Free Autism & ADHD advice sessions for your school

Many schools have neurodiverse learners, but do not have the resource, advice, or tools to effectively support their wider families. We deliver a friendly advice & support service for families, through welcoming school coffee sessions throughout Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk.

We help children and young people under 25 and their families through welcoming school coffee sessions at their school.

Our school coffee sessions are available free for mainstream schools within Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk.

These informal 90 minute sessions are hosted by one of our team and invite families from your school to stop by and ask any questions they may have on any subject concerning their child.

Nominate Your School

“…The afternoon itself was really welcoming and relaxed and colleagues were really knowledgeable on specific worries or concerns parents had. It was also a really lovely way to strengthen the relationship the school has with parents of our SEND pupils, to sit and discuss them in a different way.

It was a great experience for us, and so many parents have told me how useful they found it. We’re definitely looking to host another soon!

Mrs Coyle (Headteacher) / Fingringhoe church of England (VA) Primary School

How we can help your SEND school community

Money and benefits advice
Moving between schools or big life changes
Support with meltdowns and shutdowns
Getting help at school or college
Behaviours that may be hard to manage
Explaining other services and how to get help
Our Autism Alert Card
Signposting to sssessment and diagnosis services.

School Coffee Sessions

FREE

- 90 minute coffee session at your school

- Hosted by the Community Connect Team

- Helpful support and advice

- Bring likeminded families together

Nominate your school

How it works

Nominate Your School – Your school representative completes our nomination form where we ask a few questions about your school and your support requirements.
School Review – We review your nomination at our monthly review meeting and confirm back to you if we are able to support your school at this time.
Schedule Your Session – If we are able to support your school with a coffee session, we will be in touch to schedule at a mutually convenient time.

P.S. We’re always looking for schools to get involved in fundraising, too!

Services like Community Connect are only possible with the help of our amazing fundraisers.

So whether you can help with a bake sale, sponsored walk or making us your Charity of the Year, we would love to hear from you.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Community Connect's service for schools?

Our Community Connect school service is a free, friendly support service from Autism Anglia for children and young people aged 0–25, and their families, living in Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk. We deliver school coffee sessions throughout Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk.

Which areas do you cover?

We currently support autistic young people (0-25) and their families in Colchester & North-East Essex and Norwich & Mid-Norfolk which includes the following postcodes:

Colchester & North-East Essex:

CO1 – Colchester town centre

CO2 – Old Heath, Berechurch, Layer-de-la-Haye

CO3 – Lexden, Stanway, Prettygate

CO4 – Highwoods, Greenstead, Myland, St John’s

CO5 – Colchester postcodes only

West Mersea
East Mersea
Peldon
Rowhedge
Fingringhoe
Langenhoe

CO6 – Colchester postcodes only

Aldham
Chappel
Copford
Copford Green
Eight Ash Green
Fordham
Fordham Heath
Great Horkesley
Marks Tey
West Bergholt
Wakes Colne

CO7 – Colchester and Tendring postcodes only

Elmstead Market / Elmstead
Crockleford Heath
Dedham
Ardleigh
Brightlingsea
Wivenhoe
Great Bentley
Alresford

CO11 – Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford areas

CO12 – Harwich, Dovercourt areas

CO13 – Frinton-on-Sea area

CO14 – Walton-on-the-Naze area

CO15 – Clacton-on-Sea area

CO16 – Tendring village, Little Clacton, Thorpe-le-Soken, Weeley

Norwich & Mid-Norfolk

Norwich

NR1 – Thorpe Hamlet, Lakenham, parts of City Centre

NR2 – Eaton, Earlham, west/south‑west Norwich

NR3 – North Norwich (Mile Cross, New Catton)

NR4 – Eaton, Cringleford, Colney

NR5 – Bowthorpe, Costessey, Earlham

NR6 – Old Catton, Hellesdon

NR7 – Sprowston, Thorpe St. Andrew

NR8 – Drayton, Taverham

Mid-Norfolk

IP25

NR16

NR17

NR18

NR19

NR20

NR21

NR9

PE37

What if I live outside of Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk?

Due to funding, we can only offer Community Connect to families within these areas. But don’t worry—our Resource Hub is packed with helpful information for anyone, wherever you live.

Would our learners need a diagnosis to access support?

Not at all. You don’t need a formal diagnosis of autism or ADHD to be supported by us. If you’re concerned about your child’s development or behaviour, or if you’re a young person looking for support, we’re here to listen and help.

What kind of support do you offer?

Person-centred support – by phone, video, email, or even in person meetings.
Drop-in sessions – relaxed, no-pressure meetups where you can chat with our team and other families.
Help with forms and processes – like DLA, PIP, EHCPs, and school transitions.
Advice on behaviour, sensory needs, and more – sometimes with an Occupational Therapist present.

How are the coffee sessions run?

We work with schools by providing in-school coffee sessions, inviting families from the school to come along, get advice, and meet other families/carers. You’ll find a warm welcome, a cuppa, and someone who understands.

Is the service really free?

Yes, completely free! The service is funded 100% by donations and we rely on the generosity of the local community to keep the service running. We’re here to support families and young people across our communities without any cost.

Can you help with the ECHP process?

We can offer advice on the EHCP process including how parents can submit their request for an assessment, as well as the appeals process.

We do not offer mediation nor advocacy services. We do not have authority to overrule any decisions or give legal advice. For this type of query, families would need to contact either IPSEA or SENDIASS.

What kind of training or experience does your team have?

Our team includes experienced family support workers and professionals who understand autism, ADHD, and the challenges families face. Some of us are parents or carers ourselves, so we truly get it. We also work closely with occupational therapists and other specialists when needed.

Can you help with benefits and paperwork?

Yes—we know how confusing and stressful forms like DLA, PIP, or EHCP applications can be. We can guide you through the process, help you understand what’s needed, and even support you in filling them out.

How do I nominate my school for this service?

Simply clock on one of the pink buttons on this page and complete a nomination form. Once received, we will review and get in touch at our earliest convenience.