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ASPENS CHARITIES
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  • Family support

Family support

At Aspens, we walk alongside families supporting neurodivergent individuals, those with a learning disability, or other complex needs. Our aim is to empower families to feel confident, connected, and supported in the ways that work best for them.

We welcome all family members – whether you're a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend – of any age. Everyone plays a part in creating understanding and acceptance, and we're here for you.

Finding the right information and support can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating systems or adjusting to new experiences. We're here to listen, offer guidance, and provide ongoing support at any stage: before, during, or after a diagnosis, or whether a diagnosis is in place or not.

We understand that every family's journey is unique. Our support is open-ended and responsive, grounded in positive relationships, and shaped by your needs, values, and goals. Together, we aim to increase understanding, challenge stigma, and create inclusive communities where neurodivergent individuals and their families can thrive.

Our support focuses on:

  • Promoting empowerment and self-advocacy
  • Strengthening family life
  • Building confidence and resilience
  • Promoting wellbeing
  • Creating safe spaces to be heard
  • Encouraging connection and peer support through networks
  • Increasing knowledge and understanding
  • Offering tools and practical strategies

Click on the link below to request support.

Request for Support 


West Sussex family support

Parent/carers in West Sussex can access personalised support from our dedicated Family Engagement Officers. We work to engage and empower parent/carers of neurodivergent children who may have become disconnected from education, social opportunities, or their wider community.

Our team takes a strengths-based approach, recognising each family’s unique experiences, values, and aspirations. Support is always tailored to your specific needs and circumstances – whether that’s improving school attendance, accessing local services, or simply finding the right tools to navigate everyday challenges.

This service is funded by the ICB and NHS Sussex, and builds on key elements that help families develop skills for longer-term solutions. It forms part of our tiered offer, providing initial support with low barriers to access, alongside clear pathways to more tailored and comprehensive services.

Aspens Connections blog

Aspens Connections is a series of regular blog posts created by specialists from across Aspens. With years of experience supporting autistic children, young people and adults, and their families, our team use this space to explore topics that affect daily life.

Our posts offer clear explanations, practical strategies and neuroaffirming approaches that can make a meaningful difference. We will also share insights from lived experience and highlight helpful resources, ensuring families and professionals feel informed, supported and empowered.

Click below to read.

Aspens Connections blog: Autistic Burnout

Aspens Connections blog: Anxiety

Published: 21st January, 2020

Updated: 30th June, 2026

Author: Deleted User

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Latest

  • Aspens Connections Blog: Anxiety

    Aspens Connections Blog: Anxiety

    Anxiety affects many autistic young people, yet it is often misunderstood. In this month’s Aspens Connections blog, we explore what anxiety is, how it shows up in autistic individuals, and how we can respond with understanding, compassion and practical support.

  • Waking Night Support Worker - Bexhill

    Waking Night Support Worker - Bexhill

    Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

  • Aspens Positive Behaviour Support Team Highly Commended at National Awards

    Aspens Positive Behaviour Support Team Highly Commended at National Awards

    Our Positive Behaviour Support Team has been highly commended at a prestigious national awards ceremony, recognising their exceptional impact and dedication. With a team finalist also celebrated, this achievement highlights the life-changing difference their work makes every day.

  • Social Care Trainer

    Social Care Trainer

    We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Social Care Trainer to join our People Department. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced trainer or social care professional looking to develop their career in learning and development.

Most read

  • Bluebell Cafe and animal farm, Pembury

    Bluebell Cafe and animal farm, Pembury

    Come and visit Aspens' Bluebell Cafe near Pembury Village, just outside Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Our Cafe is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (Wednesday 11am-4pm) and serves hot drinks, meals and snacks. Our site also has a woodland walk, an animal farm and a children's playground. Over the summer we are often open at the weekends - check our page for more details.

  • West Sussex children and young people's service

    West Sussex children and young people's service

    We provide support to young people on the neurodevelopmental pathway to help them become independent and confident individuals. We offer a range of services to young people aged 8-18 years living in West Sussex, including those who are in or out of education.

  • 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.

  • Family support

    Family support

    At Aspens, we walk alongside families supporting neurodivergent individuals, those with a learning disability, or other complex needs. We aim to empower families to feel confident, connected, and supported in the ways that work best for them. We welcome all family members – whether you're a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend – of any age.

  • Contact us

    Contact us

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

  • East Sussex children and young people's services

    Details of Aspens children's services in East Sussex. Aspens offers services for children and young people with disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, and those with complex needs aged 8-25 (18-25 with EHCP). Our services support those who may be in or out of education, facing social isolation or unable to access group-based activities.

  • Adopt an Aspens animal

    Adopt an Aspens animal

    Visit our wonderful animal farm situated at our site at Cornford Lane, Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells. We have a range of animals big and small, from guinea pigs and ferrets to ponies, emus and alpacas! It's free to come and say 'hi', we simply ask that you consider leaving a donation to help support our work.

  • Specialist support

    Aspens’ Specialist Service provides person-centred, strengths-based support for families of neurodivergent children and young people, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not, including those with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.

  • 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.

  • Request support

    Request support

    How to request support for our family, specialist, children and young people's and adult services.

Children and Young People’s Senior Support Worker (Group Lead)

Children and Young People’s Senior Support Worker (Group Lead)

Work with young people and children aged 8-18 years with Special Education Needs and Disabilities to help develop individual skills and confidence in all aspects of daily life, including building positive relationships, activities, leisure and social skills. Read more

Published: 7th January, 2025

Updated: 4th June, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

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] 

Have you considered leaving a gift in your Will for Aspens? Find out more here.

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

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