A Three Towns woman has put her “heart and soul” into a group for parents with additional support needs [ASN] children launching this month.

Amy Johnston initially started the ASN Parents and Kids 3 Towns group on Facebook in early January but hoped to eventually make the group an in person meet-up.

Now, thanks to donations from members and the support of local businesses, Amy’s group will host weekly family sessions in the Ardeer Youth and Community Centre every Friday from February 24.

Amy said: “I have put my absolute heart and soul into the start up of this group and I would do a million times over.

“The support that everyone is receiving from one another is exceptional and it’s amazing to see so many people bond and share their experiences with one another.

“It is so important for us to get recognised not only as a group trying to make a difference to our children's life's but to highlight how important it is that any child, teenager or adult with additional support needs, need somewhere to belong.

“We encourage your stimming, your spinning, the rocking back and forth, your meltdowns, the head hitting while being safe and all the magical parts of living with ASN.”

Mum-of-one Amy started the group after looking for support in parenting her three-year-old son who has autism.

The online group - which offers advice and a safe space for parents with children of all ages with ASN - managed to gain 250 members in less than five weeks since its launch.

The group's success resulted in Amy being interviewed by Freeview Channel Eight with her segment running every night during February.

While Amy was unable to secure funding for the in-person group, she’s thankful for the community who rallied around to make the sessions a possibility.

She added: “Through determination from myself and our members we have all made donations, done raffles and contacted local businesses who have been amazing.

“This is something so many people from within the community can relate to in some way or another.

“We hope this is going to be the start of something very exciting & long term for our community as it is so desperately needed.”

Amy hopes that she will soon be able to start a Sunday session to allow families with children in school to come along.

The first session will take place between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Friday February 24 with spaces costing £2 per child.

To book a place call Amy on 07921 596 000.

To join the Facebook support group visit: www.tinyurl.com/threetownsasn

Amy would like to thank CMYK Graphics Ltd; O' What a Bow; Shimmering Strawberries; Daisy D Does; Total Entertainment; The Glam Room; Hollywood Glamour; Dan's Hairbands; RM Beauty; Goddess Beauty and Wellness; Forza Photography; Linda MUA; L.A Custom Gifts; Kiddiewink Boutique; Handmade by Lurrabelles; Love to Flower; Becca’s Bowtiful Creations & Gifts; MG Beauty; Crafty-af and Scentsational with Sarah for their help and donations.

READ MORE: Three Towns mum creates support group for parents of ASN kids