Elmswell SEND Superstars group launched by Suffolk mum
A new support group for parents and carers of children with special educational needs (SEN) has been launched in a village near Bury St Edmunds, thanks to a mum-of-four.
Natasha, 31, who has daughters aged between two and 14, said she felt she needed to set up SEND Superstars at the Wesley Centre, because there is ‘not enough support’ for those in Suffolk who have children with additional needs.
Currently her four-year-old, who is visually impaired, is being assessed for autism and epilepsy, and her youngest is showing autistic traits.
The single mum said: “I feel like prior to being an additional needs parent I didn’t realise how hard it was.
“With my eldest two I could go anywhere, do anything but now I choose not to because of the looks we get.”
Natasha said sometimes she feels as though parents are staring at her four-year-old, which she finds frustrating.
She explained: “Just because a child has different needs they still have the right to be treated the same - it’s just not fair, nobody knows how an autistic child, or a child with additional needs, is feeling.”
Natasha has also started up a Facebook group: SEN Families - Bury St Edmunds & surrounding areas where parents can ask for advice, information and support.
She said: “I want there to be somewhere for parents and carers of SEN children, where they don’t feel judged.”
Mum Abbie Myers, 27, is one of those that goes to the monthly meet-ups in Elmswell and is now helping Natasha run the group.
She said: “My son Toby was diagnosed with autism at two years and seven months, he’s my only child and since moving from Stowmarket to Elmswell a year-and-a-half-ago, with it being a small village there hasn’t been much on offer around here for SEN children.
“When Natasha started SEN Superstars it was my chance to sit and chat with other parents whilst Toby (now three) went to pre-school, a chance to share and hear others experiences and to meet other children who share similar traits to Toby too.”
The next SEND superstars is on February 24 at the Wesley Cafe, between 9.30-11.30am.
Children are able to attend the meet-ups but parents and carers can also come on their own.
Adults with additional needs are also welcome.
