An FSW practitioner recently closed involvement with a family in Bexhill following a very positive outcome. The family consists of mother, father, their 14-year-old daughter Lauren, and their 9-year-old son Daniel.
At the point of referral, Daniel was not attending school. He has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and a muscle-wasting condition, and he is an ambulatory wheelchair user. His primary school had been unable to meet his physical access and mobility needs, which resulted in him being out of education.
The FSW practitioner worked closely with Mum to explore alternative local primary schools that may have been able to meet Daniel’s needs; however, no suitable placements were identified. We subsequently initiated the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. Mum demonstrated significant resilience and determination throughout what proved to be a lengthy and challenging process. She accessed additional support from a SEN specialist to strengthen the application and ensure that Daniels’s needs were clearly evidenced.
Following a prolonged period of over a year out of education, Daniel was successfully placed in a specialist school setting. He has now settled well, is enjoying school, and is accessing additional physiotherapy within the provision, which appropriately supports both his educational and physical development needs.
During this period, the FSW practitioner also introduced Mum to Amaze, an organisation supporting families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Both Mum and Daniel engaged positively with the service, attending events and accessing ongoing guidance and peer support. This helped to reduce isolation and provided practical and emotional support during a particularly stressful time.
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The family is now in a much more stable position. Daniel is thriving in an appropriate educational setting, and Mum has channelled her experience into becoming a volunteer befriender with Amaze, offering support to other parents navigating similar challenges. This reflects the family’s resilience and the positive progress achieved.
FSW at Arlington Bluebell Walk
Join Us for the Arlington Blue Bell Walk!
Friday 17th April | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We’d love to see as many of our supporters as possible, so bring your family and friends along! This walk is not only a wonderful way for our charity to be noticed by new potential supporters, but it’s also a fantastic fundraising opportunity. All profits from lunch and refreshments will go directly to FSW.
Other Events in April
Choir&Ko Fundraising Concert for FSW | Saturday 18th April | 2pm
Each garden is unique and well worth a visit, so come along to as many as you like. FSW will be serving teas and cakes, with all profits going directly to support our work with families in Sussex.
For more details, please visit the Events page on our website.
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Open Gardens: The Old Rectory Each garden is unique and well worth a visit, so come along to as many as you like. FSW will be serving teas and cakes, with all profits going directly to support our work with families in Sussex. For more details, please visit the Events page on our website to see each Open Garden individually. |
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We had a wonderful weekend at Dalesdown, with 10 families staying and 3 more joining us on Saturday, all enjoying our Spring Festival theme.
Friday evening was full of fun with a quiz and bingo, though excitement meant a late night for many! On Saturday, a local farmer visited with four lambs, giving the children a chance for cuddles and photos to take home. We also enjoyed candy floss and a relaxing “Sound Bath” session for parents.
The evening disco was a highlight, with dressing up, dancing, and plenty of laughter. After a busy day, everyone slept much better!
Sunday included more activities like treasure hunts, biscuit decorating, and creating a Spring banner to take to Arlington for the Bluebell Walk.
The kitchen team kept everyone well fed, and everyone had a great time!
“Being able to come [to Dalesdown] has given me a safe space to get my head together and make a plan. I have been fed and allowed to rest, and been around people who have listened and showed they care. I feel reassured that FSW practitioners will be there for me, even though I am moving, they will help me access the right services and I know I have help on the end of the phone. “
- FSW Parent
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