A SOMERSET community interest company formed by parent carers has hosted its first family day for children and young people since before the pandemic.
Over 350 people attended the Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC's family day for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on Tuesday, August 9.
Attendees were greeted by two special guests, Peppa Pig and Buzz Lightyear, at Compton Dundon Village Hall.
The event provided a safe spaces for children with additional needs to be themselves without judgement from others.
It also gave parents the chance to meet others in similar circumstances and receive information that can help them.
One parent said: “We had a great time. The staff were on hand to help, and I didn't at any point feel judged.
“The children got lots of freebies, and the adult self-care pack was such a treat.”
Ruth Hobbs, CEO of the Somerset Parent Carer Forum, explained: “We put on these events for families as we know how hard it can be for families with children with additional needs to get out and do things.
“Often, they are worried about how they will be judge by the community if their child is unable to cope and this provides them a safe space where they can relax and enjoy being a family.”
For more information about the community interest company, visit somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk.
Gallery: Somerset Parent Carer Forum's family fun day in Compton Dundon
The event provided a safe space for families. Pictures: Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC
It was the forum's first post-Covid event since before the pandemic began.
There were plenty of games and activities on offer.
The forum works with Somerset County Council and the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group to improve its understanding of SEND needs in Somerset.
The Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC was founded in 2016.
Children and young people with additional needs were free to enjoy themselves without judgement from others.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here