Local Support Groups

There are a number of local groups providing support to families. The organisations are listed alphabetically. If you are searching for a group relating to a specific disability or condition and cannot find one here, contact the CAN - Children with Additional Needs - Network. Tel: 0118 974 3750

More information is also available in the Support chapter of the CAN Guide.

• ASD Family Help provides assistance and support to families with a child with Autistic Spectrum Condition. It holds regular meetings, provides email update and information and has family support workers to offer further assistance to families. Telephone: 07707 660 599

• Berkshire Autistic Society supports families and individuals with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Condition. It provides a telephone help line, weekly coffee morning, specialist library, training events, leisure activities and support groups. Telephone: 0118 959 4594

• Building for the Future is a charity consisting of several local groups, representing disabled children. It works to improve the lives of local children and families.

• Coffee and Chat for parents and carers with children with additional needs. Runs every Monday from 9.15am to 11.30am at Bulmershe Youth Centre, Woodley. Children and young people can also attend, and there are plenty of toys, games and computer facilities available. Tel: 0118 926 8799

• Home-Start provides support to families with children under five years-old. It trains volunteers to support families in their own homes, and runs group family sessions. Telephone: 0118 988 8025

• Peapods supports families with children with physical disabilities. It provides family activities, coffee mornings, evening meetings and an online message forum. Telephone: 07826 027 844 / 0118 961 6534

• Reading Deaf Children's Society supports families with children with hearing impairments. It runs support meetings and family activities. Telephone: 0118 988 6229

• West Berkshire Down Syndrome Group runs coffee mornings, drama groups, speech and langauge therapy sessions and family events for its members. Telephone: 07847 327 528

• Wokingham District Mencap provides help, support and advice to families and individuals with learning difficulties. It runs coffee mornings, carer's meetings, leisure activities, sibling support groups, and group outings. Telephone: 0118 979 8539

• Wokingham Dyslexia Support aims to increase awareness and understanding of dyslexia. It plans to hold workshops, run awareness courses and host professional talks. Telephone: 07806 230 044