Parentsactive marked a very special milestone; 25 years of parent-led support in Hammersmith & Fulham and our journey as an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) with a joyful celebration at Riverside Studios. The event brought together parents, carers, partners and supporters to recognise both our long-standing roots as a parent carer forum and the next chapter of Parentsactive as a CIC working for the benefit of families across the borough.
What began 25 years ago as a small, informal group of parents coming together to support one another has grown into a strong, trusted community. Today, Parentsactive supports hundreds of families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping parents feel informed, connected and less alone.
Our anniversary celebration on 21 May 2025 brought together over 60 parents, carers, partners and supporters for an afternoon that reflected everything Parentsactive stands for: community, creativity, and connection. The event featured a moving violin performance from Royal College of Music musician Megumi Rolfe, comedy from Josephine Lacey (Autism Mama), and an interactive workshop with west London charity DanceWest — all showcasing the talent and diversity within our community.
A journey built by parents, for parents
Parentsactive exists because navigating education, health and social care systems can feel overwhelming, isolating and, at times, exhausting. For many families, the journey isn’t straightforward and that’s why peer support, advocacy and shared knowledge matter so much.
As our CEO and Director Nandini Ganesh reflected on the day:
“For families with children with disabilities or special educational needs, it’s not always an easy road. Being able to support parents, help them feel less alone, and walk alongside them through challenges is something we’re incredibly proud of — and we always want to keep improving and doing more.”
Through coffee mornings, training sessions, conferences, peer support, advocacy and one-to-one advice, Parentsactive has worked consistently to reduce isolation and empower parents with the information and confidence they need.
Growing with our community
Parentsactive’s journey has evolved over time. After operating for many years under the H&F Mencap umbrella, we recently became an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) a move that reflects our growth, resilience and commitment to reinvesting everything we do back into the community.
This work was formally recognised earlier this year at the Hammersmith & Fulham Civic Honours Awards, an acknowledgement that belongs to every parent carer who has shared their experiences, raised their voice, and helped shape better services for families locally.
Today, our free-to-join forum includes over 480 members, offering opportunities to:
- connect with other parent carers
- attend talks and training sessions
- share views directly with local services
- access advocacy and advice
- take part in inclusive social and wellbeing activities
We also work closely with the local authority and partners to deliver one-to-one advice surgeries, including sessions at the Stephen Wiltshire Centre in Fulham, supporting families through key stages of their journey.
As we look to the future, our focus remains clear: to ensure that no parent feels unheard, unsupported or alone, and that families continue to have a strong, collective voice in shaping services for children and young people with SEND in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey — past, present and future.
Read more about the event here.
