Kids Nurturing Anchors

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

---

Nurturing Anchors is a joint project with Kids Charity and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. It aims to provide free, online tailored support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines Families with SEND military children to address their unique challenges, and to give a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences, insights, and opportunities to find new strategies that work for these families.

What we do

• We provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences and insights with other Navy and Marines families who are going on a similar journey.
• We provide opportunities for learning and growth.
• We provide guidance from experienced individuals with lived experience of life in a Navy/Marines family with children with SEND.
• We offer online sessions on different days and times.
• We offer workshops that supports participants at different stages and needs of their journeys —from brief, practical sessions to extended support and community building.

Age range

0-upwards

Free to use

Yes

Our users say

‘I have suspected that my son is neurodivergent since he was three years old and am currently going through the process of getting an assessment for him. I have made it my life’s mission to make sure both my children have what they need, but somewhere along the way I forgot how to look after myself. My journey with Kids to rediscovering self-care has helped me find myself again amongst hectic family life and I will be forever grateful. With every week that went by I found myself looking forward to catching up with the rest of the group. Having the ability to talk to other people, going through similar struggles with a neurodivergent child and understanding the additional struggles of coming from a military household was nothing short of magical. It gave me the opportunity to rediscover myself and challenge myself to new things without causing stress or anxiety. It is incredibly relaxed, so you just get comfortable and talk through certain activities associated with better health and wellbeing, and most importantly, have fun! I don’t think there was a single session where we were not laughing at some point.’

‘I attended the Nurturing Anchors workshops to feel less alone on this journey of life, and to share and receive advice around neurodiversity. The best part of the course for me was meeting other parents going through the same challenges and talking about our everyday struggles without feeling judged or pitied. My advice for other parents is if you’re considering attending the workshops, definitely do it! Don’t worry or think that you’ll say something wrong. The course is really informative and great for receiving advice and learning strategies you may not already know.’

‘Taking the step to register for the Nurturing Anchors workshops was so very unlike me. I didn’t do groups and I didn’t like anyone knowing my business. I was sceptical at first and I very nearly backed out of the first online meeting, but I pushed myself to at least log on and see how it goes. I told myself that I didn’t need to speak, I could just listen. I knew I needed some support but didn’t know where to start. The workshops gave me an hour a week to stop and think about my needs. For years I had been so busy looking after everyone else that I forgot about me. I realised I needed to look after myself too, whether by getting a brand new bubble bath or by going for a walk around the local town.’