Parent Carer Evening Drop-In Support Session

As part of our 'You Said, We Did' initiative, we’re pleased to be bringing back our evening Parent Carer drop-in sessions — creating a space for those who can’t make daytime sessions to still access support, information and connection.

Whether you’d like:
A chat with other parent carers
Support and signposting
A hot cuppa and friendly company
Or simply some time to relax and unwind…

…we’d love to welcome you.

To celebrate the return of evening drop-ins, we’ll also be offering optional FREE wellbeing head and hand massages on the night

No pressure, no expectations — come for whatever you need.

The Firs
Thursday 21st May
6:00pm – 8:00pm

We look forward to seeing you there

Are you Neurodivergent AND a Parent Carer? This one is for you

Here, you'll have the chance to share experiences, talk about your own neurodivergence, and connect with others who understand. No diagnosis is necessary—just come along for a cuppa and a chat!

#Neurodiversity #ParentSupport #Community #MentalHealth #NSPCWT

At

The Firs, Drove Road, W-s-M

BS23 3NX

Come Along to Our Drop-in Coffee Morning for Fostering, SGO, Kinship, and Adoptive Parent Carers!

Join us for an informal get-together with hot drinks, biscuits, and friendly faces 🥰

It’s a relaxed chance to meet others who are on a similar journey — share stories, support, and a cuppa!

Children are very welcome to come along with you

At The Firs, Drove Rd, WsM, BS23 3NX

Are you a parent carer or professional in North Somerset? Do you struggle with burn out? Let us support you!

What you’ll gain from this session:
Parenting neurodivergent children, especially when you may be neurodivergent yourself, can be relentless.

This session will explore:

• What burnout really looks like (especially in ND parents)

• The difference between stress, overwhelm and nervous system shutdown

• Why traditional self-care advice often doesn’t work for neurodivergent parents

• Identifying early warning signs

• Practical regulation tools for busy parents

• Creating sustainable support rather than crisis cycles

This is a validating, honest session. No judgement. No “just try harder.” Just real strategies that honour your capacity.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

At Locking Castle Church

Jasmine Way

Weston-super-Mare

BS24 7JW

Male Parent Carers...are you caring for someone you love? Balancing your own needs with their support can be tough. Take a breath and join us for a special event focusing on your wellbeing🐟🍟

Why just for men? While all carers face challenges, research shows men often report feeling less comfortable seeking help. It is important to provide a safe space to connect with other male carers, share experiences, connect with resources & access support.

🙋‍♂️Spread the word and share with your fellow male carers!

Feel free to drop in 😊

👀Also Check out: https://sends4dad.org.uk/

Remember: While this event focuses on male carers, we believe in supporting all caregiving communities.

If you identify as a female carer and are interested in similar resources, please reach out to us directly! admin@nspcwt.org

#PCF #ParentCarerForum #MaleParentCarers #MaleCareGivers #NorthSomerset #ParentCarers #NSPCWT

At The Firs, Drove Rd, WsM, BS23 3NX

🗣️ You Said, We did!

🤝 When you tell us what you want more of, we really do listen! Here is brand new training to NSPCWT, ready for you to access ✨

Are you autistic and approaching menopause? Are you menopausal and starting to recognize autistic traits in yourself? Join us!

This training is designed to support parent carers in understanding the unique experience of menopause for autistic individuals. It explores how hormonal changes can interact with sensory sensitivities, communication differences, anxiety, and emotional regulation. Through practical guidance and real-life insights, parent carers will learn to recognise changes that may be overlooked or misunderstood, and develop strategies to provide compassionate, informed support. The session also creates space to reflect, share experiences, and build confidence in navigating this often under-discussed stage of life.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom

General Catch Up - all parent carers are welcome 👋

Drop in for a super relaxed chance to chill over a cup of tea or coffee 🫖

Meet other parent carers and freely ask us any questions. We can signpost you to helpful professionals and other support 😊

SEND and You - SAY will also be joining us. They are the SENDIAS team in North Somerset (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Service).

