This is a full-day event, that includes live expert speakers, staff, refreshments and a hot/cold buffet lunch. There is a substantial cost to planning and hosting this event.

• The £35 ticket price is a fraction of the actual cost of your place. We are fortunate to be able to offer this very low ticket cost to siblings, thanks to funding we have received
• The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, because of the cost to the charity of processing this, unless the event has to be cancelled by us due to reasons beyond our control
• If you’re able to, please consider making an additional donation to cover extra places for siblings in financial need
• If you’re in need of a free place, just let us know in confidence by emailing [email protected] – we don’t want payment to be a barrier for siblings wishing to attend
  

We understand that the rising cost of living can make things difficult, and we don’t want finances to stand in the way of anyone who wants to attend. If that’s you, please reach out and share a little about your situation. We may be able to offer you a free ticket, or a reduced rate of £10 or £20. In some cases, we may be able to support with travel.

At our previous event, we were able to provide free and discounted places thanks to the generosity of those who paid for extra tickets to support others.

And on the day, it’s impossible to tell who’s paid full price, who’s sponsored additional places, or who’s attending for free. We show up as equals. Circumstances change – we’ve all been in need at some point, and we’ve all had moments where we could lift someone else up. We’re siblings; we support each other.

We’d love to say yes, but we can only accept advance bookings and places are limited. Securing your ticket ahead of time helps us plan a safe and meaningful experience for everyone.

Yes, absolutely! You don’t have to be a carer for your disabled or neurodivergent brother/sister. This event is relevant for all siblings – carers, non-carers, and siblings who might be carers in future.

Yes, bereaved siblings are warmly welcome at this event, and will particularly benefit from the group discussions and hearing from the sibling panel. Bereaved siblings may find the practical sessions less relevant, but perhaps still interesting, such as using the law to get the right support. You’re welcome to come along and dip in and out of whatever sessions feel right for you.

Siblings who are in their first year of bereavement may find the day quite emotional and may find they need other support too, such as counselling.

We totally understand the role that partners and other loved ones play, and it’s wonderful that they’re so supportive. However, this event is a private space for siblings only. Our funding is specifically for people who’ve grown up with a disabled or neurodivergent brother or sister. That means we aren’t able to accept bookings from partners, friends, parents, professionals, or researchers.

Yes, if your friend is also a sibling who has grown up with a disabled or neurodivergent brother or sister, they’re welcome to join! Just make sure they book their own ticket in advance, as we’ve only got a limited number of places.

No problem at all. Just let us know your dietary needs and we’ll make sure the venue is informed. We want you to feel comfortable and cared for throughout the event. After you’ve booked your place, you’ll be sent a follow-up form to complete that asks about dietary needs.

Thanks for letting us know. If there’s anything we can do to make your experience smoother, just tell us what you need. We’ll do our best to support you and ensure everything feels accessible and inclusive. After you’ve booked your place, you’ll be sent a follow-up form to complete that asks about support needs.

There’ll be male, female, gender-neutral/accessible toilets available at the venue. You’re welcome to use whichever toilet feels most comfortable for you. The accessible toilet is there for anyone who needs it, whether or not a disability is visible. Everyone deserves to feel at ease, and we’re committed to making sure that’s the case.

Of course! You’re welcome to join our private Facebook community #Siblife. It’s a space where people share stories, swap ideas, and sometimes make plans to meet up at events like this. Feel free to post there, introduce yourself, and see if anyone’s attending. You might even find someone to share a lift with!

To keep the space safe and relaxed for sharing, we don’t record our events. But don’t worry – you won’t miss out completely! After the event, we’ll post a one-page summary with the best tips and insights shared. Check back on our website to download it, and if you haven’t already, join our mailing list to be the first to hear about future events. We aim to run an event like this once every two years (subject to funding). You might also find these resources helpful in the meantime:

• Guides on topics like mental capacity, managing finances and getting a care needs assessment
• eBook ‘Self-care for siblings’
• Autism: The Sibling Perspective
• Coping with feelings
• How to find a counsellor
• Am I a carer?

To meet other siblings who have a neurodiverse and/or disabled brother/sister:

• Join an adult sibling support group
• Connect on our private Facebook community #Siblife
  

We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected]