Being a parent or carer of a child or young person with additional needs can be incredibly isolating. In this blog, Rachel, JIGSAW Services Manager, draws on her own personal experiences as a parent of a 17 year old with additional needs and over 13 years supporting JIGSAW families, to highlight the importance of parent and carer wellbeing…
As our children’s journeys begin to diverge from those of their peers, without additional needs or disabilities, friendships can sometimes change. Conversations revolve around different challenges, milestones look different, and daily life can become difficult for others to fully understand. Many parents and carers find themselves feeling alone, navigating experiences that few people around them can truly relate to.
We often hear the saying, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’ The message is an important one: if we don’t take care of ourselves, it becomes much harder to care for those who depend on us.
Personally however, I prefer a different analogy.
The Anchor analogy.
As SEN parents and carers, we are our children’s anchors.
An anchor keeps a boat steady during rough seas. It provides security, stability, and reassurance when everything around it feels uncertain. But what happens when the anchor itself becomes damaged?
A compromised anchor cannot sustain holding a boat in a storm.
Many of our families know what those storms feel like. We are often trying to navigate systems, environments, and expectations that were not designed with our children in mind. We advocate constantly, juggle appointments, manage emotional and physical exhaustion, and carry enormous responsibility.
If we are breaking apart under that pressure, it becomes harder to provide the stability our children need. Looking after ourselves is not selfish. It is essential.
Finding your tribe!
One of the most important ways we maintain our anchor is by finding our support network, often referred to as ‘your tribe’.
There is something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by people who understand. People who don’t require explanations. People who don’t expect you to justify, excuse, or downplay your child’s behaviour. People who simply get it.
At JIGSAW’s parent and carers sessions, your emotions are welcomed and understood. The grief, the exhaustion, the pride, the triumphs, and even the moments of feeling overwhelmed can all be shared without fear of judgement.
Being seen, heard, and validated by others who navigate a similar path can make a huge difference.
How JIGSAW Thornbury can help.
At JIGSAW Thornbury, we recognise how important parent and carer wellbeing is. That’s why we’ve developed a range of support opportunities designed specifically with families in mind.
Our weekly Creative Wellbeing Group offers a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can enjoy as much or as little craft and conversation as you wish. Some people come for the creativity, others come for the chat, and many come for both.
It’s such a warm and compassionate group and attending always lifts my mood.
– parent feedback Creative Wellbeing
For those looking for more tailored support, our Family and Wellbeing Support Workers can offer a one-off one-to-one session. We aim to support you to feel more empowered and confident. We will let you know about what you can join in with at JIGSAW and to signpost, if desired, to any services that can offer further support on your journey.
I was reluctant to seek help initially, but it really was beneficial to speak with someone who understands and could point me in the right direction as to the next steps to take.
– parent feedback 1:1 and signposting.
We also facilitate peer support via a JIGSAW Connect Online member only Facebook group. This closed group is somewhere parents and carers can grow support with each other, share ideas, and improve resilience.
We provide Parent and Carer Training and Awareness Sessions, helping families increase their knowledge and understanding across a range of important topics. For example these have included ‘Understanding emotions’, ‘Sensory Processing awareness’ and ‘The importance of Visuals’
Our one-off Parent and Carer Wellbeing Events are designed purely for adults. We offer a range of activities to help you relax and focus on yourself, prioritising time to build resilience. Examples include Woodland Wellbeing, Spa day, Archery and Wellbeing Breakfast.
Such a lovely event to laugh, relax and offload, share experiences and feel really completely spoilt
– Parent feedback about JIGSAW Breakfast
As part of our commitment, we are delighted to have recently welcomed two new members of staff who will be helping to deliver training and support opportunities for our families. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Naomi and Kay. We are excited to have them as part of the JIGSAW team and look forward to the positive impact they will have on the families we support.
Kay – I found JIGSAW Thornbury through my volunteering role at The Diversity Trust and fell in love with what the charity stood for. I have a background in training and believe that the best trainers are individuals with life experience. As someone with disabilities, I am excited to participate in what I can.
I have obtained a BSc (Hons) in Combined STEM, where I developed a keen interest in mental health, biology, child psychology, and the way society affects young people in recent years. I hope to use my knowledge to improve lives in today’s society and to tackle ableism.
You’ll typically find me with a Coffee #1 in one hand and Hamish the cow in the other (he’s a teddy, don’t panic!). In my spare time, I like to cause chaos at Buddies, the day support service I attend.
Naomi – I work in a local SEN school where I’m deeply passionate about inclusion, advocacy, and equality for everyone who needs a voice. I hold a degree in Early Years alongside broad experience across various sectors, which has shaped my belief in supporting every individual’s unique journey.
When I’m not working, I’m usually kept on my toes by my three kids! In my spare time, I love staying active with running and weightlifting, singing in a choir, and volunteering at my local junior parkrun on Sunday mornings. I’m really looking forward to getting involved with JIGSAW and connecting with members of our community!
At JIGSAW, we understand the vital role parents and carers play, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Take a look at what’s on offer on our upcoming events page.
If you would like to talk to one of our Family Wellbeing and Support Workers please get in touch at support@jigsawthornbury.org.uk.