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OHANA Registered Charity No 1162152

"Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten" Disney's Lilo & Stitch

Ohana is a parent initiated, professionally led group offering support and friendship to all families coping with the unique challenge that is involved in raising a child with special educational needs or a disability. Having gained charitable status in 2015, we share our experience of living and working with children with additional needs to bring positive change to the community. We provide support and activities for families with children with additional needs and disabilities.


We are based in Ripon, North Yorkshire and offer a Saturday play club, a parent support group, an online community (“Ohana Parent Support Group” - with over 700 members), a fortnightly swimming group, family trips and inclusive activities during the school holidays. The charity was set up by parents of children with special needs to fill gaps in provision and provide support to families.


There is no need to have a diagnosis or an official or professional referral, although we welcome contact with and work alongside other agencies. Our aim is to meet the needs of each family in a way which suits them best.


We are all parents ourselves and we believe that by bringing all our knowledge of strategies and therapies that work well together we can help others. It’s a safe bet that if we haven’t got the right answer, we will be able to put you in touch with someone who will be able to help.


“When a parent discovers that their child has a disability of any kind it can be totally devastating for them and they often don’t know where to turn for help or advice. At Ohana we have all been through that and come out the other side not only stronger, but much more optimistic. We’ve accepted that life is going to be different, but not less enjoyable”.

WHAT WE DO

SECURE FACEBOOK GROUP


Post questions, ask for advice or simply chat. Our secure Facebook page has local families and people involved in local support services as members.

Search for Ohana Parent Support Group

SATURDAY STAY AND PLAY GROUP


See your children play in a secure and inclusive environment with experienced trained staff and volunteers to hand. Grab a tea of coffee and a piece of cake and talk to other parents. Siblings are also welcome.

SWIMMING


A play session for all the family with private use of a local swimming pool.  Most weeks there is a swimming instructor in the pool available to give 1-on-1 or small group lessons for no additional charge.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES


We arrange and publicise events and activities specifically for families with children with addtional needs. Enjoy the school hiolidays geared towards your needs.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES


Enabling people to gain 'hands on experience  of working with children with additional needs under the supervision of experienced, trained staff. Great for those working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award, college courses or simply have some spare time to give.

Download our Volunteer Information Leaflet 

LINKS TO LOCAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT GROUPS


Our Support, Advice and Groups page has links to services and groups in the area that have been used and recommended by our members. Click here to take a look. If a service or group has helped you that you think we should add to our page, please get in touch and send us the details.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP


Meet other parents that are in a similar situation as you. Chat, make firends, get advice and share your experiences.

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH

FACEBOOK MESSENGER & PUBLIC FACEBOOK PAGE


DOWNLOAD OUR INFORMATION LEAFLET - Feel free to share it with friends and family

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