A NEW group has been set up in Holsworthy to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), but to ensure its longevity the group has set up a fundraising page.

Holsworthy SEND information, advice and support group was co-founded by three primary school staff members, Tracey Vickery, Hannah Steadman and Sarah Stroud, who are passionate about supporting those with SEND.

Sarah told the Post: “I am co-founder along with Tracey Vickery and Hannah Steadman and we all work together at a local primary school and have a vast knowledge of SEND and support work with children and families as well as supporting my own children who both have SEND.

“There has been a fantastic response to the group which sadly shows the high level of support that is needed, with members not just from local communities we also have members in Bolton!”

The ladies felt there wasn’t enough support available for children with SEND, so they took action: “Our reason to start this group is because we want the world to change for SEND children, there should be more support in place and parents should be armed with the knowledge they need to be able to support their children.

“I have had to fight for both my children over the last ten years and to some parents not only are they trying to fight for help but they are also trying to support their children who are developing complex needs that as parents they are struggling to understand themselves.”

Holsworthy SEND is working in partnership with DiAS and Devon Parent Carer Voice who have joined forces to support local communities and Hannah and Sarah are both voluntary ambassadors for this joint partnership. Sarah said: “We are able to bring their support to our members.”

Holsworthy SEND provides up to date information on its Facebook group as well as answering questions or providing general guidance if parents are struggling to access support at school or through agencies. Sarah said: “We have our next group meeting on January 22 at Holsworthy Scout hut from 6.30pm to 7.30pm which is a drop in service so we can help, answer questions or just offer an ear and support to those that need it. We will also have information packs available on subjects such as EHCP, Autism, etcetera.”

As an offshoot a special club has been set up, ‘Holsworthy Pirates’. Sarah said: “We do have exciting news, we have started up Holsworthy Pirates which will start at the end of January and is for SEND children who struggle to attend after schools clubs due to their additional needs.”

The Holsworthy Pirates welcomes children aged five to ten years, and will run activities tailor-made for the needs of those attending including sensory, craft, art and sports sessions. These sessions will be run by a vast number of experienced volunteers. Sarah added: “The response to this has been overwhelming as these children (my own included) can not access clubs and groups and there is nothing like our group that is specifically for them and their should be.”

However, with any group there is a cost involved and a JustGiving page has been set up to help fund the cost of hiring venues and purchasing resources. Sarah said: “We have been actively fund raising as sadly hiring of venues and resources for the kid’s club cost money so we have a crowdfunding page, and a couple of local businesses have also been helping but it is something we still need support with.”

To donate and support Holsworthy SEND visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/holsworthysend