A parent carer is anyone who looks after and supports a child or young person with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This might include a wide range of needs such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, speech and language needs, learning difficulties, or mental health challenges.
It’s important to understand that a diagnosis is not required to be a parent carer. If your child has additional needs that require extra care, advocacy, or support, you are a parent carer.
Being a parent carer isn’t defined by labels or paperwork. It’s defined by the everyday reality of supporting your child in a world that isn’t always set up to meet their needs.
What Being a Parent Carer Might Look Like
Parent caring takes many forms, and no two journeys are the same. However, many parent carers will recognise aspects of the following:
💜Being on long waiting lists for assessments or services
💜Chasing up professionals
💜Attending appointments, reviews, and meetings
💜Advocating for your child’s needs in school or education settings
💜Explaining your child’s needs to others… again and again and again
💜Supporting your child through challenges at home and in the community
What It Can Feel Like to Be a Parent Carer
Alongside the practical demands, parent caring can bring a wide range of emotions. You might feel:
🤍Mentally fatigued or overwhelmed
🤍Exhausted
🤍Lonely or isolated from others who don’t understand
🤍Confused by systems, services, and processes
🤍Unsure where to turn next or what support is available
You are not alone in experiencing them.
This is why we’ve found community matters so much. Connecting with other parent carers who understand your journey can provide reassurance, shared knowledge, and emotional support. Being part of a community can help you feel seen, heard, and less alone.
You Might Be a Parent Carer Without Realising It
Many people don’t initially recognise themselves as a parent carer. They simply see themselves as “just being a parent.” But if you are navigating additional needs, advocating for support, or going the extra mile to help your child thrive – you are a parent carer, and you deserve support too.
Join Our Community
At Medway Parent Carers Forum, we are here to support you. By joining our network, you can connect with others, access support, and stay informed.
👉 Join our membership for access to our parent support network: Become a Member – Medway Parents and Carers Forum
👉 Stay up to date with SEND in Medway: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) information hub | Medway Council