Parents who have experienced the birth of a child with a disability may suffer from depression, anxiety, guilt and isolation. In addition, they may face countless hours trying to access the appropriate health and social care services for their child which in turn can prove exhausting. This project will fill a significant gap in provision by enabling us to gear up dedicated peer mentor volunteers who are parents themselves, able to provide empathy and independence.

To support the disabled children under 5 and their families through peer support, guidance and information. There is very little support available for families who have just had their child diagnosed with a disability and our project is designed to provide regular support through peer volunteering and access to our wide network of organisations and services.

Children aged under 5 who are disabled and/or who have complex health needs receive a co-ordinated, high-quality child and family-centred service based on assessed needs, which promote social inclusion enabling them and their families to experience ordinary lives. We aim to reduce the stress and anxiety of the family unit when coping with the disability of a child aged from birth minimising isolation through peer support and empowering the parents to access the best care and support pathways.