The Unfiltered Parent Circle
Let's face it, raising a child with additional needs is tough, and it can get really overwhelming.
Real support and honest conversations can make a huge difference - particularly during those moments where you feel dysregulated and burnt out.
The Unfiltered Parent Circles are simply community-based sessions that give you a space to sit down, breathe, and speak honestly about what life feels like, including all the ugly truths that feel scary to say out loud.
What is it?
The Unfiltered Parent Circle is a safe, welcoming space for parents and carers of children with additional needs.
It is not a workshop.
It is not a lecture.
It is not a service you have to qualify for.
It is simply a space to sit down, breathe, and speak honestly about what life really feels like.
Raising a child with additional needs can be isolating. You might be navigating school conversations, waiting lists, anxiety, behaviour changes, paperwork, or just the emotional weight of it all. Sometimes you do not need advice first. You need understanding.
The Unfiltered Parent Circle exists for that space in between.
You do not need a diagnosis.
You do not need to be in crisis.
You do not need to share more than you feel comfortable sharing.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
What should I expect?
Each session runs for two hours in a relaxed, informal setting.
You can expect:
• A small group of parents and carers
• Comfortable seating and a calm environment
• Tea, coffee and time to settle
• Gentle facilitation from one of our team (we're great at making cuppas)
• Open, honest conversation without judgement
• Practical guidance available, if you want it
Some parents like to fill the silence, some like to listen.
It is likely to have tears and laughter (don't worry though, I always have tissues on hand).
All of that is normal here.
If you would like more focused support after attending, you can access one of our 'Simply SEND' sessions through FamilyKind, which is a one-to-one personalised discussion with Heather as our resident, experienced SENDCo.
Where am I going?
During our pilot year, The Unfiltered Parent Circle will run weekly across three community hubs in Wigan, particularly in areas where families are experiencing higher levels of need.
We are currently delivering sessions in:
These sessions take place on Mondays, 10am-12pm.
The aim is to increase the impact we have by expanding into the following community centres in the coming months:
All sessions are free to attend. All we ask is you remain open-minded and keep things confidential - no one needs the office gossip here.
Is it for me?
Absolutely! The Circle is for any parent or carer who feels like they are holding more than they expected to.
You might be:
• Navigating a diagnosis
• Waiting for assessments or appointments
• Noticing changes in your child and feeling unsure what to do next
• Managing big emotions at home
• Having tricky conversations with school
• Feeling like something is not quite adding up
You do not need paperwork.
You do not need a label.
You do not need to prove anything.
If you are carrying questions, frustration, exhaustion or just that quiet feeling of “this is harder than it should be”, this space is for you.