Community Drive

Community Drive: Helping SEND Families Feel Connected

Community Drive was set up to help families with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Many parents told us they felt lonely, tired, and left out. They often had to deal with services on their own, and their children didn’t always feel welcome in regular groups or activities.

What did we want to do?

We wanted to:

• Create a safe and friendly space for families to meet and make friends.
• Give parents useful advice and support from professionals.
• Help children take part in fun activities while parents could relax.
• Make families feel stronger, less alone, and more part of their community.

What happened during the project?

A lovely surprise:
Families started helping each other really quickly! Parents shared tips, planned playdates, and supported each other outside of the sessions.

A challenge:
Lots of families joined faster than we expected. This meant we had to quickly find ways to manage the bigger group and make sure everyone felt included.

How did the community get involved?

Local parents helped plan the sessions. They chose topics for coffee mornings like wellbeing, food support, and SEND rights. Citizen residents also helped spread the word using WhatsApp and local forums.

Who benefited most?
SEND families in the area. Parents said they felt more supported, and children enjoyed activities made just for them.

What changed?
Families who used to feel alone are now part of a caring group. Parents share school advice, give each other lifts, and swap ideas. The sessions also helped build stronger links between residents, Citizen staff, and local schools.

What difference has it made?

• Families feel less lonely and more confident.
• Children with SEND enjoy fun, inclusive activities.
• Parents feel better supported and more connected.

One mum said:

“I finally feel like I belong somewhere, and I don’t have to explain my child’s needs – everyone just understands.”

What’s next?

We want Community Drive to continue all year round. We’re looking for more funding so we can run evening and weekend sessions too, making it easier for working families to join.

How the Citizen Local Fund helped

The Citizen Local Fund helped us cover the cost of refreshments, sensory play equipment, craft materials, and outreach resources — without this support, the sessions wouldn’t have been possible. For anyone applying for funding, we recommend being clear about the local issue you’re tackling, showing how Citizen customers will benefit, keeping your budget simple and realistic, and involving the community in shaping your project.