Space 2 Talk 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

You can attend regularly or just come along as and when. We support parents of children who attend mainstream and specialist schools. No diagnosis is required. We most frequently support with concerns around autism, ADHD, PDA, anxiety but we are not disability specific and all parents and carers are welcome. Grandparents and other family members are also welcome to join.

Sessions are held virtually and in person. We may also attend events organised by other organisations.

Topic Focus

We have introduced ‘Topic Focus’ at several of our in person Space 2 Talks. The first part of the session (30-40 mins) will be semi-structured. It may involve a group discussion or our Family Support Officers or Volunteers sharing information or resources. It will be informal and an opportunity for parents to share their own experiences and ideas with eachother.

Virtual Space 2 Talk

If you would like to join in, please book via the relevant Eventbrite link. You will then be sent a Zoom invitation.

Upcoming dates:

To be confirmed

Maidstone

**NEW VENUE** – Fusion Healthy Living Centre, 2 & 3 Cobb Way, Park Wood, Maidstone, ME15 9XF

We will meet in the cafe area. A drink will be purchased for you.

It is helpful if you book using the links below, although it is not essential:

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.

Park in 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.

It is helpful if you book using the links below, although it is not essential:

Tuesday 14th May 10:00 – 11:30 BOOK Topic Focus: Anxiety

Tuesday 11th June 10:00 – 11:30 BOOK Topic Focus: Anger

Tuesday 9th July 10:00 – 11:30 BOOK Topic Focus: Managing Summer Holidays

Tonbridge

Helen and Leighanne will be joining the St Stephen’s Church Living Well Cafe for the Stay and Play on Thursday 2nd May. This will be a drop in session – no need to book – just pop along to find out more about Space 2 Be Me or ask advice from our Family Support workers. You are welcome to bring children along to the stay and play or just come along to talk to us.

St Stephen’s Church, 37 Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2SW, on road parking available after 10:30

Thursday 2nd May 10:30 – 12:30

NEW: Neurodivergent Parent Support Group

Our new 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.

Our first meeting is on Wednesday 22nd May at 10:30 – 12:00 at Howard de Walden Centre, Bluett Street, Maidstone, ME14 2UG. There is on street parking on neighbouring roads for 2 hours, alternatively there is pay and display parking on Wheeler Street, Brewer Street and Lower Boxley Road.

We plan on growing this service, but really need to hear from interested people so we can gauge interest and know times and locations for meetings. There is a dedicated email ndparent@space2beme.org.uk to register your interest, we will keep you up to date about future meetings and you can tell us if you have any requirements. You will need to bear with us, as we need to grow and nurture this service over time!

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.