Stay, Play and Learn

28 May 2024

[Improvement Cymru press release: Children and young adults to benefit from learning disability grants - NHS Wales Executive (opens in new tab)]

Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Martin Simmonds at Hywel Dda University Health Board is working in collaboration with third sector organisation SNAP, who are supporting parents and children who are experiencing crisis and supporting access to a specialist community of learning disability services which are collocated at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

The project is based within the child health department and works with preschool children aged between 0-5 years with additional and complex learning needs.

Parental input has been integral to the design and development of this improvement project which aims to emphasise the ‘learning’ element for parents and carers. The aim of this project is to help reduce behaviours that challenge, increase strategies for parents and carers to utilise at home and build a network of support.

Project Lead, Cindy Jenkins said; “The Improvement Cymru grant has enabled staff to work much closer with parents, providing guidance and support which has empowered them to carry out strategies to enhance the development of their children's needs.

“We have watched parents grow in confidence, meet with other families going through the same difficulties and have managed to extend our partnership with other agencies within our community all working together for better outcomes.

“We have seen an increase in families wanting our support and we couldn't have done this without this funding.”