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Swings & Smiles

Support, friendship and play for children
with special needs and their families

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  • Georgia's story

Georgia's story

When Georgia was born in 2011, I had 30 blissful worry free minutes as I cradled my perfect baby daughter in my arms before I entered a world of huge uncertainty and anxiety. With a larger than average head, Georgia was immediately taken for tests and so we entered a world of regular hospital visits.

Over the next couple of years more and more problems became apparent as she was diagnosed with a very rare problem with her eyes and a kidney condition. An MRI scan detected brain abnormalities and, on top of these, it was clear that her development was delayed.

Within a very short period of time we had to come to terms with the fact that Georgia clearly had significant problems and we found ourselves in a position that we were completely unprepared for. With no specific diagnosis, there were no support groups available to us. So, as her mother and being with her 24 hours a day, I found myself increasingly shutting myself at home with Georgia not wanting to face the outside world. On occasion, I did brave the local mother and baby groups but found myself wanting to just run away from them and burst into tears. The stark contrast between Georgia and the other children was very apparent and other parents were staring and, without meaning to, passing judgement. I just couldn’t find anywhere where we felt comfortable as a family.

We are now regular visitors to Swings & Smiles and it has transformed our ability to play as a family.

When we heard about Swings & Smiles we were one of the first families to visit them when they opened at The Phoenix Resource Centre. It was such a relief to be able to take Georgia and half sister somewhere they could play together in an environment that was suitable for both of them. We found ourselves able to be a ‘normal’ family without worrying about what other people were thinking and being self conscious – which is how we had always felt previously. We have got to meet families who are in similar situations to us and, as a result, feel less isolated.

We are now regular visitors to Swings & Smiles and it has transformed our ability to play as a family. Georgia, her sisters and their new friends enjoy all of what’s on offer at Swings & Smiles and, in particular, the messy play sessions!

Amanda Walburn-Green,
Georgia's Mum

Read another family story

Published: 9th May, 2019

Updated: 29th May, 2019

Author: Swings & Smiles

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  • Our sessions

    Our sessions

    Swings & Smiles is open seven days a week, providing a place to play and support for children with special needs and their families. Find out what's on offer and how you can book to come along.

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    Book a session

    Once you've completed our assessment form you'll be told which sessions you can attend at Swings & Smiles. You can book online via the website or email - we hope to see you soon!

  • What we do

    What we do

    Swings & Smiles is a place to play for children with special needs and their families. It offers a unique environment where the whole family feels supported and where they can spend quality time together. Our services include play sessions, sibling support and outreach.

  • Our facilities

    Our facilities

    Swings & Smiles offers play sessions for children with special needs and their whole family at our centre in Thatcham.

  • Sibling support

    Sibling support

    We understand just how different life is when you have a brother or sister who has a disability or special needs. We run three sessions a month for siblings which are free to attend, as well as offering a 5 week course in schools.

  • Contact us

    Contact us

    How to get in touch with or find Swings & Smiles in Thatcham, West Berkshire with details of opening times.

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    Work with us

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    Swings & Smiles welcome ITV Meridian News Presenter Sangeeta Bhabra as a patron. Sangeeta is an adult sibling carer and has written an article for carers week, illustrating some of the challenges she faces but also the many positives she experiences from having a disabled brother.

  • About outreach

    About outreach

    Swings & Smiles is able to provide outreach in the community free of charge. We're able to visit schools, groups and individuals with lots of lovely sensory equipment and activities.

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A Place to Play
Lower Way
Thatcham
RG19 3RR

+44 (0)1635 285170
[email protected]

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Swings & Smiles is registered in England as charity number 1120598