hoping to grow this service and be able to offer evening meetings. We will occasionally share information via our mailing list, which may be of interest.
Peer Support Groups
Peer Support Groups are part of a new initiative for Space 2 Be Me, and are volunteer-led friendship meetings with like-minded peers who are also parents to children with additional needs. The groups aim to help people build connections, find out more about Space 2 Be Me and access support through our family support service. There is often a member of support staff on hand or else you can put in a request via the group for a support worker to contact you.
We are looking to roll out peer support groups across West Kent so if it is something you are interested in getting involved in please do get in touch with fiona@space2beme.org.uk
For more information about the drop-ins and peer support groups or if you would rather have a one to one chat with a Family Support Worker please call 01622 764566 or email support@space2beme.org.uk.
Space 2 Be Me 