Support groups and networks

On this page there's information about the support groups and parent networks that are available in Hertfordshire that may be able to help and support you or your child.

Online communities

As well as looking to join some local support groups, finding support online can be a good option.

Most charities will have a Facebook page or Twitter account you could follow. There's also lots of closed parent groups on Facebook that you can ask to become a part of.

You may find that there's lots of information, resources, ideas and help from fellow SEND families online.

Information: To find more support groups and networks in your area you can search our Hertfordshire directory.

ADD-vance

ADD-vance is passionate about understanding, embracing and celebrating neurodiversity. As parent carers of neurodivergent children and young people, our teams of specialist coaches, specialist trainers and helpline workers are dedicated to providing strategies, advice and support for parents, carers and professionals to enable neurodivergent children and young people to thrive.

ADD-vance, alongside being commissioned to run the Hertfordshire Neurodiversity Support Hub, also offers support groups, specialist coaching, parent training courses, workshops, webinars, a moderated closed facebook page and other services for parents and young people. Please visit the ADD-vance website for full details of the support we offer.

Carers in Herts

Carers in Herts are a charity who provide advice, information and support to unpaid carers.

They offer free support to carers of all ages who live, work or care in Hertfordshire by giving them a voice, as well as opportunities to meet with other carers and share experiences.

Visit the Carers in Herts website

SPACE Herts

Welcome to SPACE. SPACE is a Hertfordshire charity supporting parent/ carers of children and young people on the autistic spectrum, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or a related condition.

We offer support meetings, training courses, a range of activities, and we have a SPACE Facebook page.

Visit SPACE Herts website

Lending SPACE - equipment library

Lending SPACE is an equipment lending library, offering a large range of specialist sensory, practical and educational equipment for families to borrow. It’s an ideal way to try expensive equipment to see if it works for the needs of your child.

The lending library is based in Hertford and is funded by Hertfordshire County Council.

For more information, and to book equipment, please follow our Lending SPACE Facebook page or email lendingspace@spaceherts.org.uk.

DS Achieve

DS Achieve is a charity formed by parents of children with Down Syndrome. We work with families and professionals in Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties to enable children and young people with Down Syndrome to have the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential.

Our focus is education and development and we offer a number of services, including:

'Little Achievers' -an early years intervention programme for 0-5s
'Young Achievers' - a social development programme for school age children and young people up to 17 years old
training for families and professionals
bespoke onsite guidance and training for nurseries and schools, called 'Resources into Schools'
Volunteering opportunities for young people with Down Syndrome to develop their social and work-based skills… and more.

Visit the DS Achieve website