Past events

Mothers' Respite Weekend

The beautiful Dunford House, near Midhurst, West Sussex, was the venue for our first Respite Weekend in early March 2013 for mothers and carers of young people with ADHD, ASD or Asperger's.

Dunford House

One weekend from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon the group were able to relax in holistic, peaceful surroundings while taking part in a voluntary programme of workshops covering managing difficult teens, how to be assertive with local authorities and professionals, and sharing information on medication. Training in relaxation techniques was also offered, alongside the opportunity to share experiences with other mums in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.

The cost was kept to a minimum thanks to generous funding from the Lake House Foundation.

Here's what some of the mums had to say about their weekend away from it all:

respite mothers

"Many thanks for allowing this weekend to happen – it's such a beautiful, tranquil place and just what's needed by mums coping with ADHD/ASD. Thank goodness someone recognises that mums need respite and relaxation in order to help support their children and retain their sanity."

"I feel recharged and better able to go back and proactively deal with family challenges. I have a renewed sense of confidence."

"It has given me more confidence to support my son and the rest of the family. With the new knowledge and help I have gained, I know I feel stronger to be able to do it."

"It has been a great environment to learn more techniques and ways of dealing with the problems associated with ADHD/Asperger's. I feel empowered to deal with my son in a positive way."

"I have relaxed and recharged, laughed and learned, empathised and expressed! I have met an amazing group of women who have inspired me, and I leave this weekend walking taller and stronger and better able to support my family and the challenges of my ADHD son."

respite weekend

Kilimanjaro triumph

Kilimanjaro

In September 2012 grandmother Sharon Bignall, co-owner and director of South Godstone business Team Frames Trade, took on her toughest challenge by climbing Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and raising over £1,300 for The Studio in sponsorship.

Our grateful thanks go to Sharon and her sponsors. You can see a video of her trip here.


They must be NUTS!

Graham and Matt

In March, on one of the coldest days of the year, Graham and Matt (right) pushed themselves over the obstacles to finish the gruelling NUTS Challenge at the Camelot Outdoor Centre to raise sponsorship for The Studio.

A previous running of the Challenge (below) took place in September 2012, when runners from The Studio were joined by teams from Atkins Global and RBI who dragged themselves through the mud and water to help the cause.

NUTS Challenge

Fire Walk exceeds expectations

We are delighted to report that the Fire Walk held at Atkins Global in Epsom in October 2011 was absolutely fantastic!

Our 15 walkers were a bit anxious at the beginning but by the time we'd completed the Blaze Fear Busting seminar we were ready to take on the world! Atkins hospitality was superb, our supporters were great and the Bloco-do-Sul samba band really helped us on our way.

We achieved our fundraising target of £1,000, so a huge thank-you and very well done to everyone who took part and to those who sponsored us. Here are some photos from the event, including one of us proudly wearing our new Studio T-shirts!


The Atkins bowling night in November 2011 was great fun and our team, the Ferraris, did really well - at least we weren't last! The raffle was very well received by all the players, raising £95. Many thanks to the gang at Atkins for letting us join in.

Our book sale outside Dorking Sainsbury's in November 2011 was well attended and raised an incredible £200. A huge thank-you to everyone who donated books and helped on the day. Another sale is definitely on the cards!

The bag-packing day also in November 2011 was another success and we were pleased to welcome two of our young people - James and Edward - who did a great job with the customers. A further £155 was raised from this event.

Latest news

Annual report published

Our last two annual reports can be found on the menu under "About us".

The case for early intervention

PACE report

Our "Preventative Action is Cost-Effective" (PACE) report presents the economic and social arguments for providing early intervention and preventative services for children and young people with ADHD, high functioning autism and related learning disabilities in Surrey.

The Studio's multi-systemic approach has been shown to achieve positive outcomes in such cases and, as this report shows, it has the expertise to fill this gap in special needs provision.

View or download the PACE report.


CAMHS survey results

CAMHS

Following a period of research among parents, carers and young people who completed online surveys and attended stakeholder events across Surrey between July and October 2014, Surrey's Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has produced its Engagement Report, which summarises key messages regarding perceived unmet needs and priorities for the service.


Family Voice

Family Voice Surrey

Family Voice Surrey (FVS) is the official Parent Carer Forum for Surrey, working with key decision-makers in education, health and social care to represent the families of children and young people with additional needs. You can read more about it on its website.

We urge you to sign up to be represented by FVS.