A new support group for fathers caring for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is providing a vital space for Camden dads to connect, share experiences and support one another.
The SEND Fathers’ WhatsApp group was set up earlier this year by Fuad Mohammed, Independent Advice and Support Officer of Camden’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), a service managed by Camden Learning.
At the time, Fuad was working to support a small group of dads who were navigating the SEND system to secure appropriate support for their children. Many of these men were dealing with complex, stressful processes and, in many cases, were facing lengthy tribunal proceedings to get the right provision or placement.
Initially, Fuad envisaged setting up a group where fathers could share their knowledge and potentially help influence and improve SEND services.
However, when he consulted the fathers about what they would want from a group, he found that they had a different priority: they wanted a safe and supportive space where they could connect with others who understood their situation.
Fuad set up a meeting and eight fathers came together to share their experiences of navigating the SEND terrain – and all that this entails. Some were at the beginning of their journey, while others had been involved with the system for considerably longer.
It was obvious to Fuad that listening to others with similar experiences really helped the dads to deal with their individual circumstances, giving them the chance to unburden their stress and feel less isolated.
This led to the creation of a WhatsApp group – a safe space where fathers can chat, connect, offload, exchange ideas and information.
Given the clear need for this supportive community, it is not surprising that the group has grown quickly and now has 20 to 25 members, helping fathers come together and recognise that they are not alone in their SEND journey.
The group is intentionally inclusive and welcomes fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and other father figures with caring responsibilities. This includes fathers whose children have a diagnosed SEND need, as well as those who may be seeking support before a diagnosis.
Fuad comments:
One of the things I have learned through developing the group is that support doesn’t always need to be complicated. Sometimes, people just need a safe place where they can connect with others who understand their experiences.
I’m so pleased to see how the group has developed from a relatively small idea into an established network. The fathers now have a space that belongs to them, somewhere they can connect, ask questions and support each other as they navigate their SEND journeys.
There are plans to arrange opportunities for members to meet in person in the future, but in the meantime, the WhatsApp group provides an accessible and supportive network for fathers across Camden.