At

The Firs, Drove Road, WSM

BS23 3NX

At Bleadon Village Hall

A fab opportunity to meet other like minded parents & carers in an informal environment

We will have coffee, tea and biscuits at The Firs in WSM - just bring yourself!

We are joined by SEND and You - SAY, they are the SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice and Support) service and can offer help with all kinds of SEND issues at every stage of your child’s education, including SEN support at school, exclusions, Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP's), complaints and appeals. This is a good chance to ask any questions face to face with supportive advice from SAY!

See you there👋

At The Firs, Drove Road, WSM, BS23 3NX

🗣️ You Said, We did!

🤝 When you tell us what you want more of, we really do listen! Here is brand new training to NSPCWT, ready for you to access ✨

Are you a parent carer or professional in North Somerset? Join us to learn more about understanding diagnosis within the family.

What you’ll gain from this session:
A diagnosis can bring relief, grief, clarity, confusion; often all at once.

In this reflective and informative session, we’ll cover:

• What a diagnosis actually means (and what it doesn’t)

• Late-diagnosed parents and identity shifts

• Supporting your child’s understanding of their diagnosis

• Navigating school, family and professional conversations

• Managing mixed emotions and internalised stigma

• Moving from labels to self-understanding

Whether you’re pre-diagnosis, newly diagnosed, or years into the journey, this session creates space for meaning-making and empowerment.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom

Are you a parent carer or professional in North Somerset? Join us to learn more about dyslexia and visual processing difficulties.

This training session is designed to support parent carers in developing a clearer understanding of dyslexia and visual processing difficulties, and how these can impact a child’s learning and daily life. Dyslexia is more than just difficulties with reading and spelling—it can affect memory, processing speed, and organisation. Visual processing difficulties, on the other hand, relate to how the brain interprets what the eyes see, which can make tasks like reading, copying, or tracking text particularly challenging.

Parent carers will explore:

• What dyslexia and visual processing difficulties are, and how they may present

• The differences between eyesight and visual processing

• How these challenges can affect confidence, behaviour, and engagement in learning

• Practical strategies to support reading, writing, and visual comfort at home

The session aims to empower parent carers with knowledge and tools to better understand their child’s experiences, advocate effectively, and create supportive environments that build confidence and reduce frustration.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom

Feel free to drop in 😊

We will have the refreshments - just bring yourself 🌟

Your child/young person does not need a diagnosis in order to access our support. If you have any concerns about your child's development then please do join us.

😀 If you fancy a catch up with like minded peers or someone to just listen then we are here 💙

Rolling tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits for all 🍪

At Somerset Hall, 11 The Precinct, Portishead, BS20 6AH

🗣️ You Said, We did!

🤝 When you tell us what you want more of, we really do listen! Here is new training to NSPCWT, ready for you to access ✨

Are you a parent carer or professional in North Somerset? Have you heard of PDA? Recognizing some symptoms in your child? Join us!

Demand avoidance refers to a pattern of behaviour where a child or young person experiences high levels of anxiety when they feel demands or expectations are being placed on them. These demands can be everyday tasks—such as getting dressed, completing schoolwork, or even engaging in activities they usually enjoy.

For some children, particularly those with profiles linked to autism such as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), this response is not about being oppositional or “difficult.” Instead, it is a nervous system response driven by a need to feel in control and reduce overwhelming anxiety.

In this training, parent carers will explore:

• What demand avoidance is (and what it is not)

• How anxiety and the need for control underpin behaviour

• Common signs and triggers of demand avoidance

• Practical, compassionate strategies to reduce stress and support cooperation

The session aims to reframe behaviour through an empathetic lens, helping parent carers feel more confident in responding in ways that build trust, reduce conflict, and support their child’s emotional wellbeing.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

At North Weston Village Hall (26 Clevedon Rd, Bristol, England, BS20 6TB)

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is a term used to describe children and young people (CYP) who experience challenges in attending school due to negative feelings (such as anxiety). EBSA is commonly associated with emotional and physical distress, and a reluctance to attend school, which can lead to reduced attendance and further anxiety regarding school.

