Wellbeing for Adults

Support Groups

Often, parents don’t think of themselves as ‘carers’ – after all they are simply looking after their child like any other parent. But caring for a child with additional needs can bring a host of additional things to think about, which your friends with more typical children may not understand.

It’s important to ‘find your tribe’ – other parents who are going through similar situations to you. Everyone’s experiences are different, so you can’t assume that what applies to their child will be the same for yours, but they will usually be a great source of tips and support, especially when your friends with more typical children don’t understand. Some places you can find them are:

Online:

Local Facebook group Parents Together West Lothian is a private group of parents whose children are neurodivergent. You can ask to join by messaging the group . Facebook in general is a good place to find others who share your interests or circumstances.

Other support groups for common and rare conditions can be found by looking at Contact’s conditions directory (also referenced on the conditions page) where each entry includes information about any support groups that Contact are aware of.

If your child has a very rare condition that does not have an official name, you may find support at SWAN UK (Syndrome Without a Name)

Harry’s Pals supports parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.

Autistic Parents UK has online peer support groups and regular webinars.

If you are a parent who has, or suspects you have, ADHD, this article might be helpful.

In person:

Carers of West Lothian have regular ‘coffee and chat’ sessions for parent carers – contact them  for more details.

Broxburn Autism Support group meets at Grace Community Church, 39 Greendykes Road, Broxburn. For more information contact Gillian Glancy

Kidz Eco run ASN drop-in play sessions – contact them for more information.

Dads’ group – a new dads’ group – Link here – run by the dads themselves, started in March 2023.

ADHDitude – ADHD support group for parents with ADHD or parents of children who they suspect or have been diagnosed with ADHD.  The group runs weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, Broxburn Baptist Church, Freeland Avenue, Broxburn, West Lothian. Further information can be found here facebook.com/broxburnbaptist