Hi my name is Anne-Marie - PPF Member's Parent – We have been looking for an age appropriate social group for our son for many years, without success, finally I came across PPF. This group has made such a difference to my son’s life. It gives him something to look forward to and makes him feel good about himself. All the members are friendly and it has enabled him to mix with young adults of a similar age in a safe environment. Jane and Shelley are particularly welcoming, friendly and fun people, that instantly put my son at ease. They go above and beyond, even catering for his dietary needs when snacks are provided. We are really pleased that we have finally found a group where my son is comfortable and can be independent from us.

Hi my name is Amy (Joshua's Mum) – I would like to say a huge huge thank you for inviting Josh and I to the PPF movie night! Josh said he has never felt so welcome by a group of people. He was blown away by how kind and welcoming everyone was, and how they were so similar to himself! The hugs Josh received when we left were actually a massive deal for him, he's never been hugged by someone who isn't family before, and he was smiling all the way home! It was lovely to chat with Jane and Shelley, to meet like minded, non judgemental people was an eye-opener for me, it made me realise maybe I'm not doing as bad as I think I am and other people have been through very similar experiences. I have woken up feeling a like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders! I can't thank you enough, or explain how much one evening has lifted us!

Hi my name is Sharon – Jane is a therapist I would highly recommend. Our daughter recently had an ASD assessment (second one), I was very anxious about going after the first time. I didn't need to be - Jane took on all my stress and anxiety and was nothing short of fantastic. I truthfully couldn't have done it all without the knowledge and support of Jane. Jane really does go above and beyond and is a therapist that genuinely cares.

Hi my name is Emily – Sometimes someone comes into your life at such a crucial time, that it's obviously meant to be...fate. Jane is that person. What a wonderful caring lady she is. The support, guidance, advice, help and empathy that we, as a family, have been given has changed our lives for the better. We couldn't see a way forward, how to cope, any future. Now we can. No words can ever repay our gratitude. So we'll simply say Thank You!

Hi my name is S – As a Mum of an adult with mild ASD, physical and learning disabilities I felt completely unsupported until we very recently discovered Positive Path Foundation. Having spent the last 21 years being told our son doesn’t seem to fit in with the usual support on offer as he is too high functioning, we were at a loss and our son felt isolated with low self esteem. Our son just wants to feel like other 21 year olds and be able to gain valuable life experiences but hasn’t been able to achieve this until now. He felt listened to and safe at the social gathering we attended. I was able to meet other parents and gain their thoughts on services available for future employability, benefits and housing. This was a very emotional experience for me as a parent and the knowledge founder Jane shared was so appreciated. For the first time ever our son felt “ heard” and that he belonged somewhere. Jane and Shelley instantly make everyone feel welcome and equal, you can see how well they support the members who appear to be thriving in the relaxed environment they create. I think there is a way to go to make my son feel completely comfortable with the group but they are doing all they can to welcome him and the activities on offer are varied and appropriate. With huge gratitude to this fabulous charity that has already transformed our lives for the better and given us hope for the future.

Hi my name is Connor – I have felt so happy that I joined PPF and I felt very welcome from Jane and Shelley and the PPF family when I started. I am already making some new friends and also signed up for a lot of the events that are available. Jane and Shelley are ever so lovely and very supportive as well and I met lots of lovely people in the family. I am so delighted that I found this organisation.

Penelope, Connor's Mum - I thought we would never find an adult social group that was appropriate for our son Connor. Luckily we have discovered PPF (through their partnership with the Minstead Trust). What a positive discovery! For the first time in many years this feels like a good fit both socially and developmentally for our adult son. He is already making new friends and feels like he belongs. We have been given such a warm and friendly welcome from Jane, Shelley and the PPF 'family' and even though Connor is a new member, he has signed up for nearly every social event on offer, including the residential next May! We feel so fortunate to have found this organisation and would highly recommend it.

Hi my name is Michael

Judy, Michael 's Mum - Our son Michael has been a member of Postive Path Foundation for 16 months and we wish we had known about it years ago. This group has enabled Michael to meet socially with similar aged people and partake in activities in a safe and encouraging environment. It also allows him to take part in some activities that he would never otherwise have the opportunity to do. As parents we wish to personally express our many thanks to Jane and Shelley for their continued commitment and dedication to this group.

