Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
ASPENS CHARITIES
Tagline goes here
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
Work for us Donate Fundraise for us
  • Twitter
Menu
  • About us
    • About Aspens
    • Our mission and values
    • Who we are
      • How we're funded
      • Our trustees
      • Our executive team
      • Financial statements
    • Work for us
    • Contact us
    • Our policies
  • What we do
    • Adult services
      • About our adult services
      • Residential
      • Supported living
      • Day services
      • Community outreach
      • Employability
    • Children's services
      • About our children's services
      • Children's services in East Sussex
      • Children's services in West Sussex
      • Children's short break and overnight service
    • Positive Behaviour Support
    • Family support
    • Specialist support
    • Autism Central South East Hub
    • Referrals
  • Request support
  • Visit us
    • Our high street shops
    • Bluebell Cafe
    • Aspens animals
    • Roebuck Centre
  • Support us
  • Volunteer
  • News and events
    • Newsletter
    • News
    • RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
    • Covid 19 Information
    • Events
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Family support

Family support

How Aspens supports your family

Aspens is here to help families to care more confidently for individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC), a learning disability or complex needs. We welcome all family members, whether you are a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend of someone with a disability, of any age.

We understand that finding the right information and support can be hard, we are here to listen and offer advice.  We strive to increase understanding, challenge perceptions and encourage acceptance of autism spectrum condition, learning disabilities and other complex needs. We offer support before, during and after an ASC diagnosis.

We understand the challenges for individuals who do not yet have an autism diagnosis and how confusing things can be post diagnosis.  Our advice, guidance, signposting and support is on-going, for as long as a family wishes.

South East Region

Request Support

Seek advice from someone who is here to listen, offer guidance and tell you about services that are available in your local area. 

Event Registration

Each session is provided by parents and carers of autistic people who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with others. They’re here to listen, offer guidance and tell you about services that are available in your local area. Please note these sessions feature a purple coloured banner on our events page.

West Sussex and West Kent*

Face-to-face clinics

Aspens runs clinics where parents, carers and professionals who are living or working with someone who has autism spectrum condition, a learning disability or complex needs can drop in for a chat.  If you'd like to speak to someone face-to-face, please book an appointment and our engagement officers will work with you to address your specific circumstances.

Please call 01243 214120 or email [email protected] to book a clinic appointment or access further information. 

*This service is currently commissioned by West Sussex ICB and Kent County Council for West Kent, enabling us to offer clinics at no charge to parents and carers in these counties. We are looking to secure further funding so we can offer more opportunities to people in other areas.

Online workshops for parents, carers and professionals

Our specialist team runs a wide range of online workshops for parents and carers of autistic and neurodiverse individuals, as well as sessions aimed at professionals working with such individuals and their families. Subjects covered include sensory processing, demand avoidance, anxiety and autism and an introduction to ASC and neurodiversity.

View workshops here

Click on the event you are interested and follow the link to register. 

If you have any queries about our workshops please contact: [email protected]

Meet the family support team

Karen Enticknapp - Family Support Administrator

Karen worked as a Personal Assistant and Office Administrator within the legal sector before joining Aspens.  Karen has also been a youth worker and mentor for young offenders. Karen is instrumental to our service and the first point of contact for many of our families.

“I am used to being the first contact clients have when facing difficult situations, often feeling distressed and vulnerable. I enjoy helping people and working as Administrator within the Family Support Team gives me the opportunity and privilege of providing a ‘listening ear’ to all who make that initial contact for help, and be part of a great team who deliver the service we provide.” 

Lucy Colborn – Family Support Engagement Officer (West Sussex)

Lucy previously worked as a deputy manager of a pre-school for over 15 years before joining Aspens as a Family Engagement Officer.

Lucy enjoys supporting families and building a rapport with them, and seeing them grow and overcome barriers. Lucy is really looking forward to working with future families with Aspens.

Outside of work Lucy has 3 horses and 3 dogs of which take up most of her spare time! Lucy also does a lot of fundraising and charity work for various animal rescues, in particular a rescue centre in Romania.

Leanne Mitchell – Family Engagement Development Officer (West Kent)

Leanne worked as a Foster Carer for 18 years with Kent County council. In this time, she specialised in children and young people up to the age of 18 who were extremely vulnerable and had complex needs. Her family also adopted three children, two of whom have ADHD and ASD.

