• Having portage in our lives has made a huge impact on all our family. In the beginning when we were all learning not only to cope with a new baby but one with additional needs, portage services came into our lives to offer support professionally and giving advice at every stage of my sons development from nursery to school, easing any concerns we had, we also learnt different play techniques and personally they were always there for the whole family.As our son grew, portage grew with us as a partnership and was our rock during the good and bad times, coming to appointments and giving numbers of other organisations to help us. we can't thank them enough for what they have done and still do for us as a whole family. Once portage are in your lives, it's forever as they become true friends, they are priceless!
  • I don't know how well we would have coped without the valuable input from the portage team. They put so much extra in to their daily work, they are part of our family. There are times I really don't know what I would have done without Michelle, most notably when she found me in a state as I had just discovered my daughter in a poorly state. She kept me calm, she called the ambulance, she kept me sane. We were dreading the EHCP process, but Michelle was there every step of the way. She was always able to answer questions or send us in the right direction. Looking back, I really don't think our daughter would have been so well prepared for school if it hadn't been for Michelle and everything the portage team did for us
  • What Kingsdown School say aboutSouthend Portage Service - Click Here
  • Our early months with our son we're truly terrifying. We started at a Little Fishes group that gently introduced me to other mothers and children with different abilities. I found every step truly terrifying as I didn't know what was expected of our son and actually myself. I've never felt so inadequate as I couldn't guide my sonand had to rely on others. Through Little Fishes we were introduced to Elaine (soon to be our portage person). I remember our first meeting clearly, my son was role playing after a fashion and Elaine just joined in. I was apprehensive of interference but Elaine soon integrated herself into our lives. The time that followed was truly incredible withmy sonreally starting to express himself for the first time. Elaine worked closely with us and our childminder for some considerable time but all too soon it was time for school. Elaine helped me every step of the way with forms, deliberations etc.my sonhad a wonderful transition into mainstream nursery thanks to all your help. I truly sobbed when we said goodbye. Following this we still see Elaine and she never fails to ask about my son and us and is always willing to offer support in any way. I cannot speak too highly of this service and what it has meant to us as a family. Without it is don't know where we would be.