Hi my name is Sam (H & L's Mum) – I wanted to say thank you so much for everything you’ve done for L, H and myself. Before I contacted you we had been through nearly three years of the most difficult times of our life. Both the girls were suffering extreme anxiety and depression. They were both self harming and had made attempts to take their lives, resulting in hospital admissions. Even with all of this we had no support. I was phoning CAMHS on a daily basis begging them to help. However apparently even after H's three day stay in hospital after an overdose she was classed as low risk of harming herself. There were nights I was afraid to leave my teenage daughters in their rooms unsupervised. I was in a difficult relationship with my partner and had to deal with this on my own. This didn’t help the girls anxiety. Both girls had to leave school in their final exam years (one GCSE’s the other A level’s) up until their mental health deteriorated they had both been A grade students. However the situation was so desperate, removing them from school to stop them harming themselves was the only option. Exams suddenly were unimportant (although not to the girls unfortunately). Subsequently after two years I went private (still waiting over 6 months) and H was diagnosed with ASD, anxiety and depression. However we still had no support and no idea who to go to for help, either NHS or private, we just didn’t know what we needed. I felt totally useless, like I was failing my girls and absolutely petrified I would wake up one day and they wouldn’t be there. This has all severely affected my mental health and resulted in me also suffering with anxiety and depression. I then came across The Positive Path Foundation. But more importantly Jane. From the first time I called Jane she gave up over an hour to speak to me, I felt a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Jane has offered immense support to all three of us. She has been there for H at all hours. Prior to meeting Jane, H refused to speak to any professionals. She got her to open up at the first meeting. I asked H why she felt she could talk to Jane and she said that she didn’t ask her the same silly questions all the others did eg. ‘ How do you feel on a scale of 1-10’ ‘if I could change one thing in your life what would it be’ She feels very comfortable with Jane, I would say from what I saw in our joint session that H feels listened to by her. Other professional counsellors I’ve taken the girls to have always made them feel uncomfortable. They have also dealt only with the girls and stated what they talk about is confidential so have had no involvement with me. Jane's approach is more cohesive. With H's permission she's involved all of us, suggesting alternative ways that we can communicate to reduce tension and conflict. We still have a long way to go, but I feel I now have someone on my side that really cares, primarily for L and H, but also for us all. I now feel there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Jane's understanding and explanation of autism and behaviour and how we all need to make changes in order to communicate and live happier lives, is amazing. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, but mostly for helping H, listening to her, hearing her and supporting her. Keep up the good work, there are so many children suffering when they don’t need to.

Hi my name is Anonymous - (Mum) – I was recommended to call Jane Atkinson at Positive Path Foundation as I was struggling with my 10 year old autistic daughter. She was not attending school due to her anxiety snd lack of support. I was becoming increasingly concerned with her mental health and the process of her transitioning to secondary school. Jane has helped my daughter and our family beyond anything I could imagine. She has been helping my daughter gain confidence, earn coping strategies, friendship skills and build her self-esteem. Jane has also been a huge support to the rest of the family as we were struggling before. She has supported us with my daughter's annual review and liaises with her school and SEN. My daughter has grown very close to Jane and sees her as a constant in her life. I can't thank Jane enough for all she has done and continues to do!

Hi my name is Amanda (Mum) – My daughter had struggled throughout school with a late diagnosis of ASD in Yr10. This journey has been emotionally and mentally exhausting unlike no other. It seemed clear there was nowhere to go, no-one to turn to, no genuine help available to us. As a parent, I felt completely overwhelmed, alone and rock bottom. Until one day, a friend suggested I contact Jane Atkinson at Positive Path Foundation. I will never forget the phone call I made that day. Jane understood everything I said. Jane has been amazing and changed our families lives forever. We have been given the chance to live and enjoy life again without the fear and worry we once felt. Positive Path Foundation has helped give my daughter and the whole family our lives back. Thank you Jane xx

Hi my name is Elaine (Mum) – Since making contact with Jane Atkinson at Positive Path Therapy she has been an instant and incredible support. I am a single mum battling a system not designed to offer the right support for neurodivergent children. Jane first and foremost gave me the confidence to believe that things will be ok. She has stepped in with school SENCO and the local authority and has got an EHCP application in process and escalated. She has spent time helping me fill in a much needed DLA form. She has organised parent support groups which have been invaluable. She has also met my son and is now offering alternative provisions and therapy to help him return to education. Without Jane, my son and I would still be in a very stressful situation.

Hi my name is George – I am so happy that my Mum set up Positive Path Foundation as I have made lots of wonderful friends. I have so much fun at all of the PPF events and workshops. I regularly meet up with my best buddy Josh and my other friends to hang out, go to sporting events, eat out and go to the movies. I love being a team leader and helping new members settle in. Shelley, who works at PPF is like the big sister I never had, she is loads of fun and really caring. I can't thank my Mum enough for making this possible.

