When Things Feel Too Much

If you're reading this because things feel overwhelming — please know: what you're feeling is valid. You are not failing. You are carrying an enormous weight, and it's okay to need help.

🆘 In Immediate Crisis?

If your child is in immediate danger or having a medical emergency, call 999.

Mental Health Crisis Support

It's not just your child. Being a SEND parent is exhausting. The worry, the battles, the sleep deprivation. Sometimes you need support too.

For You — Parent/Carer Support

  • SHOUT — Text support
    Text SHOUT to 85258
    Free, 24/7
  • Samaritans
    Call 116 123
    Free, 24/7
  • Kent and Medway Mental Health Support
    kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk

For Your Child — Mental Health

  • NHS 111 — Option 2
    Call 111 and press 2 for mental health
    Free, 24/7
  • Kent & Medway CYPMHS
    Call 0800 011 3474
    Children & Young People's Mental Health Service
  • Safe Havens
    Free walk-in mental health support in Kent

SEND-Specific Crises

Sometimes the crisis is about SEND — school refusing support, EHCP battles, no care package. These services understand:

  • SENDIASS Kent
    0300 123 6728
    Impartial advice on SEND issues
  • IPSEA Helpline
    0800 018 4016
    EHCP and SEND legal advice
  • Autism Kent
    01227 812220
    Support for autistic children and families

Practical Crisis Help

Sometimes crisis is practical — money, housing, food:

  • Kent Crisis Support
    0800 808 8001
    For families in crisis
  • Citizens Advice Kent
    citizensadvicekent.org.uk
    Benefits, debt, housing advice
  • Food Banks
    Search "food bank [your town]" or call 0808 208 2138

💙 A Word to Parents

Being a SEND parent is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. The battles with schools, the worry about your child's future, the lack of sleep — it accumulates.

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Reaching out for help is not weakness. It is the most powerful thing you can do — for yourself and for your child.

You are doing better than you think. And you are not alone.