There are many moments along this journey where it feels like the world is moving forward and you are just stuck trying to keep your head above the water all while trying to keep everyone around you happy and hold it all together.

This is very much a lived experience for myself and exactly why I started Wee Ohana.

Hey, I’m Louise. A mum to two incredible kids each with there own strengths & challenges. Every time on of them received a diagnosis I felt like I was expected to just walk out of the appointment, accept it, and somehow know everything there was to know before getting in my car to go home.

News flash…impossible!

Instead I would go home and spend hours, days and even weeks researching, buying books, searching for support, trying to understand what it all mean and looking for somewhere that felt human and welcoming. That would be there to guide me and also be there for the tears and the celebrations.

It can be a very lonely journey and thats why I am hoping Wee Ohana can help many of us not feel so alone.

Now that my children are both in secondary school, I’m also becoming more aware of the journey many young people and adults with additional needs face. There are already some incredible organisations, charities and support groups making a real difference every day, and I’m so grateful for everything they do. My hope is simply that Wee Ohana can become another welcoming space alongside them, because I truly believe there can never be too much support, kindness or community.

My dream for Wee Ohana is for it to grow into something much bigger than a website.

I’d love for it to become a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Somewhere people can come together through shared interests, whether that’s special interest groups, relaxed walks where you can chat about anything that is on your mind, mindful craft sessions where we learn together, or simply spending time with people who just get it.

.. But for now I’m getting a little ahead of myself!

For now, my focus is on building this online community into a place where you can find practical support, sensory activities, places to visit, recommendations and real life experiences.

One of the parts of the website that I am most excited about is inviting you to be a part of it. I’d love for you to share your stories, recommendations, special interests and anything else you think could help or inspire someone.

Every persons journey is unique, and I believe there is a big comfort in connecting with someone who has had a similar experience.

I believe that no one should ever feel like they are navigating life alone, so i really hope Wee Ohana becomes somewhere you always feel welcome.

Thank you for being you, and being part of the beginning of Wee Ohana

Lou. x