Hi my name is Katie – Words cannot describe the way Positive Path Foundation has changed my life, becoming a member is the best thing I have ever done and made my life so much better. I have made best friends and friends for life; it’s given me the social life that I never thought was possible. Jane and Shelley are amazing! Katie xxx

Hi my name is Chris – I'm a member of Positive Path Foundation!

Helen, Chris's Mum - Chris joined Positive Path not long after it launched. Since then, he has had the opportunity to have a social life and make friends, attend events he would not otherwise be able to do and become more independent, outgoing, sociable and confident. Not only does Chris get to enjoy himself, he gets to feel like he ‘belongs’ to society. This feeling of belonging cannot be underestimated. It is vital for our young people to have something to look forward to, particularly post-Covid, when everything was put on hold. Jane provides a fantastic space for this to happen with young people who do not get this opportunity unless someone steps in. Jane and Shelley make it happen! The variety of events are fantastic. Everything from escape rooms, to boat trips, archery, bowling, pub nights and meals out, BBQs, movie nights, laser quest – a particular favourite of Chris’s – they do it all! They are upbeat, positive, always striving to make the members’ lives better, always working towards enabling members to feel included, and worthy of having fun. We recently attended a drama production – written and produced by Jane and Shelley. Although Chris was not in the production (his choice) my husband and I were so impressed with the outgoing confident, smiling faces which met us on stage. It was a joy to watch! Drama is a great way to help anyone overcome shyness and lack of confidence and self-esteem. This is so beneficial to members in lots of different ways and can help them secure job interviews at a later date. We would be lost without Positive Path!

Hi my name is Josh – I have been a member of the Positive Path Foundation now since it very first started all the back in late 2019. I attended the very first event which happened at the end of January 2020 and I can vividly remember how much fun it was and how it was super refreshing to meet new people and engage in a really supportive environment with the wonderful Jane and Shelley at hand to oversee and run the events with superb accuracy at involving everyone and making sure we have the best time ever. From that very first event it then got even more exciting as the membership list gradually started grow and grow and it went from strength to strength in terms of the charity being able to put on more exciting events like disco nights and trips to the zoo and bowling and not to mention the crazy golf which is always popular with the members. Since 2021 the charity has put on a weekend away residential somewhere with great activities on offer and a lot of fun and laughter to be had with the PPF Family. I've especially benefited and enjoyed the opportunity to get away from home and to forget about all my worries and troubles happening for a couple of day's. I can honestly say that without this charity in my life and without the connections and the people I've made friend's with my life would be drastically different today in a way that honestly I don't think I'd be able to cope socially around people because I'd be too anxious, worried and overwhelmed to think about surrounding myself with new people. It's honestly brought me out of my shell massively and given me a huge surge of confidence boosting into a lot of areas in my life where I massively needed it. Without the Positive Path Foundation I would simply not have made it through the pandemic because of the mental strain it was having on me and how badly it was affecting me. The lockdowns especially were difficult however through zoom calls upon which we did bingo it did manage to help me not feel so alone. Even just being able to meet up with Jane and her amazing incredible son George for whom she set up the charity so he could feel included socially and mix with people his age who would understand his autism. Just being able to meet up with Jane and George for some socially distanced walks in the new forest helped massively as restrictions eased. Me and George as time went on began to strike up a very good friendship so much so that we are now besties and chat everyday on WhatsApp or text. Having George as a bestie is amazing because he can cheer me up instantly on a really bad day and also Jane and Shelley are super supportive to me when I'm having a really low and down day. Through this charity I've manged to make friend's with super nice and caring people who I feel are friend's for life. This charity has saved my life in many way's and it can transform so many lives if it can get the necessary funding to grow bigger and bigger. I've had some incredible opportunities because I was made a members team leader which is a position I am honoured and privileged to upheld. It means that I support new members and help them settle in. It's great that Jane and Shelley have full confidence in me to be a supportive role to new members who are shy and nervous at events. I will always do what I can to help the charity when they need it. I love my PPF family and it means the absolute world to me to be a part of this. I can see a bright future for the charity and I do believe that it can help massively with the member's mental health and feeling valued and listened to. I hope it can benefit you from reading my testimonial and thanks for taking the time to do that.

