Navigate (Scope)

Navigate: emotional support for parents

Navigate is a national mentoring service, that provides online emotional support for parents and carers of disabled children who are finding out about their child’s additional needs. 

Eligibility 

Navigate is open to any parent or carer who:

• lives in England or Wales 
• has parental responsibility for a child under 18
• this child is on a pathway to diagnosis or has received one in the last year

Accessing the service

You can apply online or get a referral from the helpline.

Apply online

About the service

Navigate is a programme of up to 6 sessions with a personal adviser, who will help you to talk about your feelings and concerns.

The service will help you with:

• organising your thoughts and feelings
• practical advice and suggestions
• coping strategies and insights
• taking positive actions and helping you with emotional wellbeing

Your personal adviser

You will get weekly catch ups with your adviser online and by phone. Your adviser will work with you on a one-to-one basis, helping you to:

• explore your needs and personal goals
• agree your action plan, and
• provide you with support, if you need it 

Beverley [adviser] has been amazing and speaking to her is like getting a warm hug. Not only does she offer me options of things to try to suggest organisations who may help, she just makes me feel like she really cares about me.

Lo - Navigate customer

Due to high volumes, we currently have a short waiting list. We will let you know about the current waiting time.

Orientation calls

All eligible applicants will get an orientation call within 5 working days of your application.

This is a conversation with our Customer Co-ordinator to talk through your support needs. From this conversation we can gauge how we can support you best. This can include pointing you to information or other organisations for support. As well as speaking to one of our advisers.

Making adjustments

We can make adjustments, if you need them. These include:

• accessing video calls with British Sign Language interpreters
• using Skype instant messenger (text chat)

Reaching the end of the programme

At the end of the 6 sessions, you will look at what did or did not work and rate your overall progress. 

Depending on availability, you may get to choose to start again with new goals.

It's not suitable for everyone 

Your adviser cannot help you with:

• claiming benefits
• challenging discrimination, or
• managing your child’s condition

This service is online or by phone. If you prefer face to face meetings, this service may not be for you.

Office opening times

The Navigate office is open weekdays, 9am to 5pm.

Appointments with your adviser can take place outside of these office hours, and include weekday evenings or Saturday mornings.

Award winning

Navigate won a Social Care Wales Accolade 2020 Award in the “Building bright futures with children and families” category.