Celebrating Difference project

Parent led training on Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Neurodivergence (ND) in Wales

Contact

Fatiha Ali, Development Officer, Parents Connect Wales

fatiha.ali@childreninwales.org.uk

Celebrating Difference is a parent-led training project in Wales designed to help professionals to better understand children with ALN and ND across Wales.

The training was first developed by Voices4Bettws, a community group of parents in Newport. Voices4Bettws met every three weeks to connect, share experiences and be change-makers within their communities.

These parents have real experience of raising children with ALN/ND, living in communities affected by poverty and trying to get the right support for their children.

In their own words,

"We are very passionate and want to share our experience"

This shaped the idea of a training package for professionals. It was developed to:

  • raise awareness of the reality for children with different needs and their families
  • share practical tips and ideas to support children
  • empower professionals to feel more confident to try new approaches
  • support parents and their child/children to feel more included and understood.

The training was co-produced in partnership with Save the Children Cymru.


Why are we doing this training?

Since the development of the training, the project has received further funding from Welsh Government. Save the Children Cymru and Children in Wales have worked in partnership to expand the training into the areas of Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

They have developed a sustainable train the trainer model that will support parents with lived experience to become trainers in their own communities. These parents can then deliver the training in their own communities.

The project will:

  • help more people understand ALN and ND
  • support parents to share their experiences
  • train parents to become community trainers

Aims of the project

The ‘Celebrating Difference’ project hopes to improve outcomes for children with ALN and ND. This will be achieved by giving parents and professionals the opportunity to:

  • Build trust and stronger relationships
  • Improve communication between families and professionals
  • Reduce stigma, judgement and bias
  • Strengthen support for children and families
  • support children to feel included and understood

Parents are ‘experts by experience’ in their own lives. By having their experiences at the heart of the programme, professionals can understand what children and families really need.