Hi my name is Zoe (Mum) – My partner and I contacted Jane Atkinson (Positive Path Therapy) over our concerns about our two young daughters, who were visibly struggling. Jane listened to our our concerns and immediately reassured us that the behaviours and challenges we were seeing were typical of young children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and our experiences are common among parents of ASD kids. Jane has been nothing but kind, helpful and supportive. She has been there as a shoulder to cry on, but more practically also supported our EHCP meetings and phone calls with other professionals. Jane is attending the assessments of our youngest girl to help us obtain the official diagnosis needed for EHCP. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without Jane. The children love her. Jane goes completely out of her way to help us access the support we need by any means possible. In our experience to date, this is a very rare quality. I would highly recommend her. 5 stars from the children! xxx

Hi my name is Emma – My name is Emma Wilson and I am very happy to be a member of Positive Path Foundation (PPF). I have really enjoyed all of the activities and meeting new friends. Jane and Shelley are such nice people and they work really hard to arrange a lot of activities for us to enjoy. I loved the summer camp at Osmington Bay, where we did climbing, archery, rifle shooting, buggy-building and zip-wire. I also enjoyed movie nights, drama, crazy golf, arcade games, laser tag, barbecue, Valentines day and going to the theatre (we saw School of Rock and Beauty and the Beast). Jane and Shelley are such fun and always make me laugh. I am really grateful for the nice new friends that I have made through PPF.

Graham & Janine, Emma's Parents - We relocated to Bournemouth from Dubai in December 2021, primarily to give better opportunities in life to our daughter Emma, who has mild learning disabilities. Almost as soon as we landed, Emma started researching age-appropriate special needs groups to join and discovered that there are very few that cater for young adults over 25. After a few google searches, Emma found out about Positive Path Foundation and told us that this is the group that she wanted to join. She joined within a few days and the first event that she attended was the Christmas Party, where she met lots of people with similar challenges and started to make some new friends. Since then, Emma has attended as many PPF events as she can and made a lot of new friends, some of whom she meets outside of the group. PPF provides a great variety of different events and experiences and a fantastic opportunity for young people with challenges to widen their social network and build confidence in a nurturing and safe environment. Emma especially enjoyed the summer camp at Osmington and performing in the drama production. Being a member of PPF has also helped Emma become a bit more independent with taking public transport, as she frequently catches the train to events with two other PPF members. Jane, Shelley and the rest of the team at PPF are fantastic at what they do and we are very grateful to them for helping Emma settle into life in England so quickly and painlessly. Long live PPF!

Hi my name is Tania (Childminder) – Jane came over to talk to myself and a group of local Childminders as we often feel 'lost' when it comes to supporting children with autism and/or SEND needs, and their families. Her in-depth knowledge and first hand experience was invaluable to us. It was so informative speaking to someone who is just so dedicated to fighting for these children's needs, and their families, as they so desperately need such support to tackle the system to get the best outcomes possible for the child.

Hi my name is Nikki (Mum) – We have been working with Jane from the PPF since January 2022. Our youngest son started Secondary School in September 2021 and was having extreme difficulties adjusting and settling into his new environment. We are presently undertaking an EHCP for him and also an ASC assessment, as the Secondary School identified him as being on the Autistic Spectrum. Initially we were lost as a family, with this diagnosis. We just assumed our son was strong willed and would do things in his own time, which has been the case with most of his development on reflection. There was no indication from Primary School other than in Home Schooling during the Pandemic we struggled to get him to engage with this homework at the time. His behaviour was very extreme with regular meltdowns and crying fits, this was taking place at home and within the school setting. He was withdrawn and wouldn't really interact with us as a family. We had a couple of "parental" sessions initially where we explained our history and then Jane suggested different strategies and techniques to use when he was displaying this type of behaviour in the home setting. The strategies whilst seemed "easy" to implement I knew there would be much resistance from our son.....However Jane was on hand whenever I needed reassurance or someone to talk too...and we committed to them and stuck with it. Within a few weeks of sticking to the new way of parenting; I'm pleased to say the strategies were having a positive affect. Our son is interacting with us happily now. He is more engaged with us as family, and there are less meltdowns too!!! If we do have the odd blip/moment, then I feel confident with how to handle these situations now and for that I will be eternally grateful. We continue to work with Jane, she is supporting us through the EHCP process and helping us liaise with the various Departments this involves. I would 100% recommend Positive Path Therapy.

