training
Reaching Families delivers a wide range of high quality training workshops and courses designed to inform and empower parent-carers in West Sussex. Most of our training is delivered online via Zoom as parent-carers tell us this is the most accessible way to participate. Please see below for our latest workshops and courses, all of which are FREE. You do not need to be a member to attend. All of our training can be booked via Eventbrite. We recommend booking early as all sessions are highly popular and sell out very quickly.
Summer Training (2nd half-term)
We are delighted to present our new training timetable for the Summer 2nd half-term 2026.
As well as our one off workshops will be repeating our popular training course, THE SEND FOUNDATION COURSE designed to help parents get a grounding in all things SEND.
Training Workshops
Making Sense of Anxiety (primary age)
An introduction to understanding anxiety in primary aged children, ways to support them, and tips for looking after yourself along the way.
Tuesday 9th June - 10.30 am via Zoom
Understanding Autism
This workshop will help parents and carers to understand Autism and social communication difficulties and the impact it has on their child's relationships, behaviour and day-to-day life. Exploring strategies to support your child and sharing information on local resources that are available to you.
Thursday 11th June - 10.30 am via Zoom
Making Sense of Wellbeing: Self-care skills for parents and carers
This workshop shows you how stress and low mood build and how to notice when you’re overwhelmed. Including strategies to help you relax, reset and look after yourself while caring for others.
Tuesday 16th June - 10.30 am via Zoom
Understanding ADHD
This workshop will help parents and carers to understand ADHD and the impact it has on their child's relationships, behaviour and day-to-day life. Exploring strategies to support your child and sharing information on local resources that are available to you.
Friday 19th June - 10.30 am via Zoom
Making Sense of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
This workshop is for parents and carers of young adults aged 15 years+ covering how to apply for PIP, the various rates, understanding how decisions are made, tips for making a strong claim and appealing a decision.
Thursday 25th June - 7.30 pm via Zoom
Understanding Demand Avoidance
This workshop aims to help parents and carers gain an understanding of demand avoidance in children and young people. We will look at the demand avoidant profile and explore strategies for supporting your child.
Thursday 2nd July - 10.30 am via Zoom
An Introduction to Makaton
This introductory workshop will provide you with an overview of Makaton and who uses it, and teach you over 30 key signs and symbols.
Wednesday 8th July - 7.30 pm via Zoom
Making Sense of Sleep (for children age 2-11 years)
During this workshop we will look at what is sleep and identify the types of difficulties that some children experience, exploring ideas and strategies to help improve your child’s sleep.
Thursday 9th July - 10.30 am via Zoom
Making Sense of Adult Life – Moving On
This workshop is for parents and carers of young adults aged 15 years+ covering further education, work and other opportunities, increasing independence and preparation for adulthood.
Wednesday 15th July - 7.30 pm via Zoom
How to book
To book a place on one of our workshops please click on the individual links above or visit our Eventbrite page (click the logo).
If you have any difficulty booking a place or would like any further information, please contact us on 01903 366360 or via email.
The SEND Foundation Course
This course has been designed to provide an introduction to all the key issues and challenges common to parents and carers. It aims to empower parents of children who are undergoing or have recently undergone diagnosis but it will be helpful to any parents who would like to learn more about how SEND processes work.
3 Part Course Online
Wednesdays 24th June, 1st & 8th July
7:30 pm via Zoom
If you have any queries regarding the course or the booking please email us at outreach-training@reachingfamilies.org.uk.
Commission Us
Reaching Families are also available to deliver tailor made training to suit the particular needs of schools, parent support groups, other charities, etc. If your group would like training on a specific subject we can manage and deliver this for you including sourcing and commissioning trainers, marketing, administration, booking venues, organising catering and refreshments, follow up evaluation, etc. If you would like to discuss training for your school or group please contact our Operations Director, Donna Manwill, for an informal discussion of your requirements.