This is a Peer Support drop-in session to gain some support & signposting whilst meeting others in a similar situation 💖

⭐Joining us are SEND and You - SAY. They are the SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice and Support) service and can offer help with all kinds of SEND issues at every stage of your child’s education, including SEN support at school, exclusions, Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP's), complaints and appeals. This is a good chance to ask any questions face to face with supportive advice from SAY!

At The Firs,

Drove Road, WsM,

BS23 3NX

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? Please feel free to join us for training on supporting silbings within the household.

This workshop facilitated by Corrina Wood from Platypus Training considers how living with a sibling with SEN can impact on siblings and wider family. We explore how this might present itself, sibling rivalry and most importantly how we can support siblings.

Corrina has almost 20 years experience of working with neurodivergent families. She is a consultant and trainer with a specialism in Autism. Most importantly, she is a parent of 4 autistic children, all with very different presentations and co-occurring conditions.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

At The Firs, Drove Road, WSM, BS23 3NX

Are you a parent carer or professional in North Somerset? Join us to learn more about emotional development and mental wellbeing.

This presentation will address the various stages of emotional development in children and young people, as well as strategies to support this development. The discussion will also include techniques for promoting mental wellbeing, fostering independence in children and young people to manage their own mental health, and promoting healthy habits for maintaining a positive mental state.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? Does your child mask? Join us to find out why this happens and how to support!

Understanding masking is essential for anyone supporting neurodivergent children and young people. This training is designed for parent carers and professionals who want to recognise when a child may be hiding their true feelings, needs, or traits in order to fit in or feel safe. Masking can often be misunderstood as coping well, but it frequently comes at a significant emotional cost, leading to anxiety, burnout, and a loss of identity.

Through this training, participants will explore what masking looks like in different settings, why it develops, and how it can impact wellbeing over time. You’ll gain practical strategies to create safe, accepting environments where children feel able to be themselves without fear of judgment. The session also focuses on building attuned relationships, improving communication, and responding in ways that reduce pressure rather than reinforce the need to mask.

By deepening your understanding, you’ll be better equipped to notice the subtle signs, respond with empathy, and support each child in a way that honours their authentic self.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

At

Clevedon Community Centre

2 Princes Road

Clevedon BS21 7SZ

Are you a parent carer or professional in North Somerset? Join us to learn more about neurodivergence communication!

Training in Understanding Social Skills and Adapting for Neurodivergence equips parent carers and professionals with the insight and tools needed to support meaningful social development. Social skills do not emerge all at once—they evolve gradually from early shared attention and turn-taking, through language-based interaction, to more complex abilities like perspective-taking, flexible thinking, and navigating group dynamics. For neurodivergent individuals, this developmental pathway may differ in pace, style, or expression, making it essential to recognise that differences are not deficits, but variations that may require tailored support.

Participants will learn how to identify gaps in social understanding by observing communication patterns, play behaviours, emotional regulation, and responses to social cues. The training emphasises practical, strengths-based strategies to scaffold development—such as modelling, visual supports, social narratives, and structured opportunities for interaction—while respecting individual communication preferences.

A key focus is on fostering authentic friendship skills and deeper social understanding. This includes supporting shared interests, teaching explicit social problem-solving, building emotional literacy, and creating inclusive environments where neurodivergent individuals feel safe to connect in their own way. By blending developmental knowledge with adaptable strategies, this training empowers adults to nurture confidence, belonging, and genuine relationships.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom

✨NSPCWT Drop-in✨

🙋‍♀️Are you a parent or carer to a young person with an additional need and/or disability or you have an emerging concern regarding their development and attend Nailsea School?

If so, come and join us for a coffee and a chat😀

We are North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT) and are here to ensure the collective parent carer voice is heard. We signpost to relevant organisations and listen to your experiences. We run regular coffee mornings, training sessions and events plus we recently organised free wellbeing days out to enjoy 🌳

Share your experiences plus meet other parents & carers!

🌸Please remember that no diagnosis is needed and you are welcome to our coffee if you have concerns regarding your young person’s development in any way 🌸

There is no sign up- please just drop by to see us😀

Address: Mizzymead Rd, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 2HN

General Catch Up - all parent carers are welcome 👋

Drop in for a super relaxed chance to chill over a cup of tea or coffee 🫖

Meet other parent carers and freely ask us any questions. We can signpost you to helpful professionals and other support 😊

SEND and You - SAY will also be joining us. They are the SENDIAS team in North Somerset (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Service).

