Great Minds Together

Great Minds Together

Great Minds Together is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides wrap-around support for children, young people, and families, with a primary focus on those navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) systems.

Based in the North West of England, the organisation acts as a "bridge" between families and professional services (such as schools, social care, and the NHS), ensuring that children do not fall through the gaps of complex bureaucratic systems.

Who They Are

Great Minds Together positions itself as a Family Advocacy and Mediation specialist. They are recognised for their "Early Intervention" philosophy—intervening before a family reaches a crisis point.

The organisation is led by a team of specialists, many of whom have lived experience as parents of children with SEND. This gives them a unique level of empathy and practical insight that traditional clinical services sometimes lack. In 2026, they are recognised as a leading voice in the "Co-production" movement, working with local authorities to design services with families rather than for them.

They pride themselves on their Independence; because they are not part of a school or a local authority, they can offer unbiased advocacy and challenge decisions that are not in the best interest of the child.

What They Do

SEND Advocacy & Navigator Services

Helping families understand their rights and access the support they are entitled to:

• EHCP Support: Assisting families with the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, from initial requests to annual reviews and appeals.
• Mediation: Acting as a neutral third party to resolve conflicts between parents and schools or local authorities.
• Service Navigation: Guiding families through the "alphabet soup" of services (CAMHS, SALT, OT, etc.).

Family Support & Mentoring

Providing emotional and practical stability for the whole family unit:

• Peer Support Groups: Connecting parents and carers to share experiences and reduce the isolation often felt in the SEND community.
• 1-to-1 Mentoring: Direct support for young people to help them build resilience, social skills, and self-esteem.
• Wrap-Around Support: Addressing home-life challenges, such as housing issues or financial stress, that impact a child’s ability to thrive.

Educational & Professional Training

Working with schools and businesses to create more inclusive environments:

• Staff Training: Educating teachers on neurodiversity and trauma-informed approaches.
• Inclusive Workplace Consulting: Helping businesses understand how to support neurodivergent employees or parents of children with disabilities.

Approach & Values

Great Minds Together focuses on Collaboration, Empathy, and Transparency.

They prioritise Holistic Support, recognising that a child’s behaviour at school is often inextricably linked to their environment at home and their physical health. Their approach is designed to be Proactive; they use a "Needs-Led" model rather than a "Diagnosis-Led" model, meaning they provide support based on the challenges a child is facing right now, even if they don't yet have a formal diagnosis.

A strong emphasis is placed on "The Family Voice," ensuring that the parents' expertise regarding their own child is respected and centred in all professional meetings.

Industry Role

Great Minds Together acts as a systemic disruptor and community glue within the UK's social care landscape.

As a CIC (social enterprise), they reinvest their surpluses back into community programs, such as free workshops for low-income families. They act as a strategic partner for Local Authorities (such as Stockport and Bristol), often being commissioned to run "Parent Carer Forums" or to manage specific early-intervention projects that reduce the long-term strain on statutory services.

They offer a compassionate and highly specialised navigation service, making them a vital resource for families who feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the UK’s education and care systems.