A MUM from Christchurch has set up a group so youngsters with needs and disabilities can take part in play sessions at venues in a quieter environment.

Emily Sutton, whose five-year-old son Jenson has physical disabilities, set up the Facebook group Special Needs Fun for Everyone a few months ago.

Through the group, Emily organises and advertises exclusive sessions at selected venues and recently contacted indoor skate park Ramp Rats on Ringwood Road in Poole and arranged the first ever play session for disabled children at the venue.

Jenson enjoyed riding his balance bike at Ramp Rats but struggled when it was busy and noisy, and Emily said this could often cause him to collide with other children due to a lack of awareness of the space around him.

Emily said: “I was also aware of friends of Jenson's who have accessed Ramp Rats with their wheelchairs and specialist trikes, but for similar reasons, despite the children loving the venue, it can often be a difficult outing to put into practice.

“Other parents with autistic children have different challenges involving sensory and behavioural issues which makes mainstream sessions at the skate park untenable.”

The first two-hour session at Ramp Rats took place in July and it is hoped other similar events will take place.

The Dorset Children's Foundation has offered to pay for future events so that families can access the sessions free of charge.

Emily said: “The owners and staff were incredibly understanding of our rationale and were very keen to play a part in enriching the lives of our special needs community.

“The session was attended to full capacity, and the children, and their siblings, enjoyed a glorious private session trying out their various two, three and four-wheeled vehicles on the ramps.”

To find out more about the group, visit facebook.com/groups/329393014251646