Understanding the Need
Families are asking for help earlier. Too often, support comes too late.
Across Wigan, families are navigating complex systems, long waiting times and increasing pressures whilst trying to access support for their children.
FamilyKind provides early, preventative support that helps families access information, build confidence and feel less alone before difficulties reach crisis point.
SEND in Wigan at a Glance
What Families Told Us
The numbers only tell part of the story.
Through our Parent & Carer Listening Questionnaire, families described feeling overwhelmed by complex systems, unsure where to turn for help and exhausted by the effort required to access support for their children.
Many parents spoke about spending significant time researching services, chasing updates and coordinating support themselves. Others described feeling isolated, unheard and uncertain whether their concerns were serious enough to seek help.
Across responses, one message came through clearly:
Families are not simply looking for answers. They are looking for someone who understands, practical guidance and support they can trust.
The Emotional Impact
Behind every assessment, referral, meeting and support plan is a family trying to hold everything together.
Families told us that navigating SEND systems often affects far more than their child's access to support. It impacts parental wellbeing, family relationships, employment, finances and daily life. Many described feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and isolated whilst trying to coordinate support across multiple services.
Our Parent & Carer Listening Questionnaire found that:
- 54% of parents and carers feel unsupported or not very supported.
- 96% do not consistently feel listened to and understood.
- 75% say supporting their child affects their work, training or daily routines.
- The most requested form of support was simply having someone who understands.
These findings highlight that families are not only seeking information. They are seeking trusted relationships, practical guidance and reassurance that they do not have to navigate their journey alone.
What Families Need
Families were clear about the support that would make the greatest difference to their lives.
Despite navigating complex systems, assessments and long waiting lists, most families were not asking for specialist interventions. They were asking for trusted relationships, practical guidance and opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences.
Our Parent & Carer Listening Questionnaire found that families most wanted:
- Someone who understands (18 responses)
- Connection with other parents and carers (17 responses)
- Guidance without judgement (14 responses)
- Information and signposting (13 responses)
- Time and space to recharge (12 responses)
Families consistently told us that feeling understood was just as important as receiving information. Many described feeling isolated, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for support.
How FamilyKind Responds
FamilyKind was created in response to what local families told us they needed.
Our work focuses on providing early, preventative support that helps families access information, build confidence and feel less alone before difficulties reach crisis point.
We do this through two connected services.
Simply SEND
A personalised one to one support service helping families navigate SEND systems and processes.
Simply SEND provides:
- Information, advice and guidance
- Support understanding SEND pathways
- Help preparing for meetings and assessments
- Signposting to appropriate services
- Practical support navigating systems
Unfiltered Parent Circle
A welcoming peer support space where parents and carers can connect with others who understand their experiences.
The Circle provides:
- Connection and belonging
- Emotional support
- Shared experiences and learning
- Reduced isolation
- Opportunities to build supportive networks
Key Findings at a Glance
Our research with local parents and carers identified three consistent themes.
Families struggle to find clear information
64% of families were unclear about what support is available locally and many described spending significant time trying to work out where to turn for help.
Families often reach support later than they would like
100% of respondents questioned whether their concerns were serious enough to seek help, creating delays in accessing support and increasing stress for families.
Families need trusted relationships
The most requested support was simply having someone who understands, highlighting the importance of peer support, trusted guidance and non judgemental spaces.
