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SENDSerene

Support for you

Most of SENDSerene is about your child. This page is about you.

If you are running on too little sleep, chasing replies, filling in the same form again or it is just a hard day, you are not doing anything wrong, and you are not the only one. Here is where to turn.

If it is too much right now

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999.

Someone who understands SEND

  • Contact, the charity for families with disabled children: call 0808 808 3555. Free. Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm (from 10.15am on Tuesdays). They can help with benefits, school, health and anything else about raising a disabled child.
  • Carers UK: call 0808 808 7777. Free. Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. For you as a carer: your rights, money and getting a break.

Other parents near you

In England, every council area has a parent carer forum: local parents of disabled children who meet, share what works and speak up to the council together.

Find your local parent carer forum (England) (opens in new tab)

A break for you

In England, your council has to publish what short breaks it offers families of disabled children. Search for your council's name and "short breaks" to see what is on offer where you live.

Help for you, not just your child

  • In England, you can ask your council's children's services for a parent carer's needs assessment. It looks at what support you need, and the council must do one if you ask. In Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, Carers UK can tell you how to ask where you live.
  • In England and Wales, if you care for your child for at least 35 hours a week, you may be able to get Carer's Allowance. Who can get Carer's Allowance in England and Wales (GOV.UK) (opens in new tab)
  • In Northern Ireland, see Carer's Allowance on nidirect (opens in new tab).
  • In Scotland, Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance.
  • Your own GP appointment counts too, including for sleep and how you are coping.

One more thing

Your record will still be here later. You do not have to log everything at once, and good days count too.

A note from Irene

I'm a parent too, and I know how heavy this can get. I went through depression, and there was a time I needed the crisis team and ended up in A&E. Getting help was the right thing to do, and it's what got me through. If things feel too much, please reach out to one of the people on this page. You matter as much as the child you're fighting for.

Reviewed on 7 October 2026. This page gives information, not medical, legal or financial advice.