A Darlington mum is calling on local businesses to help her create a safe space for SEN families at Christmas.
Kelly Knight, 45, mum and creator of 'Kane's World', is calling on businesses and the people of Darlington to help her set up a Christmas event tailored specifically for SEN children.
Kane's World, named after Kelly's now six-year-old son, who has global developmental delay and is autistic, is a charity set up by the mum to help create dedicated events and a play centre in Darlington after she felt there were not enough options for her in the town.
Yet, before the play centre can be built, Kelly is focusing her time on creating events so families still have a space in Darlington to go to, as she feels there aren't enough events around tailored for SEN children.
Her next big focus is a Christmas event on December 14 from noon to 4pm at Skerne Park Community Centre.
The day will bring SEN families together with festive arts and crafts, party games and food from Meat and Marrow.
Kelly is appealing for local companies to donate costumed characters or sensory toys to help make the day extra special.
Kelly said: "We believe every child deserves a Christmas that feels special - one where their needs are understood and celebrated. For many of our families, Christmas looks a little different, and we’re determined to show that our children can be fully catered for too.
"We’re reaching out to our amazing local businesses and supporters for sponsorship or donations to help make this day as spectacular as possible."
Darlington Lions Club have already said they would help cover the cost of the bouncy castles but they still need help with 'gifts from Santa' that could be sensory and fidget toys for the children as well as arts and crafts supplies and more.
She added: “At our last meet-up event, it was so surreal. It was as if the children knew they were in a safe space, just showing how important all of this is, as there were no tantrums or stress as they were comfortable.
"I think they all acknowledged that they were all the same and felt safe because of that.
"It also helps bring hope to parents who may be finding this journey hard, to see they have this safe space. You can see the weight drop from their shoulders when they don't feel judged and can be surrounded by so many others on the same journey.”
In the past few months, Kelly and her supporters have held ladies' nights, coffee mornings and community events to boost funds and awareness of her project.
Kelly said: “I am keeping busy and focused as it now feels like it's my full-time time unpaid job. I am loving it though, and I understand it takes time, but all this progress is really promising.
"It has all just been so surreal and just a beautiful journey that I can't wait to continue and see my ideas visualised.”
READ MORE:
- Progress in Darlington mum's campaign to make town more inclusive for SEN children
- Darlington mum 'overwhelmed' with support on her mission to create change
- Darlington mum determined to open SEND play centre after finding no local options
- 'Where do we fit in': Darlington mums hit out over lack of SEN resources
Outlining her son's situation, Kelly said earlier this year: “Kane cannot fight for himself as he is non-verbal, so somebody has to fight for him - and that's my job.
"Kane is just a little boy who needs more than what's on offer to him at the moment - he and others deserve that.”
Families and businesses can find out more or get involved through the Kane’s World Facebook page and website or by contacting hello@kanesworldfoundation.org.uk
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