At

St.Andrew’s Church Centre, Clevedon

BS21 7UE

Easter Break Stay & Play Sessions

We’re excited to offer 6 Stay & Play sessions over 2 dates this Easter break!

Who’s it for?
Children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities, along with their parent carers.

What to expect:
A safe, welcoming space to enjoy activities together, explore, play — and hopefully relax with a hot cuppa too!

Special guest:
We’ll be joined by WEMA - West of England Music and Arts , bringing along musical instruments for free play and sound exploration.

Session times :

9.30am-11am

11.30am-1pm

1.30pm-3pm

How to book:
To request one of the three sessions, please fill out the online form here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mGu4qAWreECp96TXBfB1McA2jGJEbdtDocdd2weXJglUNFZJUjRCUU9MVUE3T0RZVldLVDM1OUdQTS4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawQwpqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB1Q2EzZU9JYXY2TzlVZGw4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpbmQNAj-1s93OHA6H5EQrjWXwPWtkTFjeirQBtIlMxv7Lfonu0sC9fCT0Yg_aem_X_7thfG4MJxXDIGYfINE_g

You’ll receive an email to confirm your space.

Please note:
Parent carers are responsible for all children they bring.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

At The Firs, Drove Road, WSM, BS23 3NX

Easter Break Stay & Play Sessions

We’re excited to offer 6 Stay & Play sessions over 2 dates this Easter break!

Who’s it for?
Children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities, along with their parent carers.

What to expect:
A safe, welcoming space to enjoy activities together, explore, play — and hopefully relax with a hot cuppa too!

Special guest:
We’ll be joined by WEMA - West of England Music and Arts , bringing along musical instruments for free play and sound exploration.

Session times :

9.30am-11am

11.30am-1pm

1.30pm-3pm

How to book:
To request one of the three sessions, please fill out the online form here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mGu4qAWreECp96TXBfB1McA2jGJEbdtDocdd2weXJglUNFZJUjRCUU9MVUE3T0RZVldLVDM1OUdQTS4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawQwpqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB1Q2EzZU9JYXY2TzlVZGw4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpbmQNAj-1s93OHA6H5EQrjWXwPWtkTFjeirQBtIlMxv7Lfonu0sC9fCT0Yg_aem_X_7thfG4MJxXDIGYfINE_g

You’ll receive an email to confirm your space.

Please note:
Parent carers are responsible for all children they bring.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

At The Firs, Drove Road, WSM, BS23 3NX

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? We are here to offer support on this extremely sensitive subject.

Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts and behaviour are more common in autistic people than in the general population. In this talk, researcher Dr Rachel Moseley will discuss why autistic people seem to be at higher risk; the kinds of experiences, thoughts and feelings underpinning suicidal desires; how suicidal thoughts and behaviour might look different in autistic people, and what we presently know about warning signs indicative of suicidal thinking and behaviour. While little is known in way of how best to support autistic people with suicidal thoughts and behaviour, Rachel will describe what we know so far from research, including safety planning as one emerging evidence-based approach.

Dr Rachel Moseley is an academic psychologist (i.e. a researcher) rather than a clinical psychologist. While she cannot offer clinical advice, she draws on her academic expertise in the study of suicidality and mental illness in autistic people, and her lived experience, as an autistic person, of the same.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom

You’re Invited to a Free Easter Brunch

Join us for a FREE Easter Brunch just for parent carers — a relaxed, child-free space to enjoy good food, connect with others who understand, and take a well-deserved break.

Wednesday 1 April – Somerset Hall, Portishead | 12:00pm–2:30pm

Spaces are limited and fill quickly.

You give so much every day. Let us look after you for a change.

Limited spaces remain - please email admin@nspcwt.org

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? Do you have your own needs as well as your children? Or two completely different kids? Join us!

What you’ll gain from this session:
Many families are navigating more than one neurodivergent profile under one roof; ADHD, autism, sensory differences, anxiety, demand avoidance, learning differences… often across both children and parents.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore:

• How different neurodivergent profiles can clash or complement each other

• Understanding sensory needs across family members

• Managing conflicting regulation styles (e.g., one seeks noise, one avoids it)

• Reducing shame and comparison within families

• Practical, realistic strategies to balance everyday life

• How to move from “survival mode” to sustainable support

This session blends psychoeducation with compassionate, strengths-based discussion, leaving you feeling validated, informed and more equipped.

Alice Cantwell is the founder of Bold Minds and a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist specialising in neurodevelopmental assessment and support. She is a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman and parent, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.

Alice works in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based way, helping families move from confusion and overwhelm to clarity and understanding. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where parents feel validated rather than judged, and where differences are understood rather than “fixed.”

Through assessment, psychoeducation and practical support, Alice helps families build sustainable systems that work in real life, not just in theory.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

At

Bleadon Village Hall

Coronation Road

Bleadon BS24 0PG

Hot coffee, like minded people, listening ears, support & signposting!!

Drop in for a cuppa with our lovely peer support team, SEND and You plus an Educational Psychologist…

SEND and You - SAY are the SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice and Support) service and can offer help with all kinds of SEND issues at every stage of your child’s education, including SEN support at school, exclusions, Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP's), complaints and appeals. This is a good chance to ask any questions face to face with supportive advice from SAY!

At Somerset Hall, 11 The Precinct, Portishead, BS20 6AH

Male Parent Carers...are you caring for someone you love? Balancing your own needs with their support can be tough. Take a breath and join us for a special event focusing on your wellbeing🐟🍟

Why just for men? While all carers face challenges, research shows men often report feeling less comfortable seeking help. It is important to provide a safe space to connect with other male carers, share experiences, connect with resources & access support.

🙋‍♂️Spread the word and share with your fellow male carers!

👀Also Check out: https://sends4dad.org.uk/

Remember: While this event focuses on male carers, we believe in supporting all caregiving communities.

If you identify as a female carer and are interested in similar resources, please reach out to us directly! admin@nspcwt.org

#PCF #ParentCarerForum #MaleParentCarers #MaleCareGivers #NorthSomerset #ParentCarers #NSPCWT

At The Firs, Drove Rd, W-S-M, BS23 3NX

You’re Invited to a Free Easter Brunch

Join us for a FREE Easter Brunch just for parent carers — a relaxed, child-free space to enjoy good food, connect with others who understand, and take a well-deserved break.

Monday 30 March – The Firs | 11:30am–2:00pm

Spaces are limited and fill quickly.

You give so much every day. Let us look after you for a change.

This session is now fully booked.

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? Are you concerned about your young persons transition to adulthood? Join us!

This training is designed to support parent carers of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities as they prepare for the important transition into adulthood. It provides practical guidance, clear information, and emotional support to help families navigate changes in education, health, social care, employment, and independent living.

Participants will gain a better understanding of key transition processes, legal rights and entitlements, and how to plan effectively for the future. The session also explores building independence, developing life skills, and supporting wellbeing — for both young people and their families.

Through clear explanations, real-life examples, and opportunities for discussion, this training empowers parent carers with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to make informed decisions and advocate effectively during this crucial stage of life.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

At

89a Drove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3NX

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? Do you want to learn more about the importance of sensory regulation for play? Please join us!

This practical and interactive training session is designed to support parent carers in understanding sensory regulation and how play can be used to help children and young people feel calm, focused, and emotionally balanced.

The session will explore how sensory processing differences can affect behaviour, emotions, attention, and daily routines. Parent carers will learn how to recognise sensory needs and use simple, playful activities to support regulation at home and in everyday situations.

Participants will gain practical ideas, easy-to-use strategies, and confidence to create positive, sensory-friendly play experiences that promote wellbeing, connection, and development. The training will also provide guidance on adapting activities for different ages, abilities, and individual needs.

By the end of the session, parent carers will feel better equipped to use play as a powerful tool to support their child’s sensory regulation, emotional wellbeing, and engagement.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.

On Zoom