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
15 July | 9,16 & 30 September | 7 & 21 October 2026

YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch Road, Reigate, RH2 8HA

Information Sessions

Viv Dawes on Autistic Burnout and Recovery
Wednesday 23 September|  10.30am-12.30pm
YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch Road, Reigate, RH2 8HA

Viv Dawes Autistic Advocate is an Independent, AuDHD, PDA lived experience advocate, consultant, trainer and author. Viv has over 30 years experience of working with vulnerable people, including as a Snr Practitioner in the NHS and within the criminal justice system. Viv is founder of the ‘Autistic Burnout Network’ and author of several books on Autistic Burnout.

The in-person training session on Understanding Autistic Burnout and recovery will look at what Autistic Burnout is and why it happens, all through a nervous system and trauma-informed lens.

Viv will help participants understand the signs of burnout, the main causes and what recovery from Autistic Burnout means and what can help an individual feel safer.

This session is a ticketed event for £10pp to allow us to fund future sessions. Please email sandhya.gulati@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk to register to attend this session.

Wellbeing Retreat session 
Wednesday 14 October | 10am – 2pm
The Old Pheasantry, Merrywood Grove, Tadworth, KT20 7HF
Find us on Google Maps
A wellbeing retreat with moments of reflection using art and music in the beautiful setting of The Old Pheasantry.
To book your free place, 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