🤝 Also Me – Support Circles for Siblings & Young Carers

This is for the child who holds it all together.
The one who doesn’t complain, who keeps going, who quietly disappears into the background.
‘Also Me’ is their space — to feel, speak, and be seen.

Also Me is a gentle, safe, and empowering support space for the siblings and young carers of neurodivergent children. Through peer circles, creativity, and trusted mentoring, we help them feel seen, heard, and valued. Because their story matters too. Their wellbeing matters too. They are not just ‘the other child.’

  • 👥 Who It’s For

    - Siblings of children with SEND, neurodivergence, trauma, or complex needs
    - Young carers (official or unofficial) aged 7–17
    - Children who have taken on emotional, physical or silent care roles
    - Those impacted by dysregulated home environments or high sibling needs
    - Anyone who has felt overlooked, overwhelmed, or 'on hold'

  • 🌈 What We Offer

    - Peer support circles (small group, online or in person)
    - 1:1 reflective mentoring or drop-in check-ins
    - Safe space to talk about feelings, pressures, and identity
    - Creative tools, games, regulation, journaling, and connection
    - Space to feel like a child again — or to share what’s never been said

  • 🧠 Why It’s Needed

    Siblings and young carers are often overlooked in support systems. They may take on silent burdens, feel unable to express needs, or live in high-stress environments.

    Many experience:
    - Anxiety, anger or guilt they don’t talk about
    - Role reversal or hyper-responsibility
    - Loneliness or confusion
    - Pressure to ‘be the good one’
    - Invisible trauma from witnessing dysregulation, crisis, or exclusion

Also Me gives them the space to breathe, express, and be supported — just for them.

🛠️ What’s Included

- Weekly or bi-weekly peer circles or 1:1 sessions
- Online or Essex-based in-person groups
- Creative toolkit (worksheets, calm tools, voice cards)
- Check-in and reflection activities
- Parent consultation at start and review check-in
- Can be accessed directly or as part of wider family support

🎯 Outcomes We Support

- Emotional expression and identity development
- Self-regulation, confidence and peer connection
- Reduced carer strain or emotional overload
- Increased engagement in school or community life
- Greater understanding of sibling relationships and roles

🔐 Safety & Support

- Led by trained staff with trauma-informed, safeguarding, and carer support experience
- Low-demand, inclusive, and emotionally safe
- Can link with Moving Mindspace carer or child services for whole-family wraparound

  • 🔬 Why It Works – Backed by Research

    - Young carers are at greater risk of anxiety, isolation, and school disengagement (Carers Trust, 2022)
    - Sibling experiences are linked to identity confusion, trauma impact, and internalised responsibility (Family Action, 2021)
    - Peer connection, expressive support, and reflective mentoring improve resilience and outcomes (YCF, 2019)

💬 What They Say

“It’s the only place I don’t have to pretend I’m okay.”
“I like having something that’s just for me.”


We believe supporting siblings is part of supporting the whole family. Because no child should be left carrying more than they can hold.

📥 Want to Join a Circle?