Coffee mornings, a way to connect
For the past ten years, our coffee mornings have been a place where parent carers living in Brighton & Hove have been able to meet other parents for a cuppa and a chat. Much more than that, they can help people feel less isolated, exchange experiences and ideas about caring for children with additional needs and/or disabilities, and hear from people delivering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in the city:
I find listening to other parents and their circumstances helps me to know I’m not the only person experiencing each situation. The advice helps increase my knowledge and can be applied when I find myself in the same situation
Our coffee mornings are a safe and welcoming space where parents can be themselves among other parents ‘who get it’; be listened to and supported. For many parent carers, coming together once a month has made a huge difference:
It’s great to feel connected and understood and listen to ideas from other parents who have been/going through similar situations
Currently there are two monthly coffee mornings that parent carers can attend; both coffee mornings are managed by a group of volunteers, who are parent carers themselves.
On the second Thursday of the month (term time only) from 9.30 to 11.30am, the Sunflower Support Group meets at The Bevy, 50 Hillside, Moulsecoomb Brighton BN2 4TF. On Thursday 13 October we are going to look at Tics and Tourette’s syndrome. On Thursday 10 November we’ll be talking about DLA and PIP.
On the third Tuesday of the month (term time only) from 9.30 to 11.30am, the Hangleton & Knoll Parent Carer Group meets at St Richards Church and Community Centre, Egmont Road, Hove BN3 7FP. On Tuesday 20 September we’ll be talking about DLA and PIP. On Tuesday 18 October we are going to look at Tics and Tourette’s syndrome. On Tuesday 15 November we’ll find out about the new Family Hub development.
Whether sharing problems or solutions these coffee mornings give strength and hope beyond any reasonable expectation! I felt so warmly welcome, heard and supported as well as giving life changing advice and signposting. Parent carers are all individual experts and the opportunity to share knowledge raises everyone’s game in the fight to win a good future for our children
Find out more about our coffee mornings here.
We hope to see you there!
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