Children’s play sessions return in time for summer

Coping with CHAOS, the children’s service provided by Diverse Abilities, has returned to Dorset for the summer holidays with social distancing rules in place.

Guidelines have been put in place across the service, including social distancing, hand sanitising stations, forehead thermometers, assigned seating areas for parents, and allocated groups for children according to existing friendships and interests.

In the build up to the session, the team held comprehensive Facebook Live question and answer sessions and shared pictures of how the building now looks to help prevent any additional anxiety for the children it supports.

The play sessions are a vital lifeline for parents of children with special education needs; providing a chance for children to socialise, for parents to meet others in the same situation, and to support the whole family with advice and guidance.

Clare Rochford, children’s team manager, commented: “We are so pleased that we have been able to restart the play sessions just in time for the summer holidays. These are so vital in any normal year during the break, so given that many of these families have dealt with challenging home schooling situations over the past few months, it is great to be able to provide them with some much needed respite and support.”

In order to access Coping with CHAOS play sessions, families must first register by calling 01202 718238 or emailing chaos@diverseabilities.org.uk to find out more.