NURTURE
gROUPS

Nurture Groups are intimate circles of SEND parents, meeting for 8 weeks to find belonging, support and space to process the big emotions. Through learning to relate more healthily to our struggles, the emotional load becomes lighter and parents become more resilient, resourced and connected. Places are free, and we ask for a donation from each participant, if possible, to support nurture groups to keep running.

Summer term groups

Please scroll down to the ‘Book a course’ for more information.

Courses run on a termly basis throughout the year in different locations and times around Bristol. We also run online groups open to people from anywhere. Book your place below or contact us to join our mailing list.

  • - They run for eight weeks.

    - Made up of 6-10 parents.

    - Before you start the programme, you’ll have a one-to-one session with a facilitator to talk about the sessions and find out if they are right for you.

    - Activities include: sharing and listening to each other’s experiences, introductions to research around SEND parent mental health, practical exercises, guided journaling, breakout groups and whole group discussion.

    - You will identify the parts in you that are struggling, and learn how to pour in compassion, a practice that can have profound impacts on anxiety, burn-out and depression.

    - Each session ends with guided nurture activity: gentle stretching, movement and relaxation.

    - Nurture groups take place in person and on Zoom.

  • We run regular Zoom nurture groups for all those who find this more accessible or convenient to attend. They consist of all the same activities as an in-person group, including sharing, discussions, lots of breakout groups, journaling, guided movement and relaxation.

    We always encourage participants to find a private, cosy space to log on in, have a nice hot drink to hand, and make the group a weekly dedicated time for some much needed nurture and connection.

    Many of our past Zoom nurture groups have continued to meet up online or in person, and we have been regularly amazed at the level of connection and friendship achieved over Zoom.

  • - Reflecting back on the story of you and your child/children so far

    - Learning how to relate to our struggles with self-compassion rather than judgement

    - Seeking the wisdom that can emerge out of the challenges that we face

    - Examining feelings of guilt and shame, and exploring how to let go

    - Exploring how we relate to anger and how it can be channelled for good

    - Mapping our relationships and working out what we actually need from people

    - Acknowledging the emotional impact of ableism, in ourselves, others and wider society.

    - Exploring the unique gifts that our children bring to this world

    - Identifying wellbeing activities/practices/ways of thinking that can help us stay well

    - Learning how staying connected can bolster our mental health beyond this course

  • - Many groups continue to meet or stay in touch once the course has finished.

    - We run monthly gatherings, both online (hyperlink) and in person (hyperlink). These are relaxed sessions including wellbeing activities and catching up with your group and other SEND parents.

    - You can attend our seasonal mini-retreats (hyperlink). These are lovely half-days of wellbeing activities, connection, tea and cake.

  • Summer term groups

    New groups are starting from the first week back after the Easter holidays. They will take place in Stockwood, Whitehall and Lawrence Weston. Book your place via EventBrite:

    Stockwood - Tuesdays 10-11:30 from April 22nd

    Whitehall/Easton - Wednesdays 10-11:30 from April 23rd

    Lawrence Weston - Wednesdays 1-2:30pm from April 23rd

  • My child is undiagnosed – can I still join?
    Yes – all welcome, pre or post diagnosis

    Is my child ‘disabled enough’ to warrant me joining this group?
    Whether your child has signs of being neurodivergent or has definite physical/learning disabilities, the reality is you are likely finding yourself off the beaten track of mainstream parenting which can feel a very uncertain and lonely place to be. Nurture groups are safe spaces for parents to find others who are also estranged from their parent-peers and facing unique challenges and battles, whatever their nature.

    Will I learn strategies to support my child?
    No – this is all about strategies to support yourself

    Will I learn about different disabilities?
    No

    Will I have to talk/share in this group?
    Yes, this is a space to bring your feelings and experiences into a warm-hearted, non-judgemental atmosphere. However, we regularly remind participants to only share as much as they feel comfortable.

    If I join a Zoom group, can I keep my camera off?
    We ask all participants to keep their camera and their microphone on as much as possible, as this maximises the amount the group can communicate and connect naturally.

    Do I need to attend every session to make it worth it?
    We ask participants to commit to attending as much as possible, and to avoid missing more than 2 sessions.

​"It helped me to feel heard and unconditionally supported"

"I NOW have THE RIGHT tools to manage feelings when they overwhelm me"

"THE COURSE HAS BEEN life changing because I now feel that I can cope"