Type of service: Family support and information services, Social groups

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SiblinksSupport

Hi, My name is Naomi. I am a mummy of 2 remarkable children, one of which is severely autistic, has developmental delays, sensory processing issues and epilepsy. I have seen 1st hand the detrimental impact these disabilities and needs have had on my daughter and my relationship with her. I have lots of friends with SEN children too and their siblings are in exactly the same situation as my daughter. Our SEN childs 'needs' have to come before our other childs 'wants'. I recently set up SibLinks with my aim being to offer structured support specifically to siblings of children with additional needs. I have put together a committee of myself and 2 other remarkable ladies. Our collective aim is to provide support online or in the structured groups we'll be running. The support groups will be a safe environment for these children to talk freely about their experiences as a sibling and the mixed feelings that provokes within them. There will also be esteem building activities, a chance for them to do activities that aren't easy for them to do at home such as arts, crafts or just play games with other children. The most important thing I feel though is to give these children an opportunity to meet other children in similar situations to themselves. Having another child they can relate to will help relieve their feelings of isolation. We are only in Lincolnshire at the minute but do offer online support nationally. We also offer online support to sibling adults needing help too.
 

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Adult sibling, Child , Child/adolescent sibling, Young person

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements