What started as one mother’s search for connection has grown into a thriving community of support for families across Redditch.
Laura Jordan, founded SEND Support Redditch based at Holly Trees Family Hub, to create a welcoming space where parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can come together, share their experiences, and feel understood.
Laura’s journey began with her own children.
She said: “I was going through a difficult time myself with having three children with SEN, and I was really struggling.”
Laura turned to the Pear Tree Family Hub’s Understanding Your Child course, where she saw how much parents valued talking to each other about their experiences. With encouragement from a family support worker, Laura connected with her local family hub, who welcomed the idea of starting a group.
Laura said: “Everyone at the hub have been so supportive and gone above and beyond to support me in what I do.”
Today, with the help of a Worcestershire County Council Public Health Community Wellbeing Grant, SEND Support Redditch has grown into a vital lifeline for families across the area.
The group offers:
- Weekly peer support sessions every Tuesday during term time, 9.45–11.15am
- Monthly SEND Stay and Play sessions for children and families
- Special events like family days out
- A WhatsApp group for parents who can’t attend in person
This is having a huge impact on families across the county.
One parent said: “The group is the best for advice and signposting and for just not feeling alone. Always made to feel welcome and supported.”
Another said: “I used to struggle to leave the house. I felt so alone. Coming here gave me the confidence to talk to others who understand. It’s changed everything for me.”
The early years of a child’s life is a crucial window for development laying the foundations for a healthier life. Family Hubs play a vital role in helping families build resilience, find friendship, learn about parenting and access support. By investing in projects like SEND Support Redditch, we are helping to improve health outcomes across the county ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.
To apply for a community wellbeing grants to support health in pregnancy, giving infants the best start, or improving parents wellbeing, please see: Healthy Worcestershire Community Wellbeing Grant Programme | Worcestershire County Council
To find your nearest family hub you can visit: Local Family Hubs | Worcestershire County Council
