Darlington Parents Decry Shortage of Special Needs Resources

Parents in Darlington are struggling with SEND services. Some are even quitting work to care for their kids. They say there aren’t enough safe, social places in town, forcing them to ask, “Where do we fit in?”

Kelly Knight, a mom of four, feels this deeply. Her son, Kane, is five and has developmental delays, and he is also on the autism pathway. Kelly feels there’s a lack of opportunities for children like Kane.

Because Kane cannot speak for himself, Kelly fights for him. She wants more for Kane and other kids like him, and hopes to inspire others to fight for safe play for every child. To that end, she is creating Kane’s World, an inclusive play area, but sadly, she still needs to find funding for the project.

Helen Farrow has two SEND children. She used private healthcare for diagnoses, noting a gap between childhood and adult services. Helen used to go to Daisy Chain, but a local service would be more accessible for her family.

Helen believes the government should back SEND provisions, as she feels it’s isolating to be a SEND parent. Support groups help parents connect, and her son, Will, loves football, which boosts his confidence.

Will’s coach, Mark Brown, supports him, even giving Will a sportsman award. Helen thinks every SEND child should have this chance, believing that inclusion helps with mental health recovery from disabilities.

Joanne Dixon’s daughter, Isla, has several disabilities. Joanne thinks Darlington has good programs, but also knows more needs to happen. Specific settings would give freedom and safety to children like Isla.

Joanne mentions DASH, but says its sessions are limited. Darlington needs more accessible provisions, which could also help parents connect, finding support and friendship with each other. She wants places like Kane’s World for current children.

Claire Rocks has five kids, three with autism. She uses social media to raise SEND awareness, noting that a stigma still exists in public. Claire also feels the area lacks enough resources to meet the demand.

Claire wants needed support for her children and wants other moms to know they’re not alone. She says it’s hard to explain kids’ actions to others, emphasizing that SEND parents need to support each other and need to make changes for current and future children.