Inverclyde mums set up ASN Support Group to help parents

They recently ran two hugely successful sessions introducing the parent carer group which they hope will create a community, break down barriers and bring about real change.

Together Chelsea Stewart, Monica Jackson, Elizabeth McKay and Heather Reid shared their own experiences and their determination to help other people.

Now they hope that through the Inverclyde ASN Support Group there is a chance to make a real difference and improve the life chances of all their children.

Heather Reid, who has been a driving force for change locally and nationally, said: "We had so many mums coming along, we had to have two separate sessions.

"We want to get a positive message across and to help people understand additional support needs better.

"There are no two children with additional support needs who are the same, we all experience different points of view and different barriers.

"But we all face similar experiences when dealing with health and education services. We want to learn more about what is already in place and what gaps we need to fill."

Mum-of-two Heather, from Port Glasgow, has a daughter Ella-Rose who is about to start Craigmarloch School.

She was joined by Gourock mum Monica, who has two sons Luca, seven, who is at St Ninian's Primary and Mattia, five, who attends Craigmarloch.

Her youngest son has Syngap1 Syndrome, which is a complex set of disabilities and learning needs. Teacher Monica said: "What we are trying to do is give other mums confidence.

"It can be a very lonely and isolating experience when you have children with disabilities. You have to find ways to navigate the system and it is not always easy.

"Your life changes completely as well. I am now a full time mum."

Mum-of-three Chelsea is from Wemyss Bay and her eldest son Logan, five, has Charge Syndrome. She has two younger children Isla, four, and Jack, ten months.

Chelsea said: "I have lost friends over the years but I have also made lots of new ones. It can be such a struggle on your own and we don't want anyone to be on their own.

"I have become really good friends with our speech and language therapist. She told me about the plans for this group and I thought it was great idea."

Mum-of-three Elizabeth McKay, of Port Glasgow, has two children on the autistic spectrum, one in mainstream school and another in a communications unit.

Elizabeth said: "My sons are very different. My eldest Jordan is 13 and is at the Stella Maris unit in Notre Dame High. David is 10 and is at St Michael's.

"My six-year-old Sebastian is getting assessed as well. I was asked to come on board because of my experiences in both mainstream school and in communication units.

"I think what is most important is that we are all there to support one another."

All those coming along to the group were asked to write down their experiences and priorities, what they would like from the group.

They will now look at how to take it forward.