Customer Stories: building support for SEND Friends

When you’re building something from the ground up with no big budget or backing, every detail counts. For Leanne Thompson, founder of SEND Friends, even one well-designed roller banner has become a conversation starter, drawing people in to hear about a growing project rooted in lived experience, empathy and practical support.

SEND Friends is a community interest initiative based in Grimsby, providing peer support for families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). But it began with a much simpler idea: a children’s book.

Stories that speak to real experiences

Leanne originally created SEND Friends as a series of children’s books. The light-hearted rhyming stories present neurodivergent characters in ways that encourage adults to rethink their expectations and adjust environments, rather than seeing the child as the problem.

“I wrote the books in the hope that my children and others like them would see themselves represented in a positive light,” Leanne explains. “I wanted them to be able to identify with the characters, feel validated and perhaps even empowered to advocate for themselves.”

The books began to generate a small amount of income through royalties, and Leanne saw the potential to do more. Drawing on her own family’s experience as well as her professional background in SEND-related support, she expanded SEND Friends into a peer support service for families feeling overwhelmed or left behind by the system.

“There’s a huge gap in support for neurodivergent families,” she says. “Assessment waiting times are long, services vary from one area to another, and even when you’re on a waiting list, support can be patchy. If you’re new to the world of SEND, it can be completely overwhelming. I’m trying to offer the kind of support I needed but couldn’t always find.”

Print that pulls people in

To get the word out, Leanne knew she needed something visual. Working with limited funds reinvested from her book royalties, she turned to Solopress for a single roller banner.

“I wanted to get my brand out there and start building recognition. I was hoping it would draw people in for a conversation and that’s exactly what it’s done,” she says.

The banner was designed by Leanne herself and printed with her own artwork and branding.

“I was so impressed with how straightforward the online ordering was. I already had a design, so it was great to be able to upload it directly. The proofing process was really clear and the banner arrived so quickly that I could take it to my first event.”

The response has been encouraging and it’s only the beginning.

One banner, big ambitions

While the roller banner has helped get the ball rolling, Leanne has bigger plans for the future.

“I’ve used Solopress before in a previous role, so I know how well the products are made. As soon as I can, I want to build a full event setup. Leaflets, flyers, promotional giveaways like pens or sweets that help people remember who you are. Eventually I’d love a full exhibition stand where I can proudly display the books that started it all and advertise the events I’m planning. That will be my ‘I did that’ moment.”

In the short term, SEND Friends is offering both online and face-to-face support with no or low cost to participants. Leanne is also connecting with local organisations to expand her reach and build lasting partnerships.

“The dream is to have a permanent space. A hub for neurodivergent families. A place where people can feel safe, learn to understand and like themselves, and find practical guidance and a sense of belonging. Autism, ADHD, OCD, ARFID, Tourette’s and more. Everything under one supportive roof. Maybe one day. But for now, the banner is helping open those first conversations.”

Start your own story with Solopress

If you’re launching a service, promoting your message or just getting your name out there, Roller Banners are an affordable, portable and attention-grabbing solution. Solopress offers a wide range of banner options, including budget-friendly designs, premium stands and eco-friendly alternatives.

Explore the full range and find the right fit for your project at solopress.com.