This website will offer limited functionality in this browser. We only support the recent versions of major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

William’s story

William is 22 months old and has really flourished at our playgroup, gaining confidence, developing his walking and talking skills, and building friendships. His mum, Rachel, shares their journey.

Meet William

William was diagnosed with a congenital syndrome at birth, and we had no previous knowledge from scans to prepare. The information regarding his disability was incredibly difficult to obtain from the doctor and I decided to reach out to a specialist charity for information.

I felt that I needed peer support to meet others born with physical disabilities and did not know where to find it.

How Kids supported us

The support that Kids gave me was invaluable. William joined the Kids playgroup, and this was the first and only playgroup he attended.

I absolutely loved the playgroup and felt so incredibly grateful to be invited back to watch William experience so much joy within an inclusive environment. I made friends within the group and have kept in touch since.

I also attended some workshops suggested by Kids to support my parenting. I was supported and feel like I now have a voice, when I previously felt lost and unheard.

At one stage I was very upset when I attended a session, everything felt so heavy on my shoulders, and I cried so much. I wasn’t made to feel embarrassed for doing so. I was instead offered home visits from a lovely lady called Katie who was so dedicated to supporting me and William.

“I was supported and feel like I now have a voice, when I previously felt lost and unheard. ”

– William’s Mum, Rachel

William’s development

When William first joined the playgroup, he was limited to bum shuffling and barely babbling. But after three incredible terms, William was walking, building confidence and speaking simple words.

William interacted well with all the playworkers and children, building some great friendships. He was incredibly comfortable in the environment and walked in each week with pride.

Your donation can change a child’s future

With your help, we can create life-changing opportunities for more children like William.

Read more real-life stories

children's multicoloured wooden block toys in playgroup setting
Early years
4 Dec 2024

William’s story 

William has a congenital syndrome and Rachel, William's mum, shares how he has flourished at Kids' playgroup.

girl's bedroom with orange bedding and wooden walls
Real-life stories
3 Dec 2024

Ruby’s story 

Ruby struggled with her sleep and her family found support through our online Sleep Workshop. Read Ruby's story.

A person is sitting around a wooden table, a pen in their hand. They are looking at someone off camera, presumably talking to them
Real-life stories
2 Jul 2024

Tabatha’s story – Disability Pride Month 

Tabs shares their journey as a person with SEND finding employment at Kids, and empowering young people to speak up.

A family of four photographed together. There is a white background behind them
Early years
12 Apr 2024

Sharon’s story

Sharon explains how Kids' early intervention helped her children with SEND thrive. 

A selfie of Donna. She has reddish hair and is wearing eyeliner
Real-life stories
18 Mar 2024

Donna’s story

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Donna shares her experiences learning about herself and making friends through our Nurturing Anchors workshops.

Real-life stories
18 Mar 2024

Allie’s story

Allie attended our workshops to build confidence and meet other parents of neurodivergent children in the naval community.

A group photo of young carers
Real-life stories
11 Jan 2024

Lyndsey’s story

Read about Lyndsey, aged 13, who became a young carer when her dad suffered a stroke.

Young carers outdoors
Real-life stories
11 Jan 2024

Mary’s story

Read about Mary, a 16-year-old young carer who looks after her mum and brother.

A child walking while holding a lunch bag.
Real-life stories
23 Nov 2023

Chloe’s story

Read about Chloe's journey at our Basingstoke Nursery.

Asher and her parents are photographed together. They are at an event.
Real-life stories
9 Oct 2023

Asher’s story

Asher is 18 years old, has autism and a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile. Read her story.

Joseph and Rachel are photographed together. Rachel is standing behind Joseph, both hands on his shoulders. They are smiling.
Real-life stories
9 Oct 2023

Joseph and Rachel’s story

Joseph has attended our Hayward Playground for over ten years. His mum, Rachel, shares their story.

Hamza is crouched on the floor, playing with trucks in a sand tray.
Early years
9 Oct 2023

Hamza’s story

Hamza is three years old and attends the Kids Family Group in Birmingham. Read his story.

Three children are sitting around a kids table with a staff member. They are pretending to have lunch with toys.
Early years
9 Oct 2023

Zack, Zayn and Zander’s story

Hear from Emma, whose three boys have gone to our Kids Family Centre Nursery in Birmingham. 

A child is photographed from behind, hugging a staff member who is kneeling on the floor.
Early years
9 Oct 2023

Zach’s story

Zach is four years old and has ASD, GDD, sensory issues and learning difficulties. Read his story.

A girl is photographed from the side. She is putting a fake baby into a baby bathtub.
Early years
5 Oct 2023

Freya’s story

Freya has suspected ASD and sensory difficulties. Her parents Natalie and Ayrton reached out to Kids for support.

A child is playing with sensory toys at Basingstoke Nursery.
Early years
5 Oct 2023

Oliver’s story

Oliver is three years old and shows signs of autism. His dad, Josh, talks about how Oliver has grown since attending our Family Group in Birmingham.