Parenting and family support
Local support for families
PEGiS (Parent Engagement Group in Stoke)
PEGiS is a parent-led, voluntary support network created by parents, for parents.
It’s a warm and welcoming space where families can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Here, you’ll find practical advice, understanding, and a strong sense of community.
PEGiS also works closely with local services to ensure families’ voices are heard and that support truly reflects their needs. Their mission is to help you feel less alone and more empowered.
Find out more from PEGiS here: PEGiS SEND Inclusion Week
Project Indi parent and carer support sessions
Project Indi runs monthly SEND family support sessions at local Family Hubs. These sessions provide a safe space to share experiences, access to resources and emotional support and activities for children.
Sessions are free, inclusive, and family-friendly, and are designed to help parents and carers feel supported while children enjoy fun, sensory-friendly activities. Project Indi also works to build confidence and resilience in families, ensuring that everyone feels part of a caring community. You can book sessions here: SEND Family Groups
Hear more about what Project Indi offers here: Project Indi Family Support
Free in-person courses
Incredible Years Autism and Speech Development Programme
For parents/carers of children aged 2-5 years
This course supports parents and carers to:
- Improve their understanding of autism and encourage developmentally appropriate expectations.
- Build and strengthen a positive relationship and attachment with their child.
- Increase their child's emotional and self-regulation skills.
- Manage behavioural issues.
- Increase children's social skills with peers.
For further information please contact Family Focus on 01782 863 762
Family Hubs group work offer
Family Hubs offer a variety of groups to support parents and carers at different stages of children and young people's lives.
Groups include:
- Antenatal
- Post-natal
- Enjoy your baby
- Family Links Playful Parenting
- Family Links Nurturing Programme
- Family Links Talking Teens
- Keeping your child in mind
If you would like more information please visit Parental groups and support – Family Hub (stoke.gov.uk). You can find out more and sign up to a group by emailing Familygroups@stoke.gov.uk.
Free online courses
Solihull Approach with Family Hubs
Stoke-on-Trent Family Hub has partnered with the Solihull Approach to offer free access to expertly designed online courses for parents, carers, grandparents and teens living in the region.
Sign up to understand your child’s feelings, as well as your own, as you go through life as a family. Learn to understand the changes in your child’s development and how to support them, whilst also strengthening your relationship.
Courses are free and online for all parents, carers, grandparents and teens, to help nurture emotional health and wellbeing from bump to 19+ years.
Courses include:
- Understanding your child with additional needs
- Understanding your child’s mental health and wellbeing
- Moving up to secondary school for children with additional needs
- Understanding your feelings (for teenagers only!)
You can sign up for free on the website- click here.
Council for Disabled Children
The Council for Disabled Children offers a range of training including the Expert Parent Programme. It aims to provide parents with the knowledge and tools to be confident in meeting with professionals and navigating the health system. You can find out more information here: Expert Parent Programme (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk)
Midland Autism Hub
Midland Austism Hub offer regular workshops which give the opportunity to meet other parents and carers and develop understanding of autism and strategies to support autistic people. You can find out more information here: Events | Autism Central. Choose 'Midlands' from the list of regions.
Support for brothers and sisters
Support is available for brothers and sister of children and young people with SEND.
Young carers can offer support for brothers and sisters.
Help for young carers | Help for young carers | Stoke-on-Trent
Young Carers | North Staffs Carers (carersfirst.com)
Preparing for Adulthood
Here are some resources to support parents and carers in supporting their young people to develop their independence and prepare for life as an adult.
- Life skills for your child | Disability charity Scope UK
- Factsheet: carer's assessments in England
- Factsheet: emotional wellbeing