Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in | Become a Member - no adverts Manage My Membership | Log out
Menu
  • News
    • Business
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Group for children with additional learning needs celebrates first anniversary

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 15:19, Tuesday October 8th, 2019.
Volunteers, parents and children at the Sparrows ALN session in Ystrad Mynach

A group for children with additional learning needs is celebrating its one-year anniversary today – Tuesday, October 8.

Sparrows ALN Group is for children with all kinds of learning difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as their parents and families.

The group offers a variety of sessions across Caerphilly County Borough and further afield.

Sam Rouse, Deborah Lloyd, Hefin David AM, Katy Lloyd and Maria Williams with children at the Sparrows group

Activities include soft play in Ystrad Mynach and swimming in Cefn Fforest, as well as cycling in Crosskeys, therapy farm visits in Penybryn and more.

The group, which relies on donations, is run by a team of six unpaid volunteers – Deborah Lloyd, Sam Rouse, Katy Lloyd, Ffian Lewis, Maria Williams and Louisa Mathews.

Sparrows founder and vice chair Deborah Lloyd said: “We wanted to start Sparrows because there was nothing specific for younger children in the area.

“We were encouraged by parents and felt we had nothing to lose.”

Ms Lloyd added: “Most of the children here have Autism, but all children with disabilities and their siblings are welcome.

“It’s like one big family. The children here are my little fledglings,” said Ms Lloyd, whose six-year-old grandson, Zack, was diagnosed with autism when he was two-years-old.

Sparrows founder Deborah Lloyd’s grandson, Zack, who is the inspiration behind the group

“These children need understanding and so do their parents. People can sometimes judge autistic children as being misbehaved, which is wrong.

“It’s just as important for parents too. It gives them the chance to talk about issues and share their experiences with each other.

“It’s a very informal setting here, nobody is obliged to turn up to every session.”

Sparrows founder Deborah Lloyd with children at the soft play session

Vice chair Ms Rouse said: “It’s nice to have a place where the children are not judged.

“Most parents and children have been with us since the beginning. Everyone knows everyone here.”

Rhian Wagstaffe, whose five-year-old son has autism and is part of the group, said: “Sparrows saved my sanity over the summer. If it wasn’t for Sparrows, we would have been stuck in the house for six weeks.”

Hefin David AM also attends the sessions with his four-year-old daughter, who has autism.

Dr David AM said: “It’s great to be able to come here and share experiences with other parents and support each other.

“Debs and the committee are so open and welcoming that even if you visit just once, you always want to go back.

“I’m really proud to be able to wear my Sparrows t-shirt.”

Deborah Lloyd

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Proposed development at land off Chestnut Close, MachenThursday, March 23, 2023
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, March 9, 2023
  • Development of National Significance: Manmoel Common Wind FarmFriday, February 24, 2023
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesFriday, February 24, 2023
© 2009-2022 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Britannia House, Caerphilly Business Park, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.