How Two Mums United on a Mission to Transform the Lives of SEND Families
In the often overwhelming world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), two determined mothers, Cara Roughani and Lisa Chauhan, united to create something extraordinary. Together, they lead SEND Protect—a groundbreaking service dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to secure their child’s future.
co-founders cara and lisa at a send protect event
Cara’s Journey: From Struggles to Strength
Cara Roughani, the founder of SEND Protect and a proud single mum from Walthamstow, East London, has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of raising a child with additional needs. Her son, Jayden, was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, following a two-year journey filled with uncertainty, frustration, and emotional exhaustion. During that time, Cara often felt overwhelmed and unsupported.
“There were moments when I didn’t cope very well,” Cara admits. “The system felt impossible to navigate, and I didn’t know where to turn for help.”
With over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Cara realised she could use her expertise to fill a critical gap—helping families like hers plan for the financial future of their children. This mission became the foundation of SEND Protect, a service designed to ensure no family feels alone or unprepared.
Lisa’s Role: A Friend Who Stepped Up
Lisa Chauhan, a close friend and fellow mum to her daughter Amaiya, saw the challenges and isolation Cara faced while raising her son and felt compelled to help. In today’s world, raising children is challenging enough, and many families are burdened by obstacles and moments of profound loneliness. Lisa brings a compassionate perspective and deep empathy to their shared mission.
With her expertise in marketing and events, Lisa played a crucial role in helping Cara bring her vision to life and turn it into something truly impactful.
“Witnessing Cara’s journey opened my eyes to the struggles and isolation so many SEND families face,” says Lisa.
“I wanted to support her and help create something that could truly make a difference.”
Together, Cara and Lisa have transformed SEND Protect into a trusted lifeline for families navigating the complexities of the SEND landscape, offering support, guidance, and empowerment every step of the way.
Answering the Toughest Questions
For parents of children with additional needs, one question looms large: “What will happen to my child when I’m no longer here?” SEND Protect was created to tackle this heart-wrenching concern head-on. By offering free educational resources, workshops, and consultations, Cara and Lisa provide families the education they need to be able to make informed decisions about their child’s financial future.
Education at the Heart of SEND Protect
Empowerment through education is SEND Protect’s driving force. Partnering with community groups, charities, councils, and other organisations, Cara and Lisa ensure families have access to trusted, high-quality information—completely free of charge. Their offerings include:
Workshops and webinars on financial protection strategies
One-to-one calls to explore tailored solutions
Guidance on wills, guardianships, trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
Support for building long-term savings and safeguarding means-tested benefits
To provide the best support possible, SEND Protect works with a network of experienced financial experts who offer bespoke advice tailored to the unique needs of SEND families. Additionally, they collaborate with estate planners and other professionals who understand the complexities of securing a family’s future.
More Than Education: A Movement for Change
SEND Protect’s mission goes beyond financial education. Cara and Lisa have also compiled a directory of organisations that support SEND families, offering a comprehensive roadmap for parents navigating this challenging journey.
“When you’re a SEND parent, you’re constantly battling for your child’s rights while trying to plan for an uncertain future,” Cara explains. “We’re here to make sure families have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to focus on what really matters—their child’s happiness and financial security.”
Building a Brighter Future, Together
SEND Protect is more than a service; it’s a lifeline built on empathy, expertise, and a shared determination to help others. Cara and Lisa’s mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every parent has the resources they need to prepare for their child’s future with confidence.
As of January 2024 there are over 1,700,00 million children in the UK with SEND. This is why we needed to be two mums, one mission—to empower SEND families everywhere. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone who wants to support this important cause, you can be part of the change.
Visit SEND Protect at www.sendprotect.co.uk, follow us on instagram @https://www.instagram.com/sendprotect/ attend a workshop, or share this message to help build a brighter future for all SEND families.
Together, we can make a difference.
Kind regards,
Cara
MObster Cara - co-founder of send protect and her son
Mobster Lisa - co-founder of send protect - and her daughter
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