The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust runs Little Blossoms Playgroup at St Mark’s Church Hall in Newtownards. This initiative targets pre-school children with delays in play and communication skills. It operates under the Trust’s Early Foundations programme in partnership with Surestart and Trust learning disability nurses.

Sessions focus on physical, creative and social development through structured activities. Table-top tasks aim to build concentration. Parents gain practical methods to encourage early play, communication and social interaction, including for children showing learning difficulties or autism indicators.

Thomas Edgar attends with his son Darragh, diagnosed with global developmental delay. Darragh began in October with limited vocal sounds, walking issues, climbing difficulties and no social skills. He now greets staff independently and joins group rhymes with actions.

Julia Duffin, family support co-ordinator for Surestart Ards, states that parents track shared progress such as first spoon use, ball kicking or sitting for snacks with peers.

Nicola Doran, early intervention team co-ordinator, says the programme provides parents with skills to navigate developmental stages. Learning disability nurses lead workshops on toileting, sleep and behaviour, created with the Children’s Disability Team and Surestart Newtownards.