Leanne has worked at an alternative provision for six years as a HLTA and Behaviour Support, providing support to children aged 11 – 16 with social and emotional needs. Leanne gained qualifications in this time, including a Diploma in The Children and Young People’s Workforce and a Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning. Leanne is looking forward to supporting families in West Kent, listening to them and offering advice.

Outside of work Leanne has a large family of children and grandchildren who keep her busy! Leanne has been riding horses since she was four and loves spending time at the stables with her horse Fitzroy. Leanne also loves painting and drawing to relax.

Published: 21st January, 2020

Updated: 2nd June, 2023

Author: Deleted User

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Support Worker - Robertsbridge

    Support Worker - Robertsbridge

    We are passionate about enabling our staff to empower those we support. Whatever your age or background, we know you have the ability to care. Let Aspens help you realise your potential to make someone's day, everyday!

  • AuSome Advent at Aspens!

    AuSome Advent at Aspens!

    A very special festive guest is returning this advent across our social media! Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages this advent for some tips and advice from our own AuSome Elf on the Shelf for those on the autism spectrum and their loved ones to help navigate the festive season.

  • Support Worker - Bognor Regis

    Support Worker - Bognor Regis

    Your role as a support worker will be vital in helping those that we support to feel empowered to live as independently as possible. You will play a big role in supporting daily activities which could include: baking, arts and crafts, swimming and bowling.

  • Join our Forest School

    Join our Forest School

    Our Forest School sessions based at Aspens’ beautiful woodland, are open to young people with a diagnosis of autism, who live in East Sussex. Come and join the fun, immerse yourself in nature, meet new friends and take part in fun, hands-on activities.

Most read

  • Bluebell Cafe, Pembury

    Bluebell Cafe, Pembury

    Come and visit Aspens' Bluebell Cafe near Pembury Village, just outside Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Our Cafe is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and serves hot drinks, meals and snacks. Our site also has a woodland walk, an animal farm and a children's playground.

  • West Sussex children and young people's service

    West Sussex children and young people's service

    Aspens offers children and young people with autism and related conditions access to a range of support and activities to young people aged 8-18 years* (18-25 with an EHCP) living in West Sussex.

  • Family support

    Family support

    Learn about the Family Support services Aspens offers to family members of people with autism, learning disabilities or associated needs. Aspens welcomes all family members: parents, siblings, grandparents or friends.

  • About us

    About us

    A summary of Aspens, including the people the charity supports, the services provided and the areas covered. Aspens' services include those for Children and Young People, Adults and Family and Specialist Support and the charity operates in Kent, Bexley, Surrey East Sussex and West Sussex, with additional online support services available in Hampshire/Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

  • Contact us

    Contact us

    How to contact Aspens and the locations of our central offices in Pembury, Tunbridge Wells; Battle and Littlehampton.

  • Roebuck enterprises

    Roebuck enterprises

    Aspens' Roebuck Enterprises Centre in Hastings, East Sussex, offers a variety of creative workshops for development and enjoyment, such as drama, baking and crafts, for adults with autism, associated needs and learning disabilities.

  • Pembury residences

    Pembury residences

    Read about our residences at Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

  • Specialist support

    Information on Aspens' specialist support service, which uses a positive behaviour support approach, how to access the services and information on the specialist support team.

  • About our adult services

    About our adult services

    Aspens offers a wide range of services for adults, including residential care, supported living, day opportunities and community outreach.

  • About our children's services

    An overview of the services Aspens offers for children and their families.

Support Worker - Bognor Regis

Support Worker - Bognor Regis

Your role as a support worker will be vital in helping those that we support to feel empowered to live as independently as possible. You will play a big role in supporting daily activities which could include: baking, arts and crafts, swimming and bowling. Read more

Published: 22nd November, 2023

Author: William Andrews

Registered office:
Cornford Lane
Pembury
Kent
TN2 4QU

+44 (0) 1892 822 168
[email protected]

Recruitment enquiries:
[email protected] 

Compliments, complaints, comments & suggestions
about our services should be sent to:
[email protected] 

© Aspens. Registered in England and Wales
Charity number: 1171446. Company number: 10342980




  • Work for us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Glossary of Terms (Please email [email protected] if you believe our Glossary needs amending)
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
Manage Cookie Preferences