Ohana Parent Support Group

Ohana is a parent initiated, professionally led group offering support and friendship to all families coping with the unique challenge that is involved in raising a child with special educational needs or a disability. Having gained charitable status in 2015, we share our experience of living and working with children with additional needs to bring... positive change to the community. We provide support and activities for families with children with additional needs and disabilities. We are based in Ripon, North Yorkshire and offer a Saturday play club, a parent support group, an online community ("Ohana Parent Support Group" - with over 700 members), a fortnightly swimming group, family trips and inclusive activities during the school holidays. The charity was set up by parents of children with special needs to fill gaps in provision and provide support to families. There is no need to have a diagnosis or an official or professional referral, although we welcome contact with and work alongside other agencies. Our aim is to meet the needs of each family in a way which suits them best. We are all parents ourselves and we believe that by bringing all our knowledge of strategies and therapies that work well together we can help others. It's a safe bet that if we haven't got the right answer, we will be able to put you in touch with someone who will be able to help. "When a parent discovers that their child has a disability of any kind it can be totally devastating for them and they often don't know where to turn for help or advice. At Ohana we have all been through that and come out the other side not only stronger, but much more optimistic. We've accepted that life is going to be different, but not less enjoyable".Read More