Support groups for parents

Support groups are good places to get practical and emotional advice from other parents with disabled children.

There are groups which are for specific conditions. You may find that general support groups are also helpful.

Support for a child without a diagnosis

Support groups for specific conditions

Disability charities that support people with a specific condition are usually the best places to find support groups of people with similar experiences.

Parent support groups (Contact charity)

People to ask about support groups

To find out what’s on offer in your area:

• ask your health visitor or school nurse
• visit children’s centres
• check for portage services for children under 5

Portage services

Search for local services on Netmums

Finding support groups

Your local authority

Local authorities must publish information about the support that’s available in their area. This is called a Local Offer. The quality of information varies, but there should be support groups and contact information.

Find your local council (GOV.UK) and search for the Local Offer on their website.

Local support groups

Search for local groups on:

• Disabled and special needs kids clubs (Club Hub)
• the charity Contact’s A to Z pages
• meetup.com

Find a local support group for children, young people and families (GOV.UK)

Advice, assessments and information for disabled parents (Enabled2Parent)

Online support groups

Explore online communities and forums:

• Scope online community parents group
• National Network of Parent Carer Forums
• Mumsnet forum
• Netmums 

You can also look for Facebook parent support groups or pages on specific conditions.

You do not have to post or comment unless you want to.