Hi my name is Fraser – Life has changed for Fraser over the last 6 months since discovering this wonderful charity. He is accepted, acknowledged and appreciated within a group, offered opportunities to socialise, interact and communicate in a safe and age appropriate environment. Jane and Shelley source a mix of fun and engaging activities and events that I can’t replicate at home. He has learn new skills whilst taking part in archery, rock climbing and go karting and built friendships and trust whilst playing team games and sports. Fraser very much looks forwards to the events, always keen to know when the next outing is which gives him a sense of belonging and inclusion. As parents, other than his school days, we provided all his social and leisure activities which were often poorly attended due to his isolation within the community and his peers. He is thriving within his new found group, talking about ‘my friends’ which is heartwarming to hear. We drop him off in the capable hands of Jane and Shelley knowing he will have a fantastic time, which also allows us some hours of respite and a break. I wholeheartedly recommend Positive Path Foundation for the exceptional service they provide and the productive impact it has had on our lives - Georgi, Fraser's mum

Hi my name is Jay – I found out about positive path last year and thought I would give it a go and I am so glad I did. I love meeting new friends of all ages and always look forward to the next trip . Since starting I have been on a boat trip, crazy golf, bowling, quiz night with dinner, beach games but most of all going to see a show.

Lynn, Jay's Mum - I am so happy Jay's school put me in touch with PPF. Jay has met some lovely friends. He always looks forward to going and Jane and Shelly are so lovely. It’s like one big family!

Hi my name is Sam Cole – A brilliant group of people who I have developed strong relationships with that has changed my life forever!

Lin, Sam Cole's Mum - Since Sam joined Positive Path, he has increased his friendships & has become more outgoing. It has made him more independent & given him more confidence. Jane & her team are amazing & really look out for all the members & their individual needs. Such an amazing find for our family!!

Hi my name is Charlotte Rimmington – I love and enjoy being part of the Positive Path Family as everyone is so kind, and we all look after each other as a family. I enjoy going on trips and spending time with everyone. Jane and Shelley are both so kind, caring and such lovely ladies welcoming me into the positive path family group when I joined making me feel like I am part of the positive path family and they make sure everyone in the group is ok. Positive Path Foundation has helped me by giving me the confidence to make new friends my age like my best friend Katie and my friend Tyra who I enjoy meeting up with.

Jane, Charlotte Rimmington's Mum - We heard about the Positive Path Foundation from a friend who had seen an article about Jane Atkinson who started this wonderful group. Our beautiful daughter, who we are intensely proud of, despite being on the autistic spectrum with mild learning disabilities has carved a life for herself, earning her own money, driving her own car and taking part in activities outside the home, including line dancing and rock climbing! However, finding friends her own age and on the same wavelength that she could have a social life with has not always been easy and most of her time at school was marred by unkindness and bullying. Well, that is the case no longer thanks to Positive Path Foundation. She now has some very good friends, including a couple of lovely girls and a new best friend that she is constantly messaging and has been shopping and out to lunch with independently of the group and they have future trips already planned! Positive Path Foundation has made a difference to our daughter’s life in a very ‘positive’ way, which is exactly what the group is all about – building confidence, enabling friendships to develop and seeing young people blossom all within a caring and nurturing environment. Thank you Jane, Shelley and the gang at PPF!

Hi my name is Chris – I enjoy going to the Positive Path events and the people are nice, especially Jane

Charlotte, Chris 's Mum - Chris has gained a great deal since joining Positive Path Foundation. Unfortunately there is a great gap in social opportunities for higher functioning adults like Chris. Many of the available social groups have an upper age limit of 25 and the ones for the over 25’s are accessed by profoundly disabled adults with physical and challenging emotional needs. Chris has a broad range of issues and an acute language and communication learning disability. Chris is however very bright and has no physical disabilities. Before Positive Path Foundation was formed, Chris was extremely isolated and lonely. As his brothers and sisters have grown up and flown the nest, his self esteem has plummeted. The current pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. Jane and her wonderful team have been a ray of sunshine and Chris has blossomed. Because Positive Path Foundation is so transparent and well organised, we as a family have been able to support Chris in gaining a little more independence. A great deal of thought has gone into the very user friendly website, making it easy for Chris to select social events for himself. Jane and her team are hugely committed to keeping us as parents in the loop, whilst still facilitating Chris’s early steps into making his own decisions safely. The outings and events are well thought out and Chris gains hugely from being able to extend his social learning and understanding within the safety of a warm, understanding and safe group of people. Without Positive Paths Foundation, Chris and us as a family would really struggle now and I know Chris would have regressed especially over the past two years. It is well documented every day, what a great strain our social care system is under and things are only going to deteriorate further. Thank you positive paths for making Chris’s life a complete and fulfilling picture and for easing the pressure on his family.

