Please sign up to access our subsidised peer to peer support, training, workshops and social events for carers and more.  

Signing up is easy, you can set up a monthly payment of £10.

Sign up

We also offer free annual subscription to those experiencing hardship: please email info@croydonmencap.org.uk and we can set this up for you.  

 

What is included? 

Training and social events 

Croydon Mencap inform and empower families through training and social events.

The training events cover the topics that families most often ask questions about, for example:

  • special education and disability law i.e Care Act, Children and Families Act
  • legal definitions
  • getting the right support in school
  • EHCP assessment and funding, reviews and the Tribunal appeals process;
  • benefits advice such as Universal Credit
  • and legal advice around Court Appointed deputy and Power of Attorney and Trusts.

We also provide training on managing stress, person centred care, Makaton etc. 

Parent carer community 2

This training enables families to ask questions directly of experts.

They inform families of their legal rights, and those of their children; explain how those rights apply in their circumstances; and explain the processes for redress if such organisations fail to support families in accordance with their legal duties.   

The social events helped to reduce isolation and loneliness and include our weekly online ‘elevensies’, coffee mornings, pamper events, day trips, and a family picnic. These events bring parents with similar experiences together so that they can share information, help one another, and appreciate that they are not alone. 

 

1:1 Advice and Support  

Thanks to a small fund from the councils’ children services, and other fundraising we can offer a few free hours 1:1 advice and support to carers to get the best outcomes with the challenges you are currently facing.

Our brilliant Family Support Workers all have vast knowledge so will be able to help and support you on your journey. 

 

What we can support you with: 

Listen and support: Provide a safe, non-judgemental space for parent carers to talk about their concerns, experiences, and needs. 

Empower families: Help parents feel more confident in understanding their child’s needs and rights, and in making informed decisions. 

Bridge communication gaps: Support better communication between families and professionals such as schools, health services, and social care teams. 

Help navigate systems: Offer guidance on processes like EHCPs, accessing benefits, social care, or education support, without giving legal or medical advice. 

Signpost and connect: Link families with relevant services, local activities, peer support groups, and other community resources. 

Promote wellbeing: Encourage and support self-care, mental health, and connection for parent carers, recognising the emotional toll of caring roles. 

Advocate with (not for): Work alongside families to advocate for their child’s needs, empowering them to speak up and be heard. 

 

What we are not able to do: 

We are not case workers or social workers – we don’t replace statutory roles or make referrals without family involvement. 

We don’t offer legal advice – we can explain processes and signpost to appropriate legal or specialist advocacy services. 

We don’t make decisions for families – we provide information and support, but families lead the choices about what works for them. 

We don’t provide therapy – although we offer a listening ear and emotional support, we are not counsellors or mental health practitioners. 

We don’t judge or take sides – we are here to support the family as a whole by working with the parent carer, in a safe, supportive, and confidential way. 

 

For more complex advice, support and advocacy please contact info@croydonmencap.org.uk we offer a paid advocacy service.  

Hourly rate is £40-75 (depending) and set up fee of £25.  Hours are purchased in blocks of 4 minimum.