A MALVERN mum has started up a support group for families with children who have challenging disorders, inspired by experiences with her own son.
Kimberly Philpotts launched ‘What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful’ in September and is urging more parents, grandparents and carers to take advantage of the group ahead of its first meeting of the new year.
Her son Archie was born at 32 weeks and suffered from a periventricular leukomalacia – a bleed on the brain – and has continued to struggle with chronic lung disease, atypical autism and sensory disorders, which restricts him to a certain diet.
Kimberly, from Leigh Sinton Road, said finding the right support had been challenging for their family.
“I found it a very lonely process getting the right support for Archie. With someone who has got complex difficulties it’s hard to decide which area to start on first.
“But he has been my inspiration for this, he makes me so proud with the difficulties he has overcome and he continues to smile.”
Kimberly decided to start the group predominantly to fill the void she found in support for children under 16 years old.
Sessions have seen them welcome professionals from Autism West Midlands, a sleep practitioner from Cerebra, representatives from New Hope, a Worcester based children’s charity, and the SMILE project which promotes emotional health and wellbeing for under 12s.
There are already some varied activities lined up for this year including a visit to Birmingham Thinktank, a special educational needs workshop and a soul and motown fundraiser.
The group is open to parents, grandparents and carers of children who have autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, special needs, learning difficulties or any other neurodevelopmental needs.
Visitors will be able to access information from various charities and organisations or simply talk over their experiences over a coffee.
Kimberley added: “I hope the group will save parents and carers from feeling alone at what can be a very difficult time.”
The sessions take place at the Octagon in Brook Farm Drive, Poolbrook at 10am on the second Monday of the month with the next taking place this Monday (January 13).
The meetings cost £1 which includes a coffee and cake. Anyone interested can simply turn up on the day or contact Kimberly for more information on 07796 528026.
