A new support group has been founded in Portlaoise, aiming to support Laois neurodivergent children and their parents.

Blooming Minds Circle was founded by Agnieszka Kruk as a social club for neurodivergent children, and a supportive community for their parents.

The Portlaoise mother explained that this group aims to build a community around children and parents, while Portlaoise 'lacks inclusivity' in many ways.

Pictured: a recent meeting of the group for their Halloween disco

"We started back in January informally through a WhatsApp group, we would reach out and see who wants to meet for a coffee or bring the kids take a trip to the playground, we worked alongside the Portlaoise Parents Collective before they sadly disbanded," Ms Kruk told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. 

"We just built a community of people in Portlaoise. Some of the children are awaiting assessments, and some are already diagnosed. The WhatsApp group was always at its core and was great for support, advice and even just to vent. We were approached by Laois Partnership Company who provided us with a venue to meet during the winter months.

"We can't bring them to the park and the kids still need somewhere to get their energy out, and for parents to meet in a safe space. It has been brilliant, we have around 35 families involved now," she explained.

The group operates from the Laois Partnership Company headquarters and is supported through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

The founder explained that the children range in ages from two to seventeen, and some members travelling from outside of Laois to take part.

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"Some parents like the formal meetups, some just want the support group and the coffee mornings. It's all on everyone's own pace and agenda," Ms Kruk said.

"I have my own little boy who is four, he is waiting on assessments and he is non verbal. For myself, the group has been a great resource. I see in my son that he has come along so much socially by being around peers. We had a disco at Halloween that was a huge success- it's lovely seeing the kids come along together while we build this community," she explained.

The group also aims to support parents through the assessment process and sourcing school places, while facing a shortage of places in ASD units in Laois.

"The application process can be daunting, a lot of the parents help each other out," Ms Kruk highlighted.

"The group means that they aren't going through it alone, it's great to have other members to reach out to because it can be quite isolating."

The lack of school places is just one issue that Laois parents of neurodivergent children are facing, says the mother.

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A post shared by Blooming Minds Circle (@bloomingmindscircle)

"I started this group as Portlaoise really lacks inclusivity, supports an systems, particularly businesses," she said.

"We drafted different emails to different businesses to encourage them to include sensory hours, we have been successful with Roll'n'Bowl. They hold a sensory session the first Saturday of every month, and a lot of our families attend. It has really made a difference," Ms Kruk praised.

Joining the group is free, with a short vetting process to ensure the safety and privacy of members and children. There are no charges or fees, bar the occasional overhead of €3 or €4 to cover events such as their Halloween disco.

"We are open to everyone in Laois- the whole idea is that this group is led by parents, it's all guardians and their kids. We try to run events for our kids and others, and everyone gets a say. We vote and propose events, and parents contribute with ways we can make things more inclusive. It's a real community, we have three or four events planned for Christmas."

The group meets in Laois Partnership building on the New Road in Portlaoise every last Tuesday of the month.

“Groups like Blooming Minds Circle play a vital role in the SICAP programme’s mission to promote equality, inclusion, and wellbeing within our communities," explained Cassia O’Neill, Community Development Worker with Laois Partnership Company.

"By providing a space where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access support, we help to strengthen community ties and empower families facing unique challenges," she said.

Those who wish to take part can contact Blooming Mind Circle on Instagram here, or email bloomingmindscircle@gmail.com.

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