Peer support groups for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are offering a lifeline across Wirral, providing a safe space to connect, share experiences and access emotional support.
The groups, launched by Wirral Council in partnership with charities The Positivitree and Koala North West, are held at Family Hubs across the borough and are designed to reduce the isolation often felt by those caring for children with additional needs.
Emily, a regular attendee at the Stay and Play Peer Support Group at Seacombe Family Hub, said: "I felt a bit nervous at first.
"As soon as we walked in, everyone was so welcoming that I felt at home right away.
"My little girl quickly made friends and was having fun in the soft play area.
"It can be lonely when you've got kids that maybe the world doesn't understand very well.
"Having that small corner of people that have your back and tell you what a good job you are doing makes such a difference.
"It's a community that you very much become a part of.
"It's nice to talk to someone that 'gets it'."
The sessions are facilitated by staff and volunteers with lived experience and offer practical advice alongside emotional support.
Emily said: "For me personally, it's important that people know how kind everyone is - not just the people who run the sessions but also the other mums and dad.
"I've walked in and started crying after a horrible morning.
"Straight away one of the other volunteers played with the kids whilst someone made me a drink.
"Everyone is so welcoming."
The peer support groups are open to families of children and young people with SEND or additional health needs, from birth to age 25.
Sessions take place during term time at Family Hubs across Wirral and are free to attend, with no diagnosis or booking required.
An evening online session is also available for those unable to attend during the day.
Full details of session times, locations, and booking information for school holiday sessions can be found on the SENDLO website.