New sensory hub for people with special needs launching near Mansfield

Sharon Weston, 41, is launching the new Oasis Hub – an Ollerton-based scheme providing support for children and adults with autism, ADHD and other disabilities.

Mum-of-two Sharon, who has cared for her father with Parkinson’s disease as well as supporting Cody, 11, and her daughter Chloe, 15, believes there should be more support for people with special needs in her community.

It was when Cody was diagnosed with ADHD that Sharon realised there is “not a lot out there” for children like him, but after having conversations with Liz Phillips at the Lifespring Centre in New Ollerton, she realised there could be.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while because there isn’t a lot of support for children like Cody”, she said.

“After diagnosis, you see a paediatrician and then you’re left to it, but there could be so much there to guide parents, children and adults.

“I looked into hosting what we're calling the Oasis Hub at the Lifespring Centre, and I spoke to Liz there who was overjoyed because it’s something she’s wanted to do too.”

Sessions will run from 10.30am on the last Saturday of every month, bringing together a “lost” community of people with special needs.

Sharon hopes it will be the start of an “important” project, which also aims to encourage people in similar positions to “share ideas and stories”.

“It will be a group where everyone in that room knows what it’s all about and can empathise. We want them to know they are not alone”, she said.

“The aim is to build contacts with professional bodies and paediatricians, to be able to refer and connect people.”

They are appealing for public support to fund sensory items and equipment, which will support those attending the monthly sessions.

And the team are already planning to expand into Warsop, where they feel more could be done there too.

The first meeting will be held on Saturday, January 25 at the Lifespring Centre on Sherwood Drive, New Ollerton. To find out more, or to support them, email [email protected].