My experience of Ray of Hope as a mum of two boys age 7 and 10 years.
My eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 6 years after many years of being told that he was a normal boy that I couldn’t control or cope with. This came as a shock but also with relief as I then realised that it wasn’t me being paranoid. Then came the shock of what to do next as there was no support and we were left to get on with it.
I picked up a leaflet telling about the Ray of Hope support group. Being quite shy and quiet myself, I held onto it for ages, not daring to phone or go to a meeting as I didn’t know what to expect. One day I was feeling quite low as I was still coping with my son’s problems at home and at school, I got out the leaflet and thought “It’s now or never!” I phoned the number on it and spoke to a very nice, friendly lady who knew just what I was going through. I said I would go to the next meeting. When the day arrived I was very nervous but I went along and everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Most were in the same situation I was in, trying to cope with all that comes with having children with special needs.
The meetings have helped me so much. I have learned so much from the speakers they have, the books they lend out and just from talking to the other parents. I now feel I can fight for my son and his rights. It’s given me more backbone to stand up for him and his needs at school and in other areas as well. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 8. Because of the strength I found from attending the group, I pushed the doctors when I thought all his problems didn’t link only to ADHD.
I still attend the group 3 ½ years later. There is always something new to learn or hear about and because of the great work they do they support everyone in the family of children with special needs, be it a shoulder to cry on or organising great trips for the families which everyone enjoys (even if they can be a bit stressful!)
I am so glad I plucked up the courage to go and I never looked back. My children and I have made lots of good friends from it and they’re like an extended family now. The children think it’s great as all the kids fit on and don’t stand out like most do in ordinary situations and at school. I would like to say “Thank You” to everyone at Ray of Hope for making me the person I am today due to the help, support and friendship they have given me and my children. To anyone out there reading this who thinks that Ray of Hope could help them, go on, ring up or go to a meeting! I’m sure you will get a lot out of it just like we have!
We like Ray of Hope because we go on trips with them. We have done sponsored walks, swimming, craft days and trips to different seaside places and lots more. We liked Butlins at Skegness best as we stayed there and had lots of fun playing together and have lots of friends there. At Butlins we did swimming and Laser Zone but the best thing was watching the wrestling. It was good and we were all jumping up and down and shouting. It was great and we cannot wait to go again.