Caring for a child with disabilities is emotionally challenging and can be extremely isolating. Parent carers often find themselves struggling through a maze of information and services. Support for parent carers is essential to help them navigate complex systems, access necessary services, develop advocacy skills, and reduce social isolation.
Our Face2Face service provides free support and advice to parent carers by offering one-to-one support focussing on achieving identified outcomes and ensuring parent carers feel empowered to make informed decisions about all aspects of their child’s life.
Parent carers can self-refer to access this service or a professional working with the family can make the referral on their behalf. This service will provide support for a period of 8-10 weeks offering up to 5 meetings. The support will include drawing out a support plan, identifying the key outcomes, sharing of information to empower the parent carers, identifying and help accessing other services if not already involved and any other support as required.
Face2Face hosts regular coffee mornings, which offer informal opportunities for parent carers to meet each other, exchange information and talk to others who understand their situation. We also offer a regular programme of sessions delivered by professionals, covering topics relevant to parent carers offering vital information and practical advice. These sessions are held in-person or online offering a flexible option to suit different needs.
Drop-in Coffee Mornings
An informal, free get-together and an opportunity for parents/carers to meet each other, exchange information and talk to others who understand.
Wednesday 13 November | 10:30-12:30
Wednesday 20 November | 10:30-12:30
Wednesday 18 December | 10:30-12:30
Venue: YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch Road, Reigate RH2 8HA
Other sessions
Information session with Family Communication Officer from L-SPA, Surrey
Wednesday 6 November | 10:30-12:30
YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch Road, Reigate RH2 8HA
This session will outline the support on offer from the Family Communication Officer for parents whose children do not have an EHCP. In addition, the team can offer advice and information on what is available in mainstream schools to support a child’s additional needs and the SEND support system.
Wellbeing session with East Surrey Care Farm Project
Wednesday 27 November | 10:00-13:00
East Surrey Care Farm Project at Pitchfont Farm, Water Lane, Oxted RH8 0SA
Care farms use farming and nature to benefit people, including improving mental health and wellbeing. Through farming related activities, such as animal care, mechanics or horticulture, the session aims to allow the participants to try something different and connect with each other. The second half of the session will be led by a local artist to allow us to slow down and perhaps create something of our own.
Car parking for this session is at Titsey Place and Gardens. The car park is behind Pitchfont Lodge, Water Lane, Titsey, Oxted, RH8 0SA.
Christmas ceramic session
Wednesday 4 December | 10:30-12:30
YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch Road, Reigate RH2 8HA
Join us for a creative relaxing session making some Christmas decorations and our normal chat and a cuppa.
Zoom session – Welfare benefits
Thursday 5 December | 10:00-11:00
If you are a parent or carer of a person with disability or additional needs you may be concerned about navigating the complicated benefits system the right way. In this free 1 hour Zoom webinar, Renaissance Legal’s Family Solicitors for Disabled and Vulnerable Person in Brighton and South East specialist benefits team will explore and answer some common benefits questions to provide parents and carers with practical, helpful advice and guidance.
Mini Pamper Session and Christmas-themed session
Wednesday 11 December | 10:30-12:30
YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch Road, Reigate RH2 8HA
Students of East Surrey College will be offering mini manicures, hand and arm massages and we will have some festive food to make it a relaxing morning for all. Please join us for this festive session.
To find out more or to attend one of our sessions, please contact Sandhya Gulati, Face2Face Coordinator.
Find out more
At Face2Face, we are committed to providing comprehensive support that helps parent carers feel connected, informed, and empowered, improving quality of life for both children and their families.
To find out more or to attend one of our sessions, please contact Sandhya Gulati, Face2Face Coordinator.
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