A MUM of two boys with Special Educational Needs who set up a coffee morning to help families like hers has made it onto the shortlist for the Local Hero Award.
Sajida Golby started North Solihull Additional Needs Group to provide much-needed face-to-face support for families who have children with special needs.
The 36-year-old said there are a lot of social media groups available but she wanted to do something where parents and carers can meet up and talk over a cuppa about the challenges and heart-warming moments they face everyday.
So two years ago she set up a coffee morning at KEC church in Kingshurst for families to go to and talk to each other once a fortnight.
Fellow volunteer Lisa Nicholls joined Sajida about a year ago and between them they have been helping 500 members not only to develop parenting strategies but also to understand everything that comes with it from schooling to healthcare.
She said: “I have to say I am surprised and honoured I was nominated and shortlisted for the local hero award.
“I really don’t see myself as a hero, just a mum blessed with amazing boys.
“Having children with any type of additional needs, can be a very lonely journey and mentally exhausting, as you try and do the best for your child.
“I was one of those parents and I had to empower myself with knowledge.”
