Navigate: emotional support for parents

Navigate is a national mentoring service, that provides emotional support for parents of disabled children who are finding out about their child’s additional needs.

Eligibility 

Navigate is open to any parent or carer who:

• lives in England or Wales 
• has a child under 18 years of age, who is going through or has received a diagnosis in the last year.

About the service

Navigate is a 6-week programme that puts you in touch with a personal adviser, who will help you to talk about your feelings and concerns.

The service will help you to:

• organise your thoughts and feelings
• take positive actions and help with your emotional wellbeing
• give you coping strategies and insights.

Your personal adviser

You will have weekly catch ups with your adviser either online or by phone. Your adviser will work with you on a one-to-one basis, helping you to:

• explore your needs and personal goals
• agree your 6-week action plan, and
• provide you with support, if you need it. 

Accessing the service

You can apply online or get a referral from the helpline. Contact with your adviser will be online or by phone.

If there is no space, we will offer you the opportunity to join a waiting list. We will do our best to point you to supporting information.

Reaching the end of the programme

At the end of the 6 weeks, you will look at what did or didn’t work and rate your overall progress. 

Depending on availability, you may get to choose to start again with new goals.

It's not suitable for everyone 

Your adviser cannot help you with:

• claiming benefits
• challenging discrimination, or
• managing your child’s condition.

This service is online or by phone. If you prefer face to face meetings, this service may not be for you.

Opening times

Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm.

Saturday: 9am to 12pm.