YMCA East Surrey
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Face2Face parent support

Caring for a child with disabilities is emotionally challenging and can be extremely isolating. Parent carers often find themselves struggling through a maze of information and services. Support for parent carers is essential to help them navigate complex systems, access necessary services, develop advocacy skills, and reduce social isolation.

Our Face2Face service provides free support and advice to parent carers by offering one-to-one support focussing on achieving identified outcomes and ensuring parent carers feel empowered to make informed decisions about all aspects of their child’s life.

Parent carers can self-refer to access this service or a professional working with the family can make the referral on their behalf. This service will provide support for a period of 8-10 weeks, offering up to five meetings. The support will include drawing out a support plan, identifying the key outcomes, sharing of information to empower the parent carers, identifying and helping them access other services if not already involved and any other support as required.

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Face2Face hosts regular coffee mornings, which offer informal opportunities for parent carers to meet each other, exchange information and talk to others who understand their situation. We also offer a regular programme of sessions delivered by professionals, covering topics relevant to parent carers offering vital information and practical advice. These sessions are held in-person or online offering a flexible option to suit different needs.

Drop-in Coffee Mornings

An informal, free get-together and an opportunity for parents/carers to meet each other, exchange information and talk to others who understand. No need to book, just turn up.

Wednesdays | 10:30-12:30
3, 17 & 24 June | 1, 8 & 15 July 2026

 

Free Carers Week Activities

We are delighted to support Carers Week (8-14 June) by offering two free events for parents/carers of children with disabilities.
Sound Bath Meditation
Tuesday 9 June 2026 | 7:30 – 8:30pm | YMCA Sovereign Centre, Reigate
Join us for a free Sound Bath meditation — a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that uses sound intentionally to promote therapeutic and restorative effects for the mind and body. Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of gongs, singing bowls, and chimes, designed to calm the mind, relax the body, and uplift the spirit.
The session will be delivered by a trained Sound Bath instructor, Silvy Ispani. Limited places available for this session.
Visit to Nymans
Wednesday 10 June 2026 | 10am
Nymans, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6EB
Join us for a free visit to Nymans, West Sussex National Trust. A garden lovers’ home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.
Meet at the Visitor Reception Area at 10am and then explore together or on your own at your pace.
To book your free place for either event, please email sandhya.gulati@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk

Find out more

At Face2Face, we are committed to providing comprehensive support that helps parent carers feel connected, informed, and empowered, improving quality of life for both children and their families.

To find out more or to attend one of our sessions, please contact Sandhya Gulati, Face2Face Coordinator.

T 01737 222859
E Sandhya.Gulati@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk

Funded by