The West Suffolk Neurodevelopmental (ND) Support Service began in 2021 with a clear mission: to support parents and carers of children who had received a neurodevelopmental diagnosis, or who were on the ND pathway awaiting assessment. Over the next four years, the service grew into a trusted source of guidance, connection and practical support for families across West Suffolk.
Anne McIsaac joined as Area Coordinator alongside a Family Support Worker, ensuring the service was ready to support families from day one. Over the following three months, the team expanded with the recruitment of two further Family Support Workers, Claire and Emily, and Project Support Worker/Administrator, Amber.
While the early days weren’t without challenge, the team worked tirelessly to establish the service locally. Before long, they were delivering Plan Bee and Teen Life courses, creating bespoke ND-focused webinars, and hosting parent peer-support and advice drop-ins across the area.
As the service developed, so did its reach. A key milestone came when the service was able to accept referrals directly from parents and professionals for more intensive 1:1 support. Almost 1,400 contacts were received for bespoke support from parents, GPs, schools, NHS services, social prescribers and other professionals. This support often included video or phone calls, home visits, advocacy between home and school, tailored resources, and referrals to specialist services.
school uniform vouchers gifted to local families to help back-to-school costs
referrals received for individualised 1:1 support.
parents and professionals attended online & face-to-face courses
Education was a cornerstone of the service. The team regularly delivered the popular Plan Bee course and the National Autistic Society’s Teen Life course, alongside a wide range of ND-focused webinars developed in direct response to what parents told them they needed. Topics included anxiety, sleep, transitions, social skills and adopting a low-demand approach. More than 1,350 parents and professionals attended these sessions, delivered both face-to-face and online, during the day and in the evenings, in schools and community venues to maximise accessibility.
Anne said,
Reflecting back over the last four years I can see that in a very short space of time the West Suffolk ND Support Service became a hardworking, highly respected and valued service supporting the families and professionals that lived and worked within the West Suffolk area.
I am immensely proud of everything we have all achieved, professionally and personally, and especially of the amazing project we developed together over the last 4 years.
Parent and carer drop-ins became another invaluable part of the service offer, providing safe, welcoming spaces for parents to connect, share experiences and feel less alone. After moving the Bury St Edmunds drop-in to The New Bury Centre, attendance increased by an impressive 135%. With team members always on hand for advice, reassurance or emotional support, these sessions became a lifeline for many families, creating a network of support and often preventing the need for further referrals.
Local community collaboration was always key. The team contributed knowledge to schools, Universities, libraries, wellbeing services, the Job Centre and local employers.
I am extremely proud of organising and setting up peer supervision across the Suffolk and Norfolk teams.
Alongside day-to-day support, the team also championed Family Action campaigns – bringing the Christmas Toy Appeal, the Summer campaign, and the school uniform voucher scheme to their area with huge enthusiasm. These initiatives brought toys, books, family days out, financial support and lasting memories to families across West Suffolk.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the team. Blending professional expertise with lived experience, enthusiasm and compassion, they remained committed to making a positive difference in families’ lives from day one.
Emily Sloman, Family Support Worker, said,
I am extremely proud of the incredible feedback we have received from families which reflects the undeniable impact our service has made. It makes me very proud to have been part of this team and to have played a role in setting up such a well-respected service.
You don’t realise the impact you have, you don’t see the families you’ve kept together.
As the West Suffolk ND Support Service reflects on four years of impact, collaboration and care, it does so with pride. The service became a valued part of the local support landscape, leaving a legacy of connection, empowerment and hope for families and professionals alike.
Amber Gooden, Project Support and Administrator, said,
It fills me with immense pride to have been part of this incredible project. Over the past four years, I have seen first-hand how many families we have supported, and it has been truly inspiring to witness the transformation in so many of them, knowing we played a part in that journey.
I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many families and reconnecting with our regular attendees at the drop-ins. Building those relationships has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
