Myotas - My Own Time And Space

14/06/2026

Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child - Free Book!!!!
Looking for help? Have you got your copy yet? 👀

We’re so proud to share Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child – a FREE practical guide for families across Essex, Southend and Thurrock, already helping over 19,000 families!

📝 Co-written by parents and created with:
💛 Maggie Cleary from STRM - SEND the Right Message Registered Charity
💛 Paula Farrow & Sam Read from Myotas - My Own Time And Space
💛 Katrina Farrall and the team at Essex Family Forum
✅ Endorsed by the Essex County Council and NHS Joint Commissioning Board

Families told us they often feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn when raising a neurodivergent child. This guide was created to give you clarity, confidence, and practical support.
📚 What’s inside? Over 200 pages covering:-
✔️ Understanding neurodivergent differences
✔️ Sections on mental health issues, anxiety and emotional regulation
✔️ Navigating the diagnosis journey
✔️ Getting support for your child at school
✔️ Health & wellbeing tips – speech, communication, sensory processing, diet, exercise, toileting
✔️ Growing up and transitions
✔️ Financial help – including how to apply for Disability Living Allowance
✔️ Advice for family & friends
✔️ Recommended books, blogs, and online resources
✔️ Real quotes, tips, and experiences from local families
✔️ Myth-busting common misconceptions
💡 Why SEND families love it:
💬 “I cried when I was handed the book. It made me feel less alone and like someone finally understood.”
💬 “I pick this up every now and then to remind myself when I might need to adjust a routine and find more ideas and help.”
💬 “Finally – a resource that understands what it’s really like. It gave us hope and a starting point.”
📥 Get Your FREE COPY Delivered to Your House here
https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/YRNC6P8
💻 Download the digital version with clickable links now https://essexfamilyforum.org/resources/nd-pack
👩‍💼 Professionals can also purchase bulk copies via the link above.
🔎 All information was correct at time of printing and is reviewed regularly.
You can also JOIN our Parent Support Group on Facebook here MyOTAS - Parents’ & Carers’ Support Group Autism ADHD

09/06/2026

Yesterday marked the final session of our MyOTAS Cookery Programme, and what a fantastic success it has been! 👩‍🍳🍽️

We have received some wonderful feedback from the parents who attended alongside their young people. For some participants, this was the first time they had attended a group activity in a long while, and for others it was a significant step outside their comfort zone. Not only did they attend, but they looked forward to returning each week, building confidence, developing new skills, and enjoying time together in a supportive environment. 🤝

A huge thank you to SEND in the Dengie and Burnham Ramblers FC for kindly allowing us to use their premises and helping make these sessions possible. 🙏

Lyn and Tracey would like to say a special thank you for the beautiful flowers they received at the final session. The thoughtful gesture was greatly appreciated and was a lovely way to round off such a successful programme. 💐

It has been a real pleasure to be part of this journey and to see the progress, enthusiasm, and friendships that have developed over the course of the programme. We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part 💚💜

08/06/2026

The MyOTAS team are all parent carers themselves. We understand the challenges because we live them too. We’re here to help guide you through complex systems, provide support and stand beside you on the difficult days.

Come and meet us at our support groups, parent relaxation class, EHCP workshop, or children's activities. For 1-2-1 support you can complete a referral form on our website.

08/06/2026

You are invited to share your views on the future of NHS health and care services across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

NHS Essex ICB have launched a new survey that will inform the ongoing development of a five-year plan that sets out how health and care services can be improved, inequalities reduced and services made more sustainable for the future.

The plan supports national NHS ambitions and has already been informed by conversations with more than 500 residents, staff and community organisations. People told us they want:
• faster access to care
• more care closer to home
• better joined-up services
• stronger mental health support
• more focus on prevention and early help.

We are now inviting further feedback on suggested priorities, what matters most to you and where improvements should happen first.

You can complete the survey online:
https://virtualviews.essex.icb.nhs.uk/help-shape-the-future-of-nhs-services-in-essex?utm_source=e-shot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Essex+ICB%3a+NHS+priorities+survey_3-6-26+(public)

Your feedback will help shape future health and care priorities across Essex, Thurrock or Southend.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Thanks for your support

We are developing a five-year plan to help improve health and care services across Essex. The plan is shaped by national NHS priorities and what residents, staff and community groups in Essex have already told us. Previous feedback highlighted the importance of care

05/06/2026

As Volunteers' Week comes to an end, everyone at MyOTAS would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers.

As a small charity, the support, time, and dedication our volunteers give is truly invaluable. Whether helping behind the scenes, supporting our activities, or sharing their skills and experience, every contribution helps us continue our work and support the people who rely on us.

Thank-you all for being such an important part of the MyOTAS community 💚💜

01/06/2026

Would you like to take on a challenge while supporting local neurodivergent children, young people and their families?

We’re looking for amazing supporters to run a 5K or Half Marathon to raise funds for MyOTAS!

You can join an organised event in Basildon or Brentwood, or if a 5K suits you better, complete it anywhere you like, at your own pace. Every pound raised helps us continue providing vital support, activities and safe spaces for neurodivergent children, young people and their families across our community.

The Basildon half-marathon is on 13th September 2026 and on the same day under 17's can also run the Junior Marathon, which is 2 laps of the running track at Basildon Sporting Village. You can sign up here https://www.runthrough.co.uk/event/basildon-half-marathon-and-juniors-september-2026

The Brentwood half-marathon is on 21st March 2027 and you can sign up here https://www.brentwoodhalf.org/

For those of you who prefer a shorter, more leisurely run, you can take part in the Fun Walk Trust sponsored 5K walk/run. This event is open throughout September - you choose where you run/walk, who you walk with and what day/time.

If you would like to take part in any of the above events please email [email protected] and we will send you the full details.

01/06/2026

There’s no one way to volunteer. Join us this in celebrating the diversity of volunteers and volunteering. Let’s inspire someone new to volunteer. Find out more here: https://myotas.org/support/volunteer/

30/05/2026

FREE SESSION THIS MONDAY !!!!

Calling all crafty 7-11 year olds! Myotas - My Own Time And Space run Mindful Crafts workshops with the wonderful Gweniems in Wickford, especially tailored for anxious, autistic, ADHD children. Sessions take place on a Monday at 4.30pm.

You can view further information about the sessions on our website. BOOK HERE https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/lVR2prM8F6xoF060LjTU

29/05/2026

Just some of the groups and activities we are running during June! Book via our website - address on graphic below. For enquiries please email [email protected] - please share with any famillies who may be interested. Thank you