Neurodiversity (ND) Pathway

Support for young people and families in Suffolk

Delivered in partnership with Suffolk Mind, Home-Start Suffolk and 4YP.

The Neurodiversity (ND) Pathway is a service supporting parents and carers of children and young people who either have a diagnosis on the ND pathway or have been accepted for a neurodevelopmental assessment.

Our family wellbeing workshops are fun, interactive sessions designed specifically for families who are on the NHS ND Pathway. Whether your child is waiting for an assessment or has recently received a diagnosis, these workshops provide a welcoming space to explore simple, practical ways to support the wellbeing of the whole family.

Through creative activities, group discussions and practical tools, families will explore a simple framework for understanding physical and emotional needs, and look at how recognising and meeting these needs can support mental and emotional wellbeing. We’ll consider how neurodivergent children and young people may experience the world differently and how small adjustments can help reduce stress and support emotional regulation.

Please note: this is not a crisis service.

For urgent help for you or someone you know, please contact your GP, visit A&E, call 999 or 111, or visit our Help Directory for more options.

Who can access this service?

This service is available to children and young people aged between 5 and 18 and their parents/carers.

The child/young person must also:

Live in Suffolk (excluding Waveney)
Be registered with the GP
Be post-triage and accepted on the ND pathway or have received a diagnosis on the ND pathway

If you are unsure if a child qualifies for this support, please contact 01473 621104 or email headoffice@homestartinsuffolk.org.

Refer via Home-Start Suffolk

What support do we offer?

Things we can support with include:

Parent/carer and child workshops (delivered by Suffolk Mind)

For children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years. This is a 2.5 hour interactive workshop for parent/carer and child pairs to attend to foster stronger relationships and shared understanding. There will be one aimed at children aged 5 to 11 and one for young people aged 11 to 18.

Together as a group, we’ll explore:
• How food, hydration, movement and sleep can affect mood, energy and emotional regulation
• Practical ways to create supportive environments
• Building supportive relationships, communication and family connections
• Developing coping strategies for stress and strong emotions
• Recognising strengths, celebrating achievements and building confidence

Families will leave with practical, personalised ideas that can be adapted to their child’s individual strengths and needs, helping to build healthier routines and stronger relationships. The workshops also offer an opportunity to connect with other families on a similar journey.

1:1 parent/carer support (delivered by Home-Start)

For parents/carers of children aged between 5 and 12. This offers a personalised support plan based on individual needs.

Virtual parent/carer peer support group (delivered by Home-Start)

For parents/carers of children aged between 5 and 12. This is a weekly evening group with topics based on parent need, including sleep, sensory needs, nutrition, emotional regulation, behaviour, education processes and routine.

Parent/carer and child face-to-face groups (delivered by Home-Start)

For children aged between 5 and 12 years (plus siblings up to 12) and their parents/carers. This group provides the opportunity for parents/carers to meet for support and advice from SEND navigators while children can play in a relaxed environment.

1:1 counselling (delivered by 4YP)

For children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years. These sessions are delivered either virtually or face-to-face in Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds and are tailored to the child/young person’s needs and interests.

Social group support (delivered by 4YP)

For children and young people aged between 7 and 18 years. There are two monthly social groups in Ipswich, one for children aged 7 to 13 and one for young people aged 14 to 18. The aim is to build relationships, understand emotional needs and reduce isolation.

Referrals can be made via Home-Start Suffolk. If you are unsure if a child qualifies for this support, please contact 01473 621104 or email headoffice@homestartinsuffolk.org.

Refer via Home-Start Suffolk

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Neurodiversity (ND) Pathway

Support for young people and families in Suffolk

Please note: this is not a crisis service.

Who can access this service?

What support do we offer?

Suffolk Mind services

We value your feedback

Get in touch

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