My daughter Layla has special needs, she requires constant care throughout the day. An adult has to be present to take care of her needs. In the summer holidays in July 2023 Layla had nowhere to go. I was on the phone every single day, trying to find something for my daughter to entertain her and help her social skills aswell as allowing her to enjoy her holidays. I was amazed to realise there was nothing out there for a child who was under special needs. This made me very upset, angry and overwhelmed, I wanted my daughter to have anything to help her, rather than stare at the 4 walls of the living room on a daily basis. I knew my daughter was very unhappy at home, I almost lost hope until I came across “Our special angels” I spoke to Maryam. She was polite, she empathised and she was an angel sent my way. She told me to come and visit her the next day. She explained all the procedure to me and my husband. She was happy with everything and said send your daughter to our special angels right away. Layla attended the next day, she socialised with the children and the staff, she was familiar with everyone around her. This was absolutely amazing because it took time for my daughter to interact with other people, this is exactly what she needed. She was smiling and laughing throughout the summer holidays because of OSA. I don’t know where my daughter would be or what she would do if OSA hadn’t provided this amazing service. I am ever so grateful for their efforts, support and phenomenal staff. Layla and me look forward to the holiday’s because of OSA, other parents who have a child who has special needs can contact OSA and see the benefits. Your child is happy and you as a family can have time to do things with your other children, or you as parents can have time for yourself while your child is at the service of OSA. I met a woman at OSA, she has three autistic children, she said to me today, ‘we have bought our children to OSA, me and my husband went out to eat and it was lovely having spent time together after a very long time.’ Parents cannot spend time together because of caring for the child/children 24/7. I personally had that time because my daughter was at OSA, my two sons and husband went out shopping, to eat and enjoy ourselves, because we had forgotten what it feels like for us to do this.
I want to thank Maryam, Sadia and all the staff at OSA for their incredible time spent with my child and caring for her when no one else did. For treating her normal and for giving her the chance to be happy. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this happen. I hope it continues…..