Dens of Equality

Dens of Equality was set up a local group of parents to help provide childcare for children with autism after they identified a chronic lack of such services.  It now works with chhildren with Asperger syndrome, learning disabilities, Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It also works with asylum seekers and young Black boys. The group was then awarded money through the Local Network Fund for a professional to pick children up from school and provide childcare at the local Sure Start centre.

The group has since gone on to work with a local leisure centre, which has also recruited extra staff. This has meant an extra 74 children can use its facilities, a third of whom have special needs.

Laura Watts, development manager at the organisation, says it has so far worked with 12 parent-led groups, which it helps to set up as voluntary organisations. "Services are obliged to meet the needs of children with statements. But it doesn't matter to us if children have a statement or not. If someone is saying a child is not engaging then our doors are open."

Parents are in charge of the group's direction, but the organisation provides training and support and helps them to begin and continue fundraising.

Read more at: www.cypnow.co.uk/news/627609/Inside-story-Dens-Equality