A free community event for families takes place in Ballymoney on Thursday, April 9, from 2pm to 4pm. The event targets families in the Northern Trust area with children aged 2 to 12 who have disabilities, medical conditions or developmental concerns.

Parents and carers can access health information, advice and support from professionals. Children can join activities such as inclusive cycling, drumming, arts, crafts and sensory play.

Workshops cover sleep, emotion and behaviour support, continence and toileting, and fussy eating. Professionals include physiotherapy, paediatric autism service, paediatric continence nurse specialist, speech and language therapy, paediatric occupational therapy, paediatric dietitian, public health dietitians, public health nursing team, children’s learning disability therapeutic service, RISE NI and social workers from GP multidisciplinary teams.

Kyleigh Lough, Chief Executive of the Mae Murray Foundation, stated the event aims to offer support, connection and fun for families. Parents can ask questions and get advice while children participate in tailored activities.

Jill Bradley, Assistant Director at Northern Trust, noted the event provides a chance to meet health and social care services and access information. Attendance does not impact waiting lists or replace appointments.

The venue features a Changing Places toilet and provides refreshments. Families register at the Mae Murray Foundation website.