We would like to share a range of support, advice and local services available to parents and carers in and around Bristol. These organisations offer information, connection and practical support for families, including those with children who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Rainbows Stay and Play Groups
Rainbows Stay and Play Groups are for pre-school children who have additional needs, who are neurodivergent and/or disabled, and their families.
The groups offer:
- An opportunity for parents to meet and connect
- A welcoming space for children to socialise and explore a variety of resources
- Time to have fun, play and learn together
The groups run most weeks at six locations across the city.
For more information, please visit: https://www.bristolearlyyears.org.uk/rainbows
Murmuration Community Therapy
Murmuration Community Therapy runs courses and events that support SEND parent wellbeing and connection.
Parents are brought together in nurture groups where they can share experiences, process complex feelings and build real friendships with others who understand. Inspired by the idea of murmuration, where birds flock together, the approach centres on connection as a way to build resilience and joy.
For more information, please visit: https://www.murmurationcommunitytherapy.com
The Bristol Local Offer
The Bristol Local Offer is an online resource providing information, support and guidance for children and young people with SEND and their families in Bristol.
It is designed for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), as well as their parents, carers and families. The Local Offer brings together information about education, health and social care services in one place, helping families navigate support and access the right help for their child.
For more information, please visit: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-local-offer
Bristol Parent Carers
Bristol Parent Carers is a charity providing information and support to families with children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) in Bristol.
Children and young people do not need to have a formal diagnosis for families to access support. Services include:
- Parent to parent support
- Information sessions
- Working with services on behalf of families
For more information, please visit: https://www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk
Sirona Children’s Services
Sirona provides a wide range of advice, information and services to children and young people in Bristol, including:
- Early years speech and language therapy
- Community paediatrics
- Occupational therapy and physiotherapy
For more information, please visit: https://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/children-services/
ERIC – Toilet Training Support
ERIC is the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bladder and bowel health. Its mission is to reduce the impact of continence problems on children and their families by offering trusted information and support.
For more information, please visit: https://www.eric.org.uk
Bristol Autism Support
Bristol Autism Support provides peer-to-peer support for parents and carers of autistic children in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
The organisation offers a safe and supportive community for families, helping to reduce isolation and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Support includes groups, a helpline, information sessions, support blocks, coffee mornings and family events.
For more information, please visit: https://www.bristolautismsupport.com
