New Coffee Morning Series Offers Sensory Support for Parents This Summer
26 June 2025
If you’re parenting a child with sensory processing differences, you already know that summer can be... complicated.
The change in routine, the endless energy, the unpredictability of outings and visitors — it’s a lot. And while other parents might be counting down the days to beach trips and ice cream van visits, you might be bracing yourself for meltdowns, planning your escape routes, and Googling “quiet cafes with air con and no automatic hand dryers.”
You’re not alone. And this summer, Sensory Help Now is offering something that might just make the coming weeks feel a little less overwhelming: a short, supportive series of Coffee Morning chats.
These are 30-minute Zoom chats with a twist. No presentations, no PowerPoints, and absolutely no pressure to have your camera on or child-free background noise. Just a small group of parents and carers (10 max) chatting about the real-life challenges of raising a child who experiences sensory processing differences, and what actually helps.
The sessions are led by Dr Lelanie Brewer, an Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration and experienced occupational therapist. With a background in both clinical work and research, Lelanie brings deep knowledge and a warm, practical approach. She gets it.
Each week tackles a different theme that will feel familiar to anyone living with loved ones with sensory differences:
Week 1 – Preparing for the Summer Break: Strategies to Manage Lack of Routine and Summer Meltdowns
Wednesday 9 July, 10:30 am
Start the summer with a plan. Share and gather tips for those long, unstructured days.
Week 2 – Tips for Travelling with Children with Sensory Processing Differences
Monday 21 July, 10:30 am
Whether it’s a road trip, flight, or train journey, learn what can make getting from A to B less stressful for everyone.
Week 3 – Play and Sport Activities to Help Develop Motor Skills and Motor Planning
Thursday 7 August, 10:30 am
Ideas for sensory-friendly movement that supports your child’s development and burns off energy.
Week 4: Managing the Sensory Preferences of Different People in Your Family - How to Keep Everyone Calm and Happy
Monday 18 August, 10:30 am
When one child seeks input and another avoids it, how do you create harmony? Find out what’s worked for others.
Week 5 – Back to School - Tips for Helping Children and Young People Get Back Into Routine and Plan for a New School Year
Tuesday 26 August, 10:30 am
From uniform woes to lunchbox textures — practical ways to ease the transition.
You can join just one session, or sign up for all five. Each one costs £10, or book the full series for £45 (see the bottom of any booking page to access this offer).
And don’t worry — you won’t be asked to share if you don’t want to. Many parents choose to simply listen in with a cup of tea or coffee in hand.
What you’ll get:
- A welcoming, judgment-free space
- Useful ideas you can try straight away
- The comfort of knowing other people are in the same boat
“We know parenting can be messy and unpredictable. That’s why we keep things simple, safe, and real.”
So if you’re craving connection, reassurance or just a moment to breathe and feel understood — this might be the half hour you need most.
Come as you are, bring your brew, and let’s figure this out together.
About Dr Lelanie Brewer
Lelanie is an occupational therapist with a passion for helping children and families navigate sensory differences. She has worked in the NHS, private and charity sectors and led OT education programmes at university level. Her PhD research explores self-care in children with and without motor difficulties, and she is a trusted name in the sensory integration community.