Real Family Story: Haven Group
Mum and youngest child have been coming to one of our Haven Groups since November. They had recently moved to the area as they had been made homeless. Mum was struggling to find groups suitable for her youngest, who is 4 years old, as he has a diagnosis of Autism and other health conditions. He has been diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) because in his short life he has had many medical interventions that have been traumatic to him. He suffers from severe reflux which resulted in him needing an operation to his stomach. He is also tube fed and suffers from ARFID (an eating disorder) as a result of the reflux. He also has hypermobility and has separation anxiety disorder. All these needs means that he struggles in a larger play group setting. Mum is also supporting her daughter who has severe anxiety and a possible autism diagnosis. Mum also worries about her partner as he has recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Our Haven Group provides a safe space where Mum can have a cup of tea and a friendly chat without judgement and her son can be himself.
