Proberably bitten off more than I can chew, but have offered to run a SN support group

[SparklyGothKat]

Was chatting to my DH last night and realised that we have no support group in our town, there is 2 in the neighbouring town, but none here. So went to see the lady who runs the children's centre on my kids' school site and asked if she would allow me to run a group from there. She was very postive and thinks its a great idea, but I don't have any idea how to run a group lol!!! I really want to do this and would like to think that as a parent of 2 kids with SN that I would be helpful but what would you like at a group? Thanks

Oh I posted a thread about this a while back, I'll have a search...(not quite managed to start it up yet though!)

anyone?

Firstly, and I suspect this is just me - I wouldn't want it to be held too often - monthly would suit me!
I'd like to find the help that I get on here - i.e. DLA info, where to go for help (RL and www.) to fll it in. Same for education too. Info leaflets for useful websites, tel no.s etc. specific to each 'group' of SN.
Also, what's about locally - more a sharing of ideas I suppose 'this cafe is friendly, spacious room for wheelchair etc.' or 'this is a good day out and SN friendly' sort of thing.
Most importantly, a cup of tea with someone who knows and a place NOT to compare my child. Let people talk, they can ask questions and lead the way and you already have the next meeting set up by them telling you what they want.
Good Luck xx

Also, wondering if you could nick borrow anything from your DCs specialists. Whats an OT/Phsio/Orthotist etc type leaflets (for the new parents who need all the help they can get)

see I used to go to the other support group and that was monthly, and TBH I kept forgetting it was on, and I would think 'oh I'll go next month' and then forget the following month, I haven't been there for over a year now.

facilities (say toys and ideally a helper) so those with pre-nursery age kids could come. and info on how to work the local system/things available etc.

Yes I can see how that might happen . Perhaps arrange for an 'event' every month or 2 - maybe someone to come in (support worker, SNHV, physio, play specialist etc.) to offer a talk/advice/informal discussion, but have general 'get togethers' more often? That way you cater for all, those who'd like a weekly get out and those who'd clear a space in their diary for an 'event' so they can still keep in touch.

What times were you thinking? I realise its in a school, but I know I would appreciate the odd (not every time) weekend/evening sesh, should I ever return to work!

Safe and secure! Totally gave up taking my DS to standard playgroups as he could get out too easily - or into the kitchen or whatever.

well its at the children's centre which has a special switch to get out. The lady who runs the centre is going to speak to the Head for me, and has said there will be no charge for using the centre
I am really excited by this

When DD was about 1yr old and I was feeling very isolated, I got all excited about a leaflet I found in the child development centre, advertising a parent-run support group. Turned out the group had disbanded 12 months earlier, but nobody had taken on the job of updating the CDC noticeboard. Was very disappointed, as there is nothing else nearby (but I definitely don't have the energy to get something started!)

So my suggestion is--

Be proactive about publicity--talk to portage, for example, as they should know local under-3s whose parents might like to use the group.

Also contact the OTs, physios, dietitians, play therapists, pshcychologists and paediatricians who work with your target group.

You could also see if you can get funding to run a creche.