We are a parent run support group, we recognised there was a huge gap and lack of funding to provide families who have children with additional needs quality time together. To do activities where the whole family can access it together to create friendships and support circles in a environment where the families are not judged and stared at. Already we are seeing some lovely friendships developing with families and children.

We also have a closed Facebook support group, where parents can chat and ask for advice. There are currently over 700 parents in this group and it is very active. We also have a open Facebook information sharing page where we share our events, share local authority SEND information etc and a Twitter account that we use to connect with other organisations around Stockport.

We currently run a weekly drop in, monthly coffee evening, monthly Saturday Family Session, monthly minecraft club and regular activities during school holidays, a group for girls who have additional needs, with anxiety and related issues. We also have talks, training and workshops, These are all in local places, all closed to public and only open to families with additional needs. We have a new sensory room, which we fundraised to create.

We support families in meetings where needed, complete forms for grants and benefits, signpost to services. We are seeing parents grow in confidence, self esteem and networks created.

We receive no ongoing funding, and try to make activities, groups and drop ins as low cost as possible for families, so we just cover costs.

The group is run by parents for parents, we are all volunteers who have children with disabilities of our own.

We want to protect the group, and ensure it will run for the long term and be sustainable for the future.