Making the most of online support communities during lockdown
With lockdown and social distancing in full swing, it’s easy to feel detached from the outside world and the support that’s available, as well as feeling isolated from others. But social distancing doesn’t have to be this way – there are lots of support groups and communities online, including many local groups for parent carers, providing you with an opportunity to seek advice, talk to others in a similar situation or simply have a natter. Along with local groups below, we think that the Contact community forum is a great resource with multiple forums related to disabilities and caring and is well worth taking a look at.
Brighton & Hove and East Sussex
Amaze – Facebook group for parents and others who care for children and young people who have any special educational need or disability. It’s a space to share ideas and information
mASCot – A local, parent-led peer to peer support network for families who have a child/children or young person with an Autism Spectrum Condition. To gain access to the private group, sign up for a free membership.
Brighton & Hove
Parent Carers’ Council (PaCC) – the Parent Carers’ Council is a forum for parent carers of children with additional needs
T21 Brighton & Hove – a friendly and inclusive Facebook group for parents and carers of children and young people Down Syndrome
Brighton Pebbles – a Facebook group for parents and carers of children with any disability, especially those who find it difficult to access mainstream activities, for instance, those with severe autism or challenging behaviour
East Sussex
Care for the Carers’ – a directory of support or advice services for unpaid carers’
East Sussex Parent Carers Forum – a forum for parent carers of children with additional needs in East Sussex
Embrace East Sussex Online Community – Facebook support group for special needs and disabled families offering advocacy, family support and respite services
iContact – Support organisation run by and for parent carers of children and young people with autism, with a Facebook community group
imPACT – Facebook page/group for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities