Sunshine Support

14/11/2025

Many autistic teenagers experience these daily - yet so often, they’re misunderstood, misjudged, or dismissed.

From school attendance difficulties and anxiety, to friendships and sensory overwhelm… every challenge tells a story that deserves to be heard.

That’s why we’re so excited to welcome Chris Bonnello (Autistic Not Weird) for our upcoming webinar, Advocating for Autistic Children, on 24th November at 8pm.

Chris will be sharing his unique perspective as both an autistic adult and an experienced teacher - helping parents and professionals understand how to truly advocate for autistic children in school and beyond.

🎟️ Book your place now:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1477513495639

14/11/2025

All It Took Was One Legal Letter…

After months of being ignored and dismissed, this family were ready to fight for their child’s rights.

Jess Douglas supported them through a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter - a legal warning to the Local Authority, saying, “You’re not following the law, and we’re prepared to act.”

It worked (as it typically does with Jess's letters!)

The draft EHCP came back with every single independent report included - giving the child the support they actually need, not just what was convenient for the system.

The parent said they finally feel heard. And hopeful.

A great way to end the week... Well done Jess and a big congratulations to this family!

Have a great weekend everyone!

14/11/2025

If you are just starting your SEND journey and you feel lost, scared, angry or completely alone… you are not the only one. You are not doing anything wrong. And you do not have to figure this out by yourself.

Every single one of us in the reel has stood exactly where you are now.
Overwhelmed.
Drowning in acronyms.
Terrified of getting it wrong.
Exhausted from fighting for support we never expected to have to fight for.

That is exactly why we have created the SEND Essentials Webinar - the support we wish we had when it all began.

We will guide you through:
• What your rights are
• Where to start
• How to get support in place
• What really matters right now (and what does not)

You deserve answers.
You deserve clarity.
You deserve a team behind you.

🎟 Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1781410068469

You are not alone anymore.
We are right here with you. 💛

14/11/2025

🎄✨ It’s the most Sunshiney time of the year! ✨🎄

December is all about connection, laughter, and a little bit of you time - and we’ve got just the thing to brighten your month! 💛

Whether you fancy getting creative, having a giggle, or just soaking up the festive feels, our December events are the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate the season together.

🎁 Here’s what’s coming up:
🌿 Wreath Making Workshops – 5th & 7th Dec
Get crafty, make something beautiful, and take home your festive masterpiece.
👉 Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-wreath-making-workshop-tickets-1256478393699 (some sessions are now fully booked)

🎅 Christmas Hub Quiz – 12th Dec (In-person, Derby)
Mulled wine, laughter and a bit of cheeky competition – the perfect Christmas night out!
👉 Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunshines-christmas-hub-quiz-tickets-1837635099049

💻 Christmas Online Quiz – 17th Dec (Online)
Can’t make it in person? Join us online for festive fun from your sofa – PJs and hot chocolate encouraged!
👉 Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunshines-christmas-online-quiz-tickets-1837733132269

🎄 Some sessions are full, so don’t miss out on the laughter, connection, and festive joy. Book now and make December a month to remember!

13/11/2025

💼 NEW SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!

We’re thrilled to welcome Philip from Precept HR to Sunshine Support for an essential webinar on Employment Rights - taking place 13th January 2026, 8–10pm.

Whether you’re a SEND parent, a teacher, or your young person is entering the world of work, this session is vital. Philip will guide you through EMPLOYMENT LEGAL RIGHTS, and how to protect yourself and/or your family in the workplace.

Understanding employment law can be overwhelming, but this webinar will break it down clearly so you feel confident, informed, and empowered.

🎟️ Book your ticket now:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1828104803679

13/11/2025

⭐ You’ve got one hour left to secure your ticket for tonight’s live webinar An Introduction to ARFID ⭐

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder that can affect children and young people across a range of neurotypes. It goes far beyond “picky eating” and can have a serious impact on health, wellbeing, and family life.
In this accessible and informative webinar, Elizabeth Shea, one of the UK’s leading specialists in ARFID, will introduce the core features of the condition and explain how to recognise it, understand it, and begin supporting those affected.

🎟️ Tickets close at 6pm:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1477300618919

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13/11/2025

☀️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE ALERT!

School avoidance is one of the most heartbreaking and misunderstood issues we see at Sunshine Support - and it’s something that becomes even harder as the colder months roll in.

In this brand new episode of Sip of Sunshine, Chrissa sits down with Beth, one of our incredible SEND advocates, specialist teachers, and a neurodivergent person herself, to talk honestly about what school avoidance really looks like for children and families.

They explore what’s going on beneath the surface, the emotional toll on parents, and the changes that schools can make to help children feel safe, connected and ready to learn again.

💛 Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or professional, this episode is full of validation, honesty and hope.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube:
👉 https://youtu.be/TRWQHQV1QhM?si=yVzPGRXYv70H4xef

School attendance is back in the headlines — but is anyone really listening to families?In this episode of A SIP of Sunshine (Season 2, Episode 11), Chrissa ...

12/11/2025

💛 Eating difficulties come in many forms - and one of the most misunderstood is ARFID.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can look like “fussy eating” on the surface, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a complex and distressing condition that can affect nutrition, growth, and emotional wellbeing.

If your child only eats a few “safe” foods, avoids meals, or shows fear or distress around eating, you are not alone.

Join the highly respected Dr Liz Shea, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, for a powerful webinar on Thursday 13th November - TOMORROW - at 8pm.

You’ll gain clarity on what ARFID really is, why it happens, and, most importantly, what you can do to help your child feel safe and supported around food.

🎟️ Book your ticket today:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1477300618919

12/11/2025

Finally - a safe space for SEND parents 💛

One of the hardest parts of being a SEND parent is knowing where to turn for trustworthy information and genuine support. Social media is full of conflicting advice, and when we get it wrong, our children lose precious time.

That is exactly why we built The Sunshine Academy - a private, supportive membership space where you can:
🌟 Ask questions directly to our expert team
🌟 Get accurate, evidence-based answers
🌟 Connect with other parents who truly get it
🌟 Access webinars, courses, Q&As and more

It’s safe, reliable and designed to empower you - not overwhelm you.

💛 Join from £10.99 a month and cancel any time: www.sunshine-support.org/academy

Your journey matters. Let’s make it brighter together.

12/11/2025

OH WOW!!! Did you see this update from our Academy team yesterday?

Just look at what goes into making the content on our Sunshine Academy... They're such a talented, creative team! We are so proud!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8r0TfIrLFg

Take a look behind the scenes at what we’ve been creating at Sunshine Academy between September and November 2025.From animations and green-screen filmmaking...

12/11/2025

💛 Do any of these signs feel familiar?

Maybe your little one lines up toys, struggles with textures, or needs a strict routine to feel safe. Maybe they find it hard to adapt or don’t respond to their name. You’ve noticed something, but finding the right words - or knowing what to do next - feels overwhelming.

You are not alone.

Join us for our Advocating for Autistic Children webinar with Chris Bonnello (Autistic Not Weird) on 24th November at 8pm.

Chris will share practical advice and lived insight to help you understand, communicate, and advocate for your autistic child with confidence.

🎟️ Book your ticket now:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1477513495639

11/11/2025

Whaaaat...

We have much to say on this! It wasn't so long ago we had - we shared so much knowledge there is just no reason for this archaic approach to school non-attendance!

Want to learn more about School Avoidance or School Non-Attendance? Take a look at our hundreds of courses and resources on our Sunshine Academy here: www.sunshine-support.org/academy

We're here to help!