"We are getting stuck in and making the change": Moray ASN parent group wins "fight" for summer activities
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MORAY parents of children with additional support needs (ASN) overcame a “real point of desperation” to organise summer holiday activities for their children.
The more than 300-strong Moray ASN Parent/Carer Action Group successfully fought to secure ice-skating and soft play sessions for children with ASN, which began on July 17.
Speaking to the Scot last week, three action group members told the story of their campaign and laid out future plans.
Reaching out directly to Moray Leisure Centre after “slow pace” discussions with Moray Council and NHS Grampian, co-founder Lauren Clark said: “It was clear we were never going to get help from Moray Council.”
The members agreed it had been “a fight” to get Moray Leisure Centre to agree to host the sessions.
The soft play and taster ice-skating sessions have also been joined by specific ASN events at Elgin childcare centre Fika.
Birnie resident Lauren, whose daughter Lola (7) has cerebral palsy, set up the group along with old school friend Charlotte Hardie, who lives in Elgin, in March this year.
Charlotte’s son Bailey (8) is autistic and non-verbal.
Based around a Facebook group and in-person meetings, the group argued that “massive” problems face Moray ASN children throughout education, social care and health.
NHS Grampian and Moray Council must fix the difficulties affected families face, according to the group, who have pushed for meetings with senior leadership.
The campaign for more ASN school holiday activities children grew out of a “real point of desperation”, said the mums.
Charlotte added: “We just want facilities and activities for our children to be involved in.
“So they can have fun like other children.”
Other possible hosts have also been contacted, and the parents said organisations often do not realise they will provide their children one-to-one supervision, so no extra staff should be required – and could generate considerable cash.
In total, the “super motivated” Moray ASN Parent/Carer Action Group has 313 members, united by their tough experiences supporting their children.
Lauren said: “It is amazing. And it has just grown and grown.”
The group’s last meeting saw 23 people, passionate about improving the lives of ASN families, attend.
“If I didn’t have these ladies, I don’t know what I do,” Charlotte said.
“We all have children with disabilities, we all have challenges, we all need support and we all need a friend that understands.”
Lauren said: “It is an action group, but naturally it is a support group too.
“By coming, you’re making friendships and there are familiar faces.
“We’re chatting and having a blether, going through our experiences.”
She added: “But, ultimately, we are getting stuck in and making the change.
“If we don’t do it, nobody is going to do it – even if our children might not initially benefit from the change we’re fighting for.
“But we can try and prevent other families and other children having to go through the trauma that we’ve gone through.”
“There are so many parents out there too scared to come forward,” Charlotte said.
“If we can do it for them, we can make a difference.
“There is a gap in the system everywhere, in every service and every situation.
“And we are going to fill them.”
Marking the group’s success in organising the sessions, Charlotte said: “This time next year, we’ll look back and be proud of ourselves for what we’ve done, all while looking after our children 24 hours a day.
“And hopefully next year there will be so many activities that we will be so busy.
“We will never have a day off from activities.”
A Moray Council spokesperson said: “The Head of Education (Chief Education Officer) has assumed responsibility for ASN and the current ASN review from June 2023.
"There will be a period of reflection and review of the current position and planning next steps.
"Engaging with parents will be part of key work moving forwards and in this regard we will be in touch in due course where we will value their input.”
Responding to parents’ concerns, NHS Grampian said: “Our teams work extremely hard to deliver the very best care they can."
To learn more, search Facebook for: Moray ASN Parent/Carer Action Group or email: morayasngroup@hotmail.com