Hi my name is Ben – The PPF is really fun, we do all sorts of different fun activities, my favourites were bowling, beach games and the pub night. Even when I am anxious Shelley and the others make me feel OK and I still have a great time. I enjoy getting to know new people there. I enjoy the meals they do there, I enjoy the fun entertainment they do there, I do remember on the last residential we did a drama club with funny acting in a play we did. Yeah I enjoyed the boat race and the camp fire. I enjoyed the crazy golf too, the indoor one and the outdoor one. I enjoyed bowling because bowling is one of my favourites. I remember I enjoyed playing Beach Volleyball at the beach one time. Yeah I’m looking forward to the Swanage railway trip going on a train and I’m looking forward to the residential we are going on in the future.

Anita, Ben's Mum - My son Ben has really benefited from the great social activities organised by Positive Path Foundation. Jane and Shelley ensure Ben feels safe and has fun mixing with other people who have similar challenges. This has boosted Ben’s confidence so much. The residential was a fantastic experience for Ben. I am really pleased we found PPF.

Hi my name is Stephen – Hi, my name is Stephen - I was a little anxious as I didn't know what it would be like until I finally met all these people at Positive Path. And now that I have found it incredibly exciting whilst have been able to make more new friends including George who is such fun, chatty and makes me laugh as he is full of friendly humour since I have had lots of friendly chats with him! The staff I have met are so fun and friendly when they have been watching me and other people help each other in a team during one of the social games or activities. I enjoy the social games we do such as the bingo, quizzes, discos and the outdoor activities we have done like the 'snowtrax' and crazy golf. I also thank all Positive Path for following me on Instagram and l really looking forward to coming to the beach evening next week and all the other fun activities we will do together

Suzanne, Stephen's Mother - Finding PPF for our son has enriched his life providing him with opportunities to socialise independently with like minded young adults in a safe environment. The staff are warm welcoming and clearly committed to helping high functioning adults develop their communication and social skills so they are equipped to form meaningful friendships and possibly relationships now and in the future. But above all else these young people have FUN and it gives them hope. We can already see the positive effect of joy confidence and sense of belonging our son has developed having his own friends since joining the PPF. As parents of a young person with special needs we always worry about the future. PPF gives us hope that he has the potential to have a more fulfilling life ahead of him.

Hi my name is Emma – Positive Path Foundation is a fantastic charity. Since I have been a member it has made me feel that I am finally part of something, as we are all treated and respected in the same way. I’m meeting new people and making friends. Since lockdown we have been doing some exciting activities on Zoom which has helped me stay connected. That’s why I like Positive Path Foundation.

Daniel, Emma's Dad - Emma has a wide range of complex health issues which have prevented her from accessing mainstream social activities. It has always been our hope that as she grew older she would have opportunities to mix and make friends with like-minded people of both her age and a degree of understanding of how she communicates and functions slightly different from people who do not have her presentation. Since joining Positive Path Foundation she has had many opportunities to mix with like-minded people, many of whom she can now call friends. This has both given her confidence in other areas of her life as well as lots of fun and enjoyment. Emma is diagnosed as visually impaired and wears hearing aids. This makes her more sensitive to environments that are both too noisy or too quiet. Having the wide range of opportunities that PPF social activities offers has given Emma opportunity to experience different situations in a safe friendly environment. Her ability to manage her immediate environment is important and we feel she has developed skills to moderate her social situations to meet her sensory needs. As PPF activities are sensitive to the participants individual needs this has been possible and Emma has been stretched which aids her development as well as enabling her to transfer these skills to other social situations. PPF also have been providing us carers and parents with a range of support as well which is important, when our children become adults with disabilities many services drift out of reach so this has been a real bonus for us too. Accessing a wide range of different social activities, from weekends away, cinema nights, beach evenings, crazy golf, climbing walls to name but a few has enriched her life and we can't thank the dedication of Jane and Shelley enough.

Hi my name is Tyra – I like going to drama club and going to Crazy Golf and meeting new friends. I like hanging out with all the people. I also like doing the zooms with quizzes and bingo and other games. It is fun to be able to talk to others and Jane and her helpers are good and kind and support us all. I like that we go out to coffee shops or pubs and other outings with all of them. It is nice to have new friends to talk to and do things with, together. Jane is a loving caring person who helps us all to understand things and feel better about ourselves. She supports us and encourages