PARENTS' ACHIEVEMENTS

Parents are offered long-term encouragement, they are listened to (sometimes for the first time in a long time), we take them seriously (often for the first time in their life). They are offered practical support and signposting to partner organisations; many gain volunteering experience that allows for skills and experience to build a new self image, and a credible CV that they can use for future plans.

The achievements at the Parent House belong to our parents. They put their trust, energy and commitment into The Parent House. They take up opportunities and persevere in spite of many challenges.

Below are just a few examples of how parents have changed their lives. There are many more!

Case Study written by SEND Friend parent Sept 24

During Covid, I helped to form the SEND Friends, a group of parent carers, to be supportive and help one another through challenging times. 

I came along after a long battle of getting my child into full time mainstream school after being unsupported during covid. SEND Friends meet for support, guidance and a wealth knowledge gathered by parent carers who are on similar pathways, to support our children. Personal battles helped me gain the knowledge and understanding of how to advocate for my child through a complicated system for SEND parents and carers alike. 

What brought me to The Parent House

  • DV history

  • Single parent

  • Anxiety depression

  • Isolated with 2 young children

  • Going through courts

  • Contact centres

  • Referred by family support

  •  Had a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 

My journey while dipping in and out of The Parent House

  • Domestic violence and sexual violence training

  • Sure Start Camden

  • Engagement in communities 

  • Barnardo’s facilitator

  • School  TA

  • Playworker/ youth support supervisor

The Parent House has helped me engage in communities with SEND parents, build confidence, and gain knowledge while making friendships along the way. 

1:1 support has been very helpful in organisation and managing myself, time for my family and things like access to cost of living support, food banks (when needed) and personal grants for things I would normally struggle to find the money for. This has a huge impact on my household and being someone that has always worked, I was very frustrated being in a situation where I am restricted in boosting my income, which is a sacrifice for taking care of my child with additional needs.

My own wellbeing and health needs were suppressed which effects mental health, so access to wellbeing sessions at The Parent House felt like a luxury. I was beginning to feel worthy, my emotions and wellbeing matter. In order to be there for my children I need the head space to take care of myself. I have had advice on benefits and managing my low mood. Wellbeing classes have helped me get back in touch with who I was before depression and anxiety kicked in. 

Before becoming part of The Parent House community I was depressed, isolated and struggling with a family to support. Now I volunteer in my community and hope other parent carers know that there is somewhere that is a stepping stone to getting back on track. Parent House has given me purpose to help SEND parents with the support group that I struggled so long to find. A lot of what's on offer elsewhere is very tick box, formal and intimidating, with no personal experiences of SEND and no idea how much it actually effects parents and carers, with the day-to-day toll. We don't complain because we do it out of love for our children but having support makes all the difference.

The Parent House is small, intimate and welcoming. It helps parents branch out with knowledge and confidence to engage in the community and advocate for their child. I feel less overwhelmed and more in control as my journey progresses and that is my hope for parents that come through the door at THE PARENT HOUSE

Parent who left school with no qualifications is now an IT technician, having attended some IT workshops at the Parent House. The Parent House helped her believe in herself.

Single parent trained and volunteered as a Parent House mentor, then went on to complete a university degree - and is now a practising acupuncturist.

Young parent attended volunteer training delivered by the Parent House at her local children’s centre, went on to apply for an access course in nursing - she is now a qualified nurse. She said she had been inspired by what she had learnt at The Parent House.

Parent of four, supported by a Parent House mentor and staff, fulfilled her life’s ambition of becoming a bus driver.

Parent of three, with few formal qualifications, attended two courses at the Parent House, is now working as a school bus assistant.

Parent with basic English skills who, after many years of encouragement, finally attended ESOL classes and made friends with parents outside her close knit community.

Read more stories from parents themselves