Building Connections: Supporting Parents and Carers in Sunderland

A £1,000 grant from the Umi Fund helped The Special Lioness create vital support networks for parents and carers of children with disabilities in Sunderland. The funding supported a variety of activities, including parent and carer lunches, coffee groups, and a creative 'Sip and Paint' session. The organisation also produced a Little Blue Page Disability Directory and covered essential costs, such as DBS checks for new volunteers.

The project addressed the often-overlooked needs of parents and carers, who can feel isolated due to their caring responsibilities. Through regular meetups and activities, parents found a welcoming space to connect with others in similar situations. The flexible, no-pressure approach to attendance meant families could join whenever their unpredictable schedules allowed.

The impact extended beyond the immediate activities, as parents began forming their own support networks. Some attendees grew confident enough to take on informal peer support roles, helping other families navigate similar challenges. The project reached 52 beneficiaries, with 16 people reporting increased skills.

Making a Difference

One powerful story of change comes from a parent who would prefer not to be named (for this purpose, we will call her Lisa*).

Lisa joined The Special Lioness support group feeling overwhelmed, isolated, undervalued, and emotionally drained from the daily challenges of caring for her daughter with complex needs. At the time, she had very little social contact and described herself as “just surviving.”

After attending her first few sessions, Lisa began to open up and connect with other parents who truly understood her journey. She shared that it was the first time in years she felt she could speak honestly without fear of judgement. Over time, she became a regular at the coffee groups and even took part in one of the Sip & Paint sessions, something she never imagined she’d have the confidence or energy to do.

Lisa shares, “This group has changed everything for me. I’ve made friends, I’ve laughed again, and I finally feel like I’m not alone. It’s helped me be a better mum because I’m not running on empty anymore.”