Help for children who struggle in summer holidays

The children have a wide variety of toys and games to play with

A support group is running weekly sessions to help neurodivergent children cope with the added pressures of the summer holidays.

Group founder Sarah Coy said the sudden lack of routine and an increase in crowds could cause children with autism and ADHD to become overwhelmed.

She said she set up the group when she realised that parents like her with neurodivergent children needed extra help.

"I wanted a support group that I could take my children to, so that I wasn't judged, they weren't judged and everyone understood what was going on," she said.

The group aims to provide a safe space for children and their parents

The group is open to all and, since starting 18 months ago, 50 parents have signed up.

The group meets year-round in term time for children who are home educated but now continues during the school holidays.

Jo started taking her seven-year-old son Jake to the group to help him through the summer holidays.

She said lots of holiday activities were very noisy and overwhelming for neurodivergent children, but the group provided structure.

Puzzles, games, bubble machines, building blocks and arts and crafts are some of the activities for children

Puzzles, games, bubble machines, building blocks, and arts and crafts are all on offer and they have monthly themes which help children learn about different topics.

Ms Coy said: "There is always some hidden learning in there, but they don't know that."

Jake said he really enjoys coming along, "I just get to play and see my friends".

His friend Charlie, who is also seven, said: "I like coming here because it's calming and I can do stuff".