Space 2 Be Me offer different support groups and individual Drop-In support services for parents and carers of children with additional needs. These services are free and no diagnosis is required to access. Explore our options below:
Space 2 Talk – support groups for parents seeking support with their child’s needs
These are monthly, informal support groups for parents & carers of children with additional needs. They are a valuable opportunity to make connections with other parents in a non-judgemental and friendly environment. You are welcome to come along regularly or 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. 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.
Current locations are Snodland and Tunbridge Wells. Please click the links for specific details and for booking information.
Space 2 Talks are not appropriate for children due to the sensitive topics discussed and limited space at the venues.
Drop-In Support Sessions – Individual advice from a family support officer
These sessions are for parents who would like to speak to a Family Support Officer individually. There is no need to book, just turn up!
Current locations are Maidstone and Tonbridge, please follow the links for more information:
Parents can also book a 1:1 Clinic appointment.
Neurodivergent Parent Support Groups – for parents who are neurodivergent themselves
These parent support groups are 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 a support regarding your neurodivergent child, please come along to one of our Space 2 Talks. This space is for parents who are neurodivergent themselves.
Current locations are Paddock Wood and Maidstone, please follow the links for more information:
Parent Wellbeing – opportunities for parents to take time for themselves and connect with others
These sessions are open to all parents and carers of children with additional needs. They are opportunities for parents to connect with each other and take some time out for themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. These sessions vary and could involve taking part in an activity or meeting up for a walk. For full details and to book your free space, please click on the link below:
Walk & Talk – Mote Park on 24th September
Space 2 Talk – Tunbridge Wells
The Kitchen Table, Crossways Community, 19 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2PS
The Kitchen Table is centrally located, with several pay & display car parks nearby, Space 2 Be Me has a table reserved in the cafe and will purchase a drink for each attendee.
DATES FOR 2026:
Thursday 17th September BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Thursday 15th October BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Thursday 19th November BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Thursday 17th December BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Space 2 Talk – 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 8th September BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 13th October BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 10th November BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Tuesday 8th December BOOK 10:00 – 11:30
Drop-In Support Service – Tonbridge
St Stephen’s Church, 35 Waterloo Rd, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW
These sessions are held at St Stephen’s Church Cafe in Tonbridge alongside their pre-school stay and play. You are welcome to bring children and join the stay and play or use 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. No appointment necessary!
Parking on nearby residential roads is restricted before 10:30.
DATES FOR 2026:
Thursday 1st October 10:30 – 12:30
Thursday 5th November 10:30 – 12:30
Thursday 3rd December 10:30 – 12:30
Drop-In Support Service – Maidstone
Maidstone Community Support Centre, Marsham Street, ME14 1HH
These sessions are held monthly in the Sunflower Cafe at Maidstone Community Support Centre. Our Family Support Staff are available 10:00 – 13:00 on the third Monday of the month during term time. No appointment is necessary, just turn up!
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:
Monday 21st September 10:00 – 13:00
Monday 13th October 10:00 – 13:00
Monday 16th November 10:00 – 13:00
Neurodivergent Parent Support Group – Maidstone
Maidstone Community Support Centre, Marsham Street, ME14 1HH
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 exploring the idea of being neurodivergent yourself. This is an adult only group.
Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month during term time.
Our sessions are held in the Meeting Room. Tea and coffee provided. Additional drinks can be purchased from the onsite cafe.
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.
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.
DATES FOR 2026:
Wednesday 9th September 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 14th October 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 11th November 10:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 9th December 10:30 – 12:00
Neurodivergent Parent Support Group – Paddock Wood
Paddock Wood Community Centre, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, TN12 6EB
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.
Our meetings are held on the last Monday of the month, term time only.
Our sessions are held in the Elizabeth Thomas Meeting Room. Tea and coffee provided. Additional refreshments can be purchased from the coffee shop.
Paddock Wood Community Centre has a large car park and has EV charging facilities.
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.
DATES FOR 2026:
Monday 28th September 10:00 – 11:30
Monday 30th November 10:00 – 11:30
Volunteer-Led Peer Support Groups
Would you like to run a Peer Support Group in West Kent? Peer Support Groups are friendly, informal meet-ups for parents of children with additional needs, led by volunteers who have lived experience themselves. As a volunteer group lead, you would help bring parents together, create a welcoming space, and support connections between families.
Space 2 Be Me can facilitate and support each group by providing guidance, promotion, and access to our Family Support Service. While the groups are led by volunteers, support staff are available for advice, and group members can request contact from a support worker if additional support is needed.
If you are a parent who would like to help build peer support in your local area, or are interested in setting up and leading a group, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Fiona at fiona@space2beme.org.uk to find out more.
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 email support@space2beme.org.uk.
Space 2 Be Me 