Medway Small Steps

More Information

Our team are here to offer support for parents/carers to better understand their child, whether pre or post diagnosis, or displaying behaviours of autism and/or ADHD. 

Who do we support?

We welcome referrals from parents and professionals working with children from age 0 to age 19 (and up to 25 with a diagnosed SEN). Families/professionals can request a referral form to be sent by emailing the service.

How do we support?

Parents will receive a telephone assessment which will assess the family’s needs and suitability for the programs we offer. Once the assessment has taken place, families are put on the relevant course/workshop waiting list. In the meantime, parents can attend our informal coffee mornings or call for advice and guidance.

We provide this support a number of ways: 

• We have a responsive phone service to help with initial enquiries,
• Families can email our Small Steps team for general advice/guidance/signposting,
• We deliver regular informal coffee mornings at a variety of community venues,
• We deliver workshops on topics such as sleep issues, sensory issues, introduction to autism, introduction to ADHD,
• We deliver online parenting courses – Cygnet (for autism) and New Forest Parenting Program (for ADHD)
• Sign posting and referrals to other support providers such as SENDIAS, Family Line, Early help
• Referrals into our Positive Behaviour Support courses,
• Referrals into our Positive Behaviour Support one-to-one offer, 
• Communicate about workshops for professionals such as schools, and community groups, and
• Through our active and informative local Facebook page.

Recruitment and training of volunteers to support families.

We hope that parents/carers will feel validated in their experiences and concerns. So many parents/carers are distressed by the time they find us, often having to wait years until their child is formally diagnosed. We are looking to bridge the gap of support whilst they wait for a diagnosis and for those who are already diagnosed. We aim to be a continued source of support and guidance. 

If you would like to self-refer or refer someone else to our service, please complete this referral form and send to [email protected]