Supporting families with special needs children

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The site is for the ABC and ABC+ Group

Who Are We?

As a group of parents of children with special needs.  We became aware that within the Stockport area there are no groups that support all family members. Most groups are run during the day therefore restricting access for the working partner and siblings.   The ABC Family Group runs on a Saturday with all family members invited.  It is an opportunity to meet other families and share experiences in a supportive and fun environment.
 

ABC+ is a youth group specifically for special needs teenagers aged 11 to 16. A fun teenage atmosphere is created by providing games consoles (Wii, Sony Playstation 2), football table, snooker tables, group activities run by experienced volunteers.

 

If you've been struggling to find a youth group in Stockport that fails to fit your particular special needs, then feel free to meet like-minded friends, and where you are guaranteed to find new friends and have lots of FUN!

 

Parents/Carers will need to accompany their children but there will be a separate room for Parents and carers to relax away from their teenagers

 
Fundraising 

To donate to the ABC Group please use the button below.
 
Current fundraising is towards a potential holiday scheme later in the year to address the schemes being cancelled due to Stockport Council cutting funding.  The cuts mean one-to-one care is not being provided for our most vulnerable children which have the minimum amount of access to clubs in the best of times.  Effectively keeping them in their homes during the school holidays.
 
What Do We Do?

 
The aim of the ABC Family Group is to provide a setting for all the family within a play environment. All children/teenagers and parents/carers should feel relaxed with plenty of toys, games and activities to keep everyone busy. It is an opportunity for families to make friends with families in a similar position and share experiences.

Exciting Youth Group ABC+
 
ABC+ is a youth group specifically for special needs teenagers aged 11 to 16.  A fun teenage atmosphere is created by providing games consoles (Wii, Sony Playstation 2), football table, snooker tables, group activities run by experienced volunteers.  Click on the ABC Plus menu on the left for more details

When Do We Meet?

The ABC Group for children aged 0 - 11 is held on Saturday afternoon, between 2pm - 4:30pm, enabling more access for all the family. The group meets every fortnight.
 
The ABC+ Group for teenages aged 11-16 is held on Tuesday evening, between 7pm - 8:45pm every fortnight
 

Please go to the Dates page using the button on the left

 

Family Days Out
 
We have a page called 'Family Days Out' which has suggestions for day's out, especially if you have special needs children.  There are some great days out in the Northwest with carers often getting in for free.
 
Where Do We Meet?

 
 
Prospect House, 70 Derby Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4NF
 
This is near Heaton Norris, Heaton Chapel, Reddish, Burnage, Didsbury, South Manchester
 

 Christmas Party at ABC & ABC+
 
 
The day started with a magician showing everyone some amazing magic.  We then enjoyed some party food with lots of homemade chocolate cakes (thanks to all the volunteers who baked late into Friday night).  Father Christmas then visited and gave all the children a present before flying back to the North Pole.
 
 
ABC+ celebrated Christmas by going to a local Chinese Restaurant and seeing if they could eat the entire kitchen.  The record goes to 3 starters, 6 mains and 7 puddings!!!  Parents didn't have to feed anyone for at least a week.
 
The Halloween Disco was a scary night filled with fun games and dancing
 

Days Out

 
 All the parents and carers enjoyed a Bond night at the Kro Bar in memory of Paul.  The night was filled with fun and memories with a little wine thrown in.
 
  
 Sad News

 

It is with extreme sadness that I have to write this. 

Paul Tandy, founder and continued supporter of the ABC Group passed away on Friday 10th December, aged 49.  Paul had been diagnosed with an illness two weeks earlier which led to his sudden death on Friday night with all his family and friends at his side.  Paul leaves behind a fantastic family.  His attitude and zest for life will live on with them all.

Paul will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, from his positive outlook on life, his generosity in helping others and never complaining (well occasionally!).  Paul has made many friends through the ABC Group and has helped many parents in coming to terms with their special needs children.  Paul was always ready to help anyone in distress, sprint after the occasional wild child, but mostly be a listening ear and a campaigner if there was any injustice.

Paul has organised many of the successful men’s nights and didn’t complain when his students thrashed him at poker, beat him at bowls or flew past him at Go-karts.  Paul was always competitive in the best possible way and would happily congratulate everyone who beat him, but saying this he did win a lot!

The four pictures of Paul sum him up

-          Eating a good fry up breakfast without telling Dawne

-          Teaching Finbar that gravity really does exist

-          Climbing out of a tunnel designed for someone a quarter of  his age

-          Searching for Finbar who has run off up a tree hut

 

When we had a party at ABC Paul always put in an enormous effort: whether being a Knight with a horse (Yes, a full horse), a Bishop at Angie & Stu’s wedding or a vampire at the Halloween disco to name but a few.

Paul will be remembered by a lot of people for his kindness, friendship, his knowledge at Pub Quiz’s but mostly as a loving father to Joshua & Finbar and a husband to Dawne.  Our hearts go out to them all at this time and he will be greatly missed by everyone.

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