Family Focus is a Families First service funded by Welsh Government. It works with families in Neath Port Talbot affected by disability, with emerging needs or on the neurodevelopmental pathway. Support runs from birth to age 25, so a family stays with the service as their child grows.

Children aged 4 to 11 attend after school play sessions in term time, three days a week between 4pm and 6pm, for up to 16 weeks. Sessions run in Neath on Mondays, Holy Trinity Church in Sandfields on Tuesdays and Pantyffordd Hall in Seven Sisters on Thursdays. Venues are subject to change as the service expands into different areas. Children work on self esteem, emotional regulation, communication and friendships in a group with their peers. A transition worker attends meetings with parents and professionals to support moves into new schools and sessions.

Young people aged 12 to 25 receive 16 weeks of support, grouped as 12 to 17 years and 18 to 25 years. Wednesday sessions run in Briton Ferry. Friday sessions run at venues across the county, chosen around where young people live. Each programme is built on the young person's own goals and outcomes.

Travel training sits alongside the 12 to 25 sessions. It runs in groups and on a one to one basis. Young people plan their own out and about sessions, with staff supporting them to reach clubs and activities in their local communities.

Parents and carers get their own support, five days a week, with some weekend availability. A family worker visits at home, meets at a venue or works online. The 16 week programme covers physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, learning and skills development. Topics include ASD, ADHD, supporting teens, self care and healthy relationships. The worker also attends meetings with families. Family Focus days bring the whole family together for a session, siblings included.

ARFID support group

Parents and carers meet on Monday 7th September, 1pm to 2pm, at Building Blocks Family Centre in Resolven, SA11 4AB. The group is open to parents whose children have a diagnosis of ARFID, need support around ARFID or want to learn more about what ARFID is. Booking is essential.

How to access the support

Phone Building Blocks Family Centre on 01639 710076 or email lizdavies@buildingblocksfamilycentre.co.uk.

ARFID group bookings go to caitlingnojek@buildingblocksfamilycentre.co.uk.

School staff do not hold places, waiting lists or referral forms. Every place is arranged through the centre.