How my journey led me to founding SEND the Help!

SEND the Help! Founder - Grace Brown

Like many parents, my journey into the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) wasn’t a choice — it was something I had to learn because of my children. I’m a mum of four amazing children, three of whom are autistic, two with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

We’ve lived through:

• Refusals to assess and appeals for EHCPs

• Endless appointments with CAMHS, paediatrics, SALTs, and OTs

• Balancing home education, specialist school placements, and alternative provision

• The impact of delayed diagnosis on children’s wellbeing and learning

If you’ve ever stayed up late writing yet another letter to the local authority, or felt like your voice wasn’t being heard, then you’ll know exactly where I’ve been.

Professional Experience Supporting Families and Schools

Alongside being a parent, I’ve spent over a decade working in children’s services and education:

• Early Help Lead Professional

• Assistant SENDCo

• Behaviour Support & Student Engagement Officer

• Chief Officer of a children’s charity

I’ve trained in SEND law (IPSEA levels 2 & 3), safeguarding, and children and young people’s wellbeing.

That means I know both sides:

• The parent who is desperate for someone to listen

• The professional who wants to help but is stretched by limited resources and bureaucracy

Why I Started SEND the Help!

I founded SEND the Help! to bridge that gap — combining lived experience and professional knowledge to give families and schools real, practical support.

What makes SEND the Help! different?

• Lived experience as a parent of SEND children

• Professional expertise in SEND law and education

• Clear, jargon-free advice

• Advocacy that stands with you, not above you

Our Mission

At SEND the Help! our mission is to:

• Empower parents to secure the right SEND support for their children

• Help families navigate the EHCP process with confidence

• Train schools to deliver meaningful inclusion

• Support communities and local businesses to become SEN-friendly

Final Thoughts

SEND the Help! is more than a service — it’s a movement of parents, carers, educators, and allies who believe that every child deserves the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

🌻 If you’re a parent looking for help with an EHCP, a teacher who wants practical SEND strategies, or a local organisation wanting to be more inclusive — I’d love to hear from you.

👉 Get in touch today or download my free EHCP Prep Guide to start your journey with confidence.