Northamptonshire women honoured at Parliament for community support work
SEND support group founders praised as inspirational women at Westminster event
The founders of a Northamptonshire SEND support group, based in Kettering, have been recognised as “inspirational women” during a special visit to the Houses of Parliament.
Mary Docherty, co-founder of Sea of Support, attended the event in London after the group was nominated by members of the community. The initiative was organised by Corby MP Lee Barron to celebrate women making a difference locally.
Ms Docherty said receiving the invitation came as a complete surprise.
“We had absolutely no idea,” she said. “I came home from work and there was a formal letter from the House of Commons. It was a real pinch-me moment to discover we’d been nominated.”
She attended the event alongside fellow co-founder Donna, with the pair describing the recognition as “humbling”.
“We do this because we’re passionate about supporting families with SEND,” she said. “To be recognised for something you love doing is just amazing.”
The visit, which took place on Monday, included a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and the chance to meet other women from across Northamptonshire who had also been nominated.
“It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many people doing positive things in their communities,” Ms Docherty added.
She said the experience had strengthened her determination to continue supporting local families and raise the profile of the group’s work.
Sea of Support is a local, not-for-profit, Community Interest Company (CIC) supporting families of children and young people with all types of neurodivergence. Run by parents with lived experience, the group offers guidance and support to families, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.
The organisation provides advice and a safe space for families navigating special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and has continued to grow its work. This includes running youth sessions designed to build confidence and encourage independence among young people.
Ms Docherty said the recognition had reinforced the importance of the group’s work.
“It’s given us that extra push to keep growing and improving,” she said. “It shows our group is needed and appreciated.”
She also hopes the experience will encourage others to take initiative in their communities.
“Don’t doubt yourself,” she said. “If you’re passionate about something, just go for it. You are good enough to make a difference.”
The group said it was grateful to Mr Barron for organising the event and thanked those who had nominated them, although the individual has not been identified.
For more information about Sea of Support visit their website.