Support for Parents and Carers

DIFFERabled Scotland is a neuro‑affirming organisation offering support, information and learning opportunities for parents, carers and neurodivergent people of all ages. The service provides both in‑person and online support, including: 

• Drop‑in peer support groups for parents and carers 

• Online information and learning sessions on neurodiversity 

• Community‑based meet‑ups across Scotland 

• Closed Facebook support groups for parents, carers, neurodivergent adults and families experiencing school non‑attendance 

• Short, introductory one to one support, offered when capacity allows 

Sessions provide a welcoming space to discuss topics such as benefits, education, sleep, friendships, socialising and day to day challenges. Children cannot attend sessions. 

Parents and carers can access support through the DIFFERabled website.

Trauma Informed Parenting (TIP) provides workshops for parents and carers who want to understand how early experiences, stress and trauma can influence a child’s behaviour and emotional wellbeing. The workshop introduces trauma‑informed approaches, explains how the brain responds to stress, and offers practical strategies to support connection, regulation and day‑to‑day challenges at home. 

Parents and carers can book workshops online via the website or watch pre-recorded sessions. After attending workshops, families can join an online support group for ongoing guidance and shared learning. 

More information is available on the Trauma Informed Parenting website.

Papyrus is a UK‑wide charity that supports parents, carers, children and young people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or who are worried about someone else. Their confidential helpline service offers advice, guidance and help with safety planning, and is available for families seeking support for a child or young person aged 8 and over. 

Parents and carers can contact the 24/7 HopeLine 0300 102 2470, to get support for themselves or for someone they are concerned about. Papyrus also provides information on recognising signs of distress and understanding how to respond. 

More information is available on the Papyrus website.

Self‑Harm Network Scotland provides free, compassionate support for people aged 12 and over who self‑harm, as well as for parents, carers and others who are worried about someone. The service offers information, guidance and options for support, including a live chat service available each evening and the opportunity to self‑refer for one‑to‑one support. 

Parents and carers can access advice on understanding self‑harm, how to respond safely and how to support a young person. The service also provides resources for families and professionals. 

Families can self‑refer or be referred by a practitioner. More information is available on the Self‑Harm Network Scotland website.

Children 1st provides emotional, practical and financial support for parents and carers across Scotland. They offer support with bring up babies, children and young people, offering a friendly, non‑judgemental space to talk things through. 

Parents and carers can contact the support line for help with a wide range of concerns, including paying family bills, early years behaviour, social media, bullying, exam stress and mental health. The team can also provide advice on benefits and entitlements for families who are struggling financially. 

Children 1st supports anyone who is worried about a child’s wellbeing and can help callers think through the best next steps.

More information is available on the Children 1st website.