We are looking for one or two face painters for our very special family day at Lea Green on 17 May. If you can help or know someone, please get in touch 🩷🩵🩷 (fb)

~Announcement~ Dear Special Friends Followers and Supporters, After long and careful consideration, we have come to the decision that the time has come for Special Friends to retire. Of course this has not been an easy choice to make. It has been an immense 11 years, during which time Special Friends has been so much to so many people, and we have a great deal of affection for all that we stand for and the difference that has been made to struggling families in the local area through this time. The decision has come as a result of several converging factors. The SEN ‘scene’ has evolved beyond recognition since our conception, at which time it was virtually impossible to connect with other families with additional needs. These days, the offering is fantastic, with so many organisations evolving to meet the need in so many wonderful and creative ways. Meanwhile, our ever-growing membership comes with increasing responsibilities, and a lot of work behind the scenes. This has been the responsibility of a small core team for a long time, and we are reaching a time now where we need to put the complexities of our own families first. We feel that our members are in safe hands now, to access the support they need going forward, and also to continue to benefit from the relationships that have been forged through Special Friends. Our annual event at Lea Green on 17 May will be a huge celebration of all that we have achieved and stood for. We would like to thank every single one of you for your interest in Special Friends over the years, and in particular, we are hugely appreciative of each individual and organisation who has donated, fundraised and championed us. Without you, Special Friends simply could not have been possible. With love, The Trustees; Lucy, Sarah and Hayley (fb)