Local Charities Gain National Recognition for Supporting SEND Families

Published on: April 27, 2026

STRM – SEND the Right Message has been named Runner Up at a national level at the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) SEND Awards. This recognition highlights the impact of genuine partnership working across Essex, bringing together STRM, Essex Family Forum, MyOTAS – My Own Time and Space, Essex County Council and NHS Essex to support families navigating neurodivergence.

Alongside this recognition, STRM’s flagship resource, Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child, continues to demonstrate significant impact:

  • 98% of parents report feeling more equipped to support and advocate for their child after using the resource
  • 19,000 hard copies have been distributed across Essex, Thurrock and Southend, as well as 14 areas nationally

As a small, parent-led charity with no statutory funding, this work is driven by lived experience and a commitment to early support — helping families feel less alone, more confident, and better able to navigate complex systems.

This isn’t just an award. It reflects the voices of families, the importance of early intervention, and what is possible when community and statutory services work together.

STRM is continuing to grow its reach and is keen to connect with partners, funders and organisations who want to support SEND families and strengthen early intervention across communities.

To access support, work with STRM or find out more, visit: https://strmsupport.co.uk

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