Support groups/other parents of children with disabilities

[EllenaV]

Hi there

Just wondering if I can reach out to parents of children with disabilities to see if there are any support groups or clubs that I can go to or join with my 16 month old. He has been diagnosed with a type of muscle disease (we don't know how serious yet) and I am feeling a bit isolated at the moment. I do take him to other parent and baby groups and absolutely don't want to stop that but am yearning for the support a group with parents in similar positions could bring. I have joined Contact a Family already but am yet to hear anything from them. Does anyone else know of anything going on in SE London?

Thanks

[espelli]

Hi, there is a Contact a Family drop in session advertised in the Peckham & Nunhead Let's Go Children Centre guide:

Contact a family

Rye Oak Primary School and Children?s Centre Whorlton Road, SE15 3PD

Drop in session offering information and advice for parents and carers who have children with a disability or special needs.

Age: Under five Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm Tel: 020 7358 8654

I've tried to attach the pdf but it's too big. You can download it from here: http://www.southwark.gov.uk/downloads/download/3161/lets_go_guide_peckham_nunhead_and_peckham_rye_september_to_december_2012

[EllenaV]

Thank you! So helpful, I'm really grateful.

I will check it out.

[aguacate]

There is also a session for children with disabilities and parents/carers at Peckham Rye Adventure playground on Saturdays and the 1 o'clock club at Peckham Rye just been taken over by Ivydale Children's Centre will be running specific sessions for children with disabilities I believe.

[tadpole39]

Hi ellenav

There is a music class at whippersnappers at the lido, specifically for children with disabilities but is inclusive. It is run by the lovely Catherin and is on tuesdays 3-5. The class is free. Im sure you will meet many other parents and have fun!

[EllenaV]

Thanks for these messages, I only just checked back. I will check these places out. Thank you very much for your supportive information

[bawdy-nan]

I;d second Contact a Family http://www.cafamily.org.uk/advice-and-support/in-your-area/offices/southwark/

Southwark brancc is very active and there are lots of events, drop in sessions trips etc, people to talk to etc

[simonethebeaver]

Probably for slightly older children is the Charlie Chaplin adventure playground in Camberwell. It's more than just a playground - arts and crafts, storytelling etc. The children are assessed for care needs and then can be left with a carer. I'm not sure how you get in as we were referred by our social worker, but Contact a Family will probably know.

[fapl]

I don't know where you live, it might be a bit far, Lewisham Opportunity Preschool (behind Ladywell Leisure Centre on Lewisham High Street) has drop in sessions on Friday mornings http://lops.org.uk/about/what-does-lops-offer for children with special needs. They have been around for a while so probably know about a lot of other services that are offered in South East London. They are really friendly, give them a call and they will be able to talk to you.

[MsMaz]

Yes, there is now a session for children with additional needs in Peckham Rye Park's former One O'Clock Club:

I think it's term-time only.

Here's the info:

SEN Play Session

A drop in session for parents with children under five with additional needs.

Older siblings welcome

From 21st November 2012

Every Wednesday from 1.30 to 3.30 pm

Music and games, yoga sessions

Meet other parents and share experiences

Individual support available

Ivydale Children?s Centre

@ Peckham Rye Playroom

Peckam Rye Park, Strakers Road ? SE15 3VA

For more information call Andrea at 020 7639 2702

[Otta]

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200279/parenting_support_and_courses/2481/contact_a_family_drop_in-under_fives/1

Good luck!