The Moira Community Association (MCA) was formed in 2022 following identified needs in the community arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic highlighted the markedly higher levels of social isolation and loneliness experienced within rural/semi-rural communities, particularly with respect to vulnerable populations such as elderly residents and disabilities.
During this period, a group of residents began to address some of the difficulties being experienced, focusing on small scale activities requiring minimal funding, aimed at improving the day to day lives of residents.
It soon became apparent that there were several MCA members who had children with Autism and additional needs. Their lived experiences were all very similar, as a result of experiencing an almost total absence of support for their children and themselves. It was acknowledged that this was a significant area for community focus. As a consequence of this, a decision to take action to address the unmet needs was made, and the group SENcircle was formed.
The SENcircle project aimed to tackle some of the health inequalities for families who have autism and/or additional needs within the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council area, whereby there is an almost total absence of accessibly support services for these families, often resulting in social isolation. The SENcircle project aimed to address; parent-child social isolation and opportunities for children to play, socialise and learn. We aimed to achieve this by establishing a weekly 2-hour group for families which was parent-led. This was a space where children of all ages can play, learn and be themselves. Alongside this, parents and siblings were able to socialize and share information–instead of feeling ‘demoralised and judged’, they would feel understood and empowered. The project addressed early intervention, mental health, social integration, inclusion and loneliness.
We facilitated seasonal crafts (i.e. Halloween, Christmas, Easter etc) promoting engagement between parents/carers and their children. Sensory circuits supported children to adapt to the environment and created opportunities for creative play promoting both social and independent play. Free play promoted choice in their play/learning. The project enabled volunteers to support parents to de-escalate (have a coffee and network with other parents). Special sessions included music therapy (which the children responded very positively to) and a Santa visit to promote inclusion in seasonal activities.
The feedback from SENcircle indicates that parents felt that they were able to socialise in a safe and secure environment, with other parents who understood and experienced the challenges we face as parents with children who have additional needs. The feedback also indicated that parents felt that the environment promoted inclusion, engagement and support in a non-judgmental environment. The uptake in these sessions evidenced the need for continuation with this project, particularly as we established a core set of families who attended every week.
" The weekly get togethers that SENcircle currently run are fantastic -both for myself and my kids. Its a unique opportunity to network with parents of SEN children while our kids have a safe and fun environment to socialise in! It has become part of our weekly routine, we all really look forward to it each Friday" (Ashlee, Mother of two)
"SENcircle has made such a difference to my son and I's life. I look forward to it every week as it has been such a support to me being with other parents who understand & care. I love how are kids can just be themselves& we all embrace. It's such a calm and safe environment that our children need. Honestly my fav place to go and J loves it. We appreciate you and all you do." Catherine (Mother of one)
In discussions with our local MLA we have highlighted the inequalities children face in our community and the lack of resources and absence of services. We have been proactive in challenging local politicians to take action; we have also engaged with parents on some of the processes that children face (i.e. SEN statementing process) and how to best advocate for the rights of the children to a fair and equal education.
“The Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme has enabled our community project to significantly enhance the day-to-day lives of children who are marginalised and largely hidden in society. The support we have received from Elevate has helped us develop as a group with the intent to create our own charity which solely focuses on addressing the significant health inequalities for children who have additional needs.”
