New Group Fills Gap For Children With Special Needs

Local mothers join forces to start a playgroup for babies and children

A group of local mothers have joined forces to start a playgroup for babies and children with special needs.

The group will meet every Tuesday from 10am – 12, at The Salvation Army, 21-23 Dalling Road in Hammersmith.

Until now, there have been no playgroups locally designed for children with special needs, who can also provide support and information for parents and carers.

Caroline Scott from Shepherd's Bush, mother to Charlie, two, with a rare chromosome disorder, commented “ Having a child with special needs throws you into a whole new world where there’s so much to deal with and learn. It can be very isolating, and so being with other parents to share information, and who understand the frustrations as well as the joys, is invaluable.”

Hammersmith mother, Sophie Sainty, whose son Max, six, also has a rare chromosome disorder, added “Hopefully this will be a fun setting for parents and children alike to build new friendships. We are very thankful to the Salvation Army for supporting us and offering their facilities.”

The playgroup runs weekly during term time and is open to any parent or carer in West London with a child with special needs under the age of five. It also has the support of the Chiswick and Hammersmith branch of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust). £2 donation per child is suggested.

February 12, 2008