When we face the challenges of raising children with SEND, the journey can often feel isolating, overwhelming, and, at times, heartbreaking. But something incredible happens when parents and carers come together, share their stories, and offer support: we build a community that uplifts, strengthens, and empowers each other to face the struggles ahead. Our SEN Parent Support Group has grown to over 15,000 members since its founding by Andrea Dixon-Boldy on February 28th this year and is a shining example of just how powerful such a network can be.
The size of our group alone is a testament to both the scale of the SEND issues we face and the deep need for connection and support. More than just a number, every member represents a family navigating a system that can sometimes feel stacked against them. In this group, we have found a place to share our experiences and our heartbreaks, but also our victories and hard-won successes. It is one of the most rewarding things I’ve been a part of, knowing that we are not just providing information but hopefully helping to guide so many families toward a brighter future for their children.
None of us should have to walk this path alone. For many of us, there have been dark times this year. I’ve personally felt the weight of those moments when my son hit burnout, and the pain was almost unbearable. But through it all, I found solace in knowing that my experience could help someone else avoid the same heartbreak. That’s the real power of our community: using our own struggles and pain as a source of strength for others. Every shared story, every bit of advice, and every show of solidarity helps ease the burden for the next parent or carer facing a similar challenge.
We are, above all else, a safe space. In a SEN world that can sometimes feel harsh and unsupportive, our group stands as a place of refuge. Here, we understand each other without judgment and offer support without hesitation. Our members, no matter where they are in their journey, know that they are not alone and that they have a community of other parents and carers who genuinely care and ‘get it’.
But beyond emotional support, we strive to be part of the solution. Awareness of SEND issues is vital, and there are many groups out there raising their voices through petitions and activism, which we applaud wholeheartedly and appreciate the awareness this raises. However, our approach is grounded in empowering parents and carers with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children. We believe that one of the most powerful tools in this journey is understanding the law and your rights. By providing resources for free, we aim to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to ensure that their children receive the support and education they are entitled to. When parents know the law, they are better positioned to stand up for what is rightfully theirs, and in doing so, they pave the way for long-term change.
The transformation that happens within this community is profound. Parents come in feeling lost and defeated, but through connection and education, they become empowered and ready to fight for their children’s futures. Together, we are part of something bigger than ourselves, something that extends beyond any one family or child. We are creating ripples of change that will help reshape how SEND issues are approached and understood.
It is a journey of shared resilience, hope, and empowerment. And it’s one that I am so proud to be part of. Every day, as we continue to grow, I see the impact we have not just on parents and carers, but ultimately on the children who are at the heart of it all. They are why we fight, and they are why this community exists.
This group has become more than a support network – it is a lifeline. For every parent who feels lost in the system, for every child who deserves better, and for every family standing at the brink, we are here, together, to make sure no one is left behind. That’s the power of our community, and that’s the difference we’re making, one shared story, one empowered parent, and one supported child at a time.
A HUGE thanks to Andrea for making this a reality and to our selfless team who I love with all my heart both for the beautiful people they are individually and for what they each do to support others despite their own heartbreaking difficulties Crystal Michelle Tracey Hilder Laura McNally Nicola Owen.
