Very Special Kids

'We have no Special needs Children. Just Children ...with Special needs'. Uwe Maurer

 Support Group for Children & Parents

Life with a child with special needs is never easy, but sometimes the problems encountered can be eased slightly if shared with others.

Elena Papadopoulos is well aware of how difficult life can be, which is why she has set up a new support group based in Larnaca. Elena and her family moved to Cyprus eighteen months ago with their three year old daughter Isabella, who has Down’s syndrome. In the UK, Elena regularly visited her local Mencap support group. The group discussed which doctors and what treatments were available and psychological and emotional support was readily available. Aware of how much help she got from her visits, Elena feels that families in Cyprus would benefit from the same type of support

Elena says: “When you’re the parent of a child with disabilities, you feel a bit isolated. You don’t know what’s in store. You’re told that they might have this and they might have that. It’s a bit overwhelming and you need a bit of support. You start worrying about their future. What should you be doing or not doing? There is a lot of value in having a group like this.”

The group offers an informal meeting place for families who have children with special needs, where parents can drop in for a coffee and chat with other parents. It’s held in a safe environment where toys are available for the children to play with. Parents are welcome to share their experiences and knowledge, if they wish to. They can meet and discuss common problems they face, such as medical issues and interventions and living with a child who has special needs. Elena says: “It’s a place to meet like minded people where you can share problems.” The group is in its early stages, but Elena has plans for the future including organising fun events for the children such as horse riding and also events for the mums too, as she knows how stressful life can be for them.

The group meets on the first Thursday of every month. All nationalities and families from other towns are welcome.

If any organisations can offer somewhere to visit for a day out for the group, or if anyone would like to volunteer their services with administration, or any other help they could offer, please contact Elena.

For more information call Elena Papadopoulos 96767625 or email elenavik@hotmail.com
Bev Orton Jennings - Cyprus Weekly

Facebook Group

A facebook group exists called ‘Mums with special angels (Cyprus)’.  The group was set up by a mum, of course, dads are also welcomed members.  Therapists and other professionals who have an interest in this area also post information.  We even have a member of parliament on it.  People post events that are taking place around the island as well as other topics of relevance. http://www.facebook.com/groups/150909064976593/

Early Intervention Co-ordinator

Polly Hadjisavva is the co-ordinator for the Larnaca area and is based at the Town Hall in Aradippou.  She can provide impartial advice and information on facilities and therapists in the Larnaca district as well as information on benefits.  She can be contacted on 24813010 Monday to Friday before 2pm.  She speaks English and Greek.

Special Education

For information about the, special needs education within the Cypriot education system go to http://www.european-agency.org/country-information/cyprus/national-overview/special-needs-education-within-the-education-system.

Therapists

There are plenty of therapists in Larnaca who specialise in; Speech, Physio, Occupational and Special Education.  Also, Physio and Speech therapy is available at Larnaca General Hospital, telephone number 24800500.

A therapy centre, Iliaktida Zois which is based in Larnaca has all of the therapists in one building.  They can be contacted on 24823882, website http://iliaktidazois.org/.  The therapies there are offered at a subsidized rate.