Parent support groups are a great way to meet other parents for practical and emotional support. Most support groups are set up and run by parents and carers of children with additional needs. Some professionals and organisations, particularly children centres, run their own groups.

Local support groups

Local groups cater for parents who live in the same area whose children might have a variety of different disabilities or the same condition. Many parents whose child doesn't have an official diagnosis are members of local support groups.

Why join a local support group?

Find a local support group

How we support local groups

National support groups

National support groups are usually for parents of children with specific conditions. National groups offer support in a range of ways, which might include:

• Providing good quality medical information.
• Creating opportunities to get in touch with other families of children with the same condition.
• Running family events.
• Producing newsletters.

Search for your child's condition on our website to see if there's a national support group. If your child's condition is not listed, there may be groups that our freephone helpline can put you in touch with.