Libby is a mum of two. Her 6-year-old, H, has autism and a hearing impairment. She also has a 2-year-old daughter. Libby first noticed H had additional needs around 18 months old, during the Covid lockdowns – a time when accessing support was extremely difficult.
Although she lives with her husband and has supportive extended family, the early years of parenting felt isolating. The uncertainty around H’s development affected Libby’s confidence, anxiety and mental health, and she longed for understanding and connection with other parents in similar situations.
H was later diagnosed with ASD, Epilepsy and OCD, and is pre-verbal. Early on, Libby was wrongly told that H wasn’t responding to her and asked to keep a year-long diary of their interactions. Libby felt further alienated by being asked to attend parenting courses but not her husband, H’s Dad. Later, it was discovered that H has low frequency hearing loss, explaining why he responded differently to his dad. While this brought clarity, the experience had already shaken Libby’s confidence and wellbeing.
School brought further challenges. H attends a mainstream school with an EHCP but spent most of his day apart from peers. Libby tirelessly advocated for him to access inclusion and SEND sessions, while navigating a reduced timetable that meant missing out on connecting with other parents.
Libby found Action for Family Carers through social media, she filled out our self-referral form on our website and connected to our Family Support Team in the Chelmsford District. Our Family Support team takes a whole-family approach, supporting carers and their household, providing practical advice, connecting families to local services and groups, and coordinating with schools, social services, and other professionals.
From the start, having someone listen without judgement made a huge difference. Over several months, Libby’s Carer Support Worker provided consistent guidance, reassurance, and a safe space to talk about her challenges. This support helped her begin to rebuild her confidence and feel less alone.
Through our support, Libby was introduced to Families in Focus who run a SEND group, she was referred for counselling, a wellbeing grant, and helped to apply for a Carers Trust grant. With this support, the family created a sensory garden at home, giving H a safe and calming space and providing the children with a positive summer routine.
“We have had such a great summer holiday. The kids have spent the whole six weeks in the garden, rain or shine.”
Libby also attended a carers’ walk organised by Action for Family Carers and contributed on invitation by her support worker to planning a children’s exhibition at a local museum to ensure SEND children and their families were thought about in the set up – all helping her reconnect with her own interests and use her voice beyond her caring role. She even challenged herself personally, using her wellbeing grant with the encouragement of her Support Worker to take an overnight trip alone, something she had never done since having children. Libby felt proud for stepping out of her comfort zone.
Over time, consistent support from Action for Family Carers empowered Libby to advocate for her son at school, leading to a successful tribunal. H has now been awarded a place at a local SEND school.
“Thank you so much for your support… we love going to the Families in Focus SEND family sessions on a Saturday afternoon. Thank you for all that you do.”
Libby’s story shows how listening, consistent support and practical guidance can help carers rebuild confidence, reduce isolation and feel empowered to advocate—for both their loved ones and themselves. Libby feels strongly about making sure other mums going through similar experiences know they are not alone, and that groups and organisations like Action for Family Carers can help them find their voice and advocate confidently for their child.
Now, Libby and H are using their voices to help other families too. They would love your support for Howie’s Hour – a campaign calling for SEN-relaxed events in all schools across the UK. By signing their petition, you can help create more inclusive, understanding spaces for children like H.
👉 Add your name here: https://www.change.org/p/howie-s-hour-sen-relaxed-events-at-all-schools-in-the-uk
