SEND the Right Message Charity (STRM) recently launched its first Autism & ADHD: Making Sense of SEND course at Shoeburyness Community Youth Centre — bringing early, community-based support directly to local families.

The session was designed to help parents and carers better understand and support their neurodivergent children, exploring overwhelm, behaviour, sensory needs, emotional regulation, and what it really means to “make sense” of SEND.

A huge thank you to Vicki, our dedicated volunteers, and every family who showed up, shared openly, listened deeply, and trusted the space. It was powerful to see families learning together, feeling seen and heard, and building confidence.

We asked parents before and after the course how they were feeling. Here’s what they told us:

• 100% of parents who previously felt unsupported said they felt more supported

• 100% of parents who felt very overwhelmed said they felt less overwhelmed

• 84% felt more confident

• 74% moved from overwhelmed to manageable or calm

In their own words:

“I felt seen and understood.”

“I came feeling very overwhelmed and left feeling calm.”

“It gave me a lot of perspective and understanding of my child’s needs.”

“Perfectly paced, very inclusive, and easy to understand.”

“This course would benefit teachers.”

These are short-term, self-reported outcomes but they matter. Early, community-led support helps families feel steadier, more confident, and less alone.

By delivering early, community-based support, STRM is helping families build confidence before challenges escalate, strengthening both home and school outcomes.

This course was kindly funded by the Southend Community Investment Board.