Connected - Parent's Support Group for Autistic Teenagers

27/10/2026

How was your weekend, fellas?

Was it your turn to have the kids?

Did you promise yourself you weren't going to drink, then find yourself reaching for a b**r anyway?

Did you have another argument with your parents, even though you told yourself you weren't going to get drawn into it again?

Did you lose your temper with the kids, spend the evening feeling guilty about it, or lie awake thinking you should have handled things differently?

Maybe you spent the weekend on your own, putting a brave face on while everyone else seemed to be getting on with life.

Maybe you said you were fine when someone asked, because it's easier than explaining what's actually going on in your head.

Or maybe nothing particularly bad happened, but you still can't shake that feeling that something isn't quite right.

If any of that sounds familiar, you're not the only one.

Life isn't always straightforward. Being a dad, a son, a partner, a mate, or just trying to keep your own head above water can be hard work sometimes.

And you don't have to wait until everything falls apart before you talk about it.

Tomorrow's Monday. A new week. A chance to get out of the house, have a brew and talk things through with other men who understand that life doesn't always go to plan.

No judgement. No pressure and No one trying to fix you.

Just a bit of time, a cup of tea and a space where you can be honest about what's really going on.

Come and see us tomorrow at Wildwood.

You don't need to have the right words. You don't need to have it all figured out. And you certainly don't need to pretend everything's alright.

Whatever happened this weekend, you can start again on Monday.

Wildwood — Stratford-upon-Avon Bannatyne Wildmoor
Mondays, 6:15pm
Free to attend, with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Any man. Any issue. You're welcome here.

27/10/2026

For too long, the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit has prevented unpaid carers from working the hours they want and need to.

Thousands of carers have worried about whether taking on an extra shift or a tiny increase in their hourly rate could mean losing their entire Carer's Allowance, while others have faced devastating overpayments after unknowingly exceeding the limit.

6 in 10 carers who had experienced issues whilst working and claiming Carer’s Allowance said it affected their ability to work, and 4 in 10 carers who had experienced issues whilst working and claiming Carer’s Allowance said they have left work because of it.

Today’s Government announcement committing to end the unfair earnings cliff edge marks a significant step forward. Carers UK has campaigned for this change for many years, calling for a fairer system that allows carers to work without the fear of losing vital financial support.

But carers shouldn’t have to wait years for change. We’ll continue pressing for these reforms to be introduced as quickly as possible, alongside further measures to provide greater financial support for unpaid carers.

Read a statement from Emily Holzhausen CBE, our Director of Policy and Public Affairs: https://carersuk.pulse.ly/2qqb5aocpc

26/10/2026

I am very proud to have reached our 5th year as a support group, it means so much to me seeing the help it has brought people over the years. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the community. As a SEND parent I've always believed the only people who truly get it and are the best form of support, is another SEND parent. ☺️

24/10/2026

🌟 Community Mentoring with Lifespace - places available 🌟

Community Mentoring gives young people dedicated one-to-one time with a trained mentor who listens without judgement, helps build confidence, resilience and wellbeing, and supports them to navigate life's challenges. Sessions are led by the young person and can take place in the community or online.

We currently have spaces available, so if you know a young person who could benefit from extra support, we'd love to hear from you.

✅ Who can be referred? Young people aged 11-19 living in Stratford-upon-Avon can access Community Mentoring. Self-referrals are accepted for young people aged 16+, or referrals can be made by parents/carers and professionals.

📩 How to refer: Complete the Community Mentoring Request Form via the Lifespace website (lifespace.org.uk) or get in touch with the team for more information: 📞 01789 297400 ✉️ [email protected]

24/10/2026

Phase transitions -annual review time of year .

It's that time of year again... PHASE TRANSFERS! 😬

And if you're a parent, teacher or SENCO feeling a little confused by the process, you're definitely not alone!

We've put together this handy infographic to help you understand what's involved, what needs to happen and why getting it right matters. 💛

Got questions? We're here to help!

☀️ Check the comments for two ways Team Sunshine can support you.

23/10/2026

If your young person is off to University /College to study a higher education course then definitely look into Disabled Students Allowance.

Do you know about Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

The allowance provides support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.

This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.
The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.

Read more in the comments ⬇

22/10/2026

We are renaming our Learning Disability and Autism services to Learning Disability and Neurodevelopmental Services. This change aims to better reflect that neurodivergence is broader than autism alone, with autism and ADHD forming the core of our neurodevelopmental services.

Services will continue as normal under the new name.

See the full details at: https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/news/learning-disability-and-autism-service-is-changing-its-name-to-learning-disability-and-neurodevelopmental-services-5306

18/10/2026

15/10/2026

I have talked about low demand parenting over the years and Amanda Diekman is a leading voice about low demand parenting . She has just published her new book if you are interested.

I did it!!

I've lived it, taught it, dreamed it, wrote it, edited it, designed it, and now it’s time to pass this soulful, transformational beauty off into your hands.

the dedication reads:
"To my fellow parent, desperate, terrified, and oh-so brave.
You are remaking the world for your kids.
Though the road is long and lonely, you are never alone."

I wrote it for me. I wrote it for my kids. I wrote it for you.

I wrote it for every kid who was called lazy, spoiled, defiant, or unmotivated when they really needed understanding – because they deserved better. I wrote it for every parent who holds this book and their own fragile hopes in quaking hands.

We are making a new world here, amidst the fears and tears and loneliness and judgment.

You may feel like one tiny flicker, but together, we are a roaring fire.

Head to this link: www.amandadiekman.com/book to purchase in all your favorite places, or comment YAYBOOK and I'll DM that link straight to you.

15/10/2026

😫😤

Councils’ deficits on special educational needs and disabilities (Send) spending are expected to reach more than £10bn by March 2028, despite a government