Find Your Voice. Be Heard. Make the Difference They Deserve.
“You know something isn’t right. You just don’t always know how to say it — or who’s supposed to be listening.” NAVIGATE is for parents, carers, and family members who want to walk into that next meeting or appointment feeling ready, not rattled. No jargon, no lectures — just practical skills you can use straight away.
Our September 2026 cohort is running currently.
If you are interested in joining our early 2027 cohort, register your interest and we’ll be in touch. No pressure, just a chance to find out more, ask questions, and see if NAVIGATE is right for you.
✔ Takes less than two minutes
✔ No obligation
✔ We’ll only contact you about the programme and updates you’ve chosen to receive
NAVIGATE is for parents, carers, and family members who want to walk into that next meeting or appointment feeling ready, not rattled. No jargon, no lectures — just practical skills you can use straight away.
What you’ll learn
- Speak up with confidence, even when it’s hard
- Work out who’s really making the decisions, so you know exactly who to ask, and who to push
- Prepare for meetings and appointments so you walk in ready
- Handle life’s big transitions with a plan, not panic — from early diagnosis right through to adult services
- Know what to do if things escalate, not just how to handle a routine meeting
- Manage the self-doubt and burnout that come with advocating for the long run
- Help someone else find their own voice, not just rely on yours
What makes it different
We keep the person you’re speaking up for at the centre of everything. This isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about being a clear, confident one, without losing the relationships you rely on.
You’re not doing this alone
Every cohort gets its own WhatsApp group, so you can support each other through the 12 weeks and beyond. As our community grows, there’s also a wider Beyond Words Collective group open to anyone who’s completed NAVIGATE — a bigger network of people who understand exactly what you’re going through. Joining either group is entirely optional, always.
By the end, you’ll feel
Confident — ready to ask questions and raise concerns.
Prepared — for whatever the next meeting brings.
Connected — to your cohort, and to a wider community who get it.
Heard — finally.
You’ll also leave with your own personal advocacy plan, built around your situation. Because every voice deserves to be heard — including yours.
✔ Takes less than two minutes
✔ No obligation
✔ We’ll only contact you about the programme and updates you’ve chosen to receive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it online, and how does it work?
Yes — the whole programme runs online over Microsoft Teams, so you can join from home. Sessions are every Wednesday at 7pm, for all 12 weeks. Once you’re ready to go ahead, we’ll email you to introduce ourselves, and send you the Teams invite with the link for every session.
How long does the programme run?
12 weeks, with one session a week, lasting an hour and a half. We’ve deliberately kept the pace steady rather than rushed — enough time to actually practise what you learn, reflect between sessions, and build real confidence, not just tick a box.
What happens after I register my interest?
We’ll get in touch by email and offer you a choice: a friendly 15–20 minute phone call, or the same few questions by email if that’s easier for you. It’s simply a chance for us to understand what you’re looking for, tell you more about the programme, and work out together whether it feels right for you — not a test, and nothing you need to prepare for. If you decide to go ahead, we’ll send you our NAVIGATE Welcome and Preparation Pack before your first session.
Will I have to share my personal information with the group?
No, not unless you want to. It’s a safe, supportive environment — each week, the group works together through a shared case study, so everyone learns and practises the same skills without anyone needing to reveal anything about their own situation. You can take part however feels comfortable, whether that’s speaking, using the chat, or simply reflecting privately.
Do I have to attend every session?
We’d love you to, since each week builds on the last — but life doesn’t always cooperate. If you can’t make a session, just let us know. We’ll help bring you up to speed so you don’t lose momentum.
Can I stop if it’s not right for me?
Yes, at any time. Just let us know — there’s no pressure or obligation to continue if NAVIGATE isn’t right for you.
What does it cost?
Nothing. No fees, no subscriptions, no catches. Free training, because that’s what we believe should be available to everyone who needs it.
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. Most people join right at the very beginning — before they’ve ever asked a difficult question in a meeting, or felt able to speak up at all. NAVIGATE meets you wherever you’re starting from, and builds from there, one step at a time.
Who is it for?
Anyone who needs to advocate — for themselves, or for someone they love. That might mean a school meeting, a hospital appointment, a social care review, or any other conversation where you need to be heard. Parents, carers, family members, and support professionals are all welcome.
Will Beyond Words Collective CIC advocate on my behalf?
NAVIGATE is about helping you build your own confidence and skills, not taking over your situation for you. We’re not able to act as your individual advocate, and the programme is educational and supportive alongside anything else you have in place — it doesn’t replace legal, clinical, or crisis support.
What if I need extra support to take part?
Just let us know. We can offer things like written information in advance, extra processing time, the choice to keep your camera off, regular breaks, or communication support — whatever helps you take part comfortably.
Will I be able to stay in touch with others on the programme?
Yes. Everyone on your cohort is invited to join a WhatsApp group together, so you can support each other during the 12 weeks and afterwards. There’s also a wider Beyond Words Collective group for anyone who’s completed NAVIGATE, so you can stay connected to a bigger community as it grows. Joining either group is entirely optional.
Is there a certificate at the end?
Yes — everyone who completes the programme receives a certificate of completion. It isn’t a formally accredited qualification, but it’s a record of the training you’ve done and the skills you’ve built.