Why LGFL Supports Local Charity Parenting Special Children
LGFL are delighted to be supporting Parenting Special Children (PSC), a Theale-based charity working to offer support to parents of SEN children in the Berkshire area. PSC aims to “Bring our lived experience and professional knowledge to offer specialist information, expert advice and a compassionate listening ear”, which very much aligns with our own approach here at LGFL.
PSC provides social groups, workshops and area-specific support groups for parents, carers and professionals living in areas around Reading, Slough, West Berkshire and Wokingham. In the 2023-24 academic year, the charity supported over 2100 parents and carers, 340 children and young people, and helped inform 435 professionals in their work with SEND children.
What makes PSC extra-special in our view is that 90% of those behind the charity are parents and carers of neurodivergent and SEND children, and some are neurodivergent themselves. Just as clients come to us for high levels of expertise and experience, parents and carers can be confident that as a charity PSC have very much “been there, seen that”. There really is no substitute for real-world experience backed by expert knowledge, a desire for change, and a passion to always learn more.
Empowering parents and carers through information
At LGFL, we wanted to help support the charity’s workshops, which offer parents and carers insights, knowledge and practical tools to manage emotional and behavioural challenges. As a family lawyers, we know the power of quality information and advice when it is given at the right time and in the right level of detail.
The charity identified a gap in the accessibility of knowledge and resources around specific topics in the challenges facing neurodivergent children and their parents. So, we were delighted to sponsor tickets for two new workshops, for Berkshire parents and carers of SEND children.
The workshops will be led by specialists in their fields and provide a supportive space in which parents and carers can share their own experiences. Our support ensures that all costs are covered, allowing 30 parents and carers to attend a for a nominal cost.
Two SEND workshops this Spring
LGFL are supporting two new workshops to help with two specific areas, by providing both information and strategies that will help parents long into the future.
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
There is growing awareness and recognition of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a distinct autistic profile with needs which benefit from specific strategies.
This workshop is for parents/carers of children and young people who present with the PDA profile, whether or not they have received a diagnosis. Topics covered will include a definition and brief history of PDA, Reframing to Persistent Drive for Autonomy, Dysregulation/distress, Sensory difficulties and how we can support our children.
The session will cover the ability to manage emotional responses including sensory sensitivity and overwhelm, how individuals function optimally within this emotional range, the cortical brain, limbic system, and brainstem/amygdala’s role in emotional responses, understanding stress responses and techniques for emotional stabilisation. Parents and carers attending will gain practical tools and resources to help navigate emotional challenges in caregiving.
For more details and eligibility for other PSC workshops, see their events.
LGFL Director Rita Gupta says:
“I am personally thrilled to be part of PSC’s mission to educate and shine a light on the challenges of being a SEND parent, carer or professional. I have gained so much insight, inspiration, and determination through working with parents of SEND children who are going through separation and divorce. As a family law firm, we have always fought “tooth and nail” for our clients. The added complexities, challenges and hurdles of cases involving SEND children only spurs us on to ensure they get the best outcomes for them and their families.”
LGFL Director Anne Leiper adds:
“By understanding the specific challenges faced by SEND parents, we can ensure multiple factors are included when couples are (and courts) are deciding on major life decisions, such as where the child lives, proper provision in the home/s for their needs, access education and local care, and financial security to young adulthood.”
Tess Eagles, Partnerships Manager & Neurodivergent Children and Young People's Lead at PSC welcomes the new partnership.
“We are delighted that LGFL are partnering with PSC and sponsoring our two new workshops. This sponsorship will enable us to reach out and provide parents and carers with knowledge and practical tools to better understand and respond to behavioural and emotional challenges. We’ve seen from previous experience how affordable, accessible workshops like these can lead to lasting positive outcomes, strengthening family relationships, building confidence, and creating more supportive environments for children to thrive.”
LGFL and SEND children in separation and divorce
For more information on LGFL and family law cases involving SEN child, see our articles and videos below.
Or contact us to book your reduced fee 1 hour consultation, to discuss your specific situation and requirements and receive valuable advice:
Our SEND Children see our videos and other blogs: