Mum, Zoya, and her daughter, Agata, aged 4, were referred to Welcare by her Agata’s nursery school.
Agata has a hearing problem which resulted in delays to her speech and language development and additional needs which included hurting herself when she was anxious, constantly demanding attention and not wanting to leave her mother’s side. Apart from the brief respite while Agata attended nursery Zoya found it impossible to get anything done during the day.
Zoya worked with Welcare Family Supporter focusing on an individual basis working through the contents of the parenting programme especially strategies for managing behaviour and the FSW also used their professional local knowledge to:
- Arrange a clinical assessment working towards an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP) this should provide provision for specific speech and language therapy sessions for Agata.
- Practical help and support when the rent was put up and the family were left struggling.
- Access to local funding and opportunities including Welcare’s own Families In Crisis funding to provide horse riding for children with disability, a family day out and a trip to the local pantomime.
- A charitable trust provided sensory equipment which had been completely unaffordable and a weighted blanket to help sleep patterns.
This early intervention and support have given mum, Zoya the confidence to address issues that arise for their family and knowledge of local systems. Most importantly she has gained confidence in her ability to be a great parent for her daughter and not become overwhelmed by her Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
*all names have been changed and stock images used
