Looking for support can feel overwhelming!
You're not alone in this journey, with input from the Parent Carer Forum we've created this guide to help you connect with the support and services that have helped others find their way.
Parent Carer Health and Wellbeing
Carer's Time Out card for carers of a person over the age of 18, see link for criteria
The Autism Group Tea with TAG in Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell
Walking with SEN on Thursdays 11am-12noon at Ascot Racecourse
SENsational parenting coffee mornings monthly at Bardo Lounge, Maidenhead
Family Time Out / Activities
Big on Bouncing, Burnham SEN sessions
Electric Eels swimming for people with Down Syndrome
Explore Learning tutoring in Maidenhead and Bracknell
Friendly Bombs Theatre Company, Slough
Parallel Windsor
RDA horse riding and carriage driving
SEND soft play at Wokingham Leisure Centre
Financial Support and Discounts
RBWM Libraries Accessibility Card entitles the holder to six Week loans, no overdue fees, free audiobook loans and library accessibility sessions to access services during a quieter time. Join the scheme when signing up for the library or ask library staff to update your membership to an Accessibility Card on your next visit.
Max Cards can be provided to children, young people and young adults (aged 0 to 25 years), living in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM), with additional needs, whether it is a physical, sensory, or a learning disability, and for cared for and looked after children.
Disability Living Allowance advice from Contact.
Personal Independance Payment can be claimed by disabled people over 16 years old. The application is based on a points system which is explained by Benefits and Work.
Carer's Allowance is there to support the carer, for eligibility criteria, please see the government website.
Travel to college: if you receive support with travel to/from school due to your child's SEND, travel to college for 16+ may not be covered, even with an EHCP. Please check the AfC criteria for financial support.
A Disabled Persons Railcard gets the holder a third off train fares and a ticket for an adult companion.
A companion bus pass is available to Royal Borough residents who are unable to travel by bus without assistance. This allows them to be accompanied by a person who will travel for free of charge, subject to restrictions.
Journaling can be a powerful and supportive tool for neurodiverse children, offering them a safe and personal space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences.
For many children who may struggle with verbal communication or sensory overload, journaling provides an alternative way to express themselves—whether through words, drawings, or symbols. It can help your child process their feelings, reduce anxiety, and build emotional awareness over time.
Advice and information
Access card (sometimes called a Nimbus card) is physical card acts as a photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues, so that the venues can provide accessibility to the needs of their visitors.
AfC disability register is a register of the children in RBWM with SEND (note: the schools are not allowed to directly share your information so it's up to parent carers to sign up). Young people over 13 years old can receive their own Disability Awareness Card.
ARFID awareness cards can be used in restaurants to explain Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
Autism Berkshire are the leading autism charity in Berkshire and deliver quality specialist services, training and social and leisure activities throughout the county.
Blue Badge parking applications are made through RBWM, criteria can be found on AfC website.
Fledglings are a UK based, not-for-profit shop which will help you find the right products to fit your child's needs.
GEMS is commissioned by NHS Frimley to improve communication with, and the wellbeing of, people with autism and or ADHD, their families, parents, and carers.
Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyards are recognised globally. Personalised cards and other sunflower items are also available from their shop.
IAS Parent Share is a monthly event based around SEN related topics. IAS are RBWM's free information, advice and support service for all sorts of matters relating to special educational needs and disability (SEND).
JK Send Education Advice is a private, local SEND adviser.
Kooth is an online platform to help young people with their mental health and wellbeing, allowing them to communicate with both professionals and peers.
myHappymind's programme taught across five modules and each introduces a new set of content and habits to help children build resilience, self-esteem and confidence.
National Autistic Society are here to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.
PDA Society's mission is to make life easier by building awareness and understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance, and providing information, training, and personalised support to everyone to needs it.
RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, is the UK's leading sight loss charity. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.
RNID, are here for the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. With our communities, we’ll change society to make it more inclusive for everyone, help people hear better now and fund world-class research.
Thames Valley Autism Alert card provides a simple way for autistic people of all ages and their parents or carers to quickly and easily explain the condition to others, giving cardholders and their families more confidence to go out and about.
Witherslack Group have a range of training sessions and resources for parent carers of young people with SEN.
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health.
Helplines
Check back with us soon we are finalising the best possibility advice
Every step forward is worth celebrating— no matter how small it may seem. Progress is progress.
Every milestone your child reach, whether it's a new word, a moment of eye contact, or trying something new, each achievement reflects effort, courage, and growth. Recognising these moments helps build your child’s confidence and reinforces their sense of accomplishment. It also nurtures your own sense of hope and perspective, especially during challenging times. Progress might look different for every child, but every forward step is worth celebrating, because it represents determination, connection, and love.
Our Neighbours
you live or access services in one of our neighbouring local authorities, you may be eligible to join multiple parent carer forums. A full list of these can be found on the NNPCF website, including:
SEND Voices RBWM is not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from using the products or services listed on this website.
If you know of any other services that you feel should be included here, please email your suggestions to info@svrbwm.org.uk