Winter_2018_FINAL.02

Our friends at the Romford Recorder featured this story in
their 16th November 2018 edition (April Roach)
The mother of a three-year-old with a rare genetic condition described a Hornchurch charity that
supports youngsters with disabilities and special needs as “their shoulder to cry on”.
We spoke with the Crampton family whose son Carter, has been attending sessions and events at
the charity for more than three years.
Emma Crampton, found out about First Step through a support worker who was helping the
family after her son began having seizures two days after his birth.
Carter with Father
Christmas at First Step
“Carter was in and out of Queen’s Hospital and the Great Ormond Street Hospital for the first two
years of his life,” said Emma.
“We had lots of support from the hospital, but we needed to be able to go out and socialise with other people. With Carter
it can sometimes be quite awkward going to regular children groups.”
Carter has a condition known as KCNQ2. It’s a rare condition linked to epilepsy and children who have the condition
often have some degree of developmental impairment after their diagnosis.
Emma told the Recorder: “Carter used to go to a family session at First Step. I was able to also take his brother along to
play with him which was really nice. It was also good to meet other families and children that are in a similar situation
to us.
“In the holidays they provide activities for children and siblings to take part in activities like biscuit making and arts
and crafts. First Step used to offer massages and counselling sessions. There is no other place in the borough like them
and they’re always really helpful if we need advice.”
Since discovering First Step, Carter has enjoyed spending time in their special sensory room and their preschool activities
which have been preparing him to start school next year in September.
Speaking about starting school, Emma said: “I’m quite worried, because we’ve always had First Step’s support.
“They’ve been so wonderful that we go to a new school, we’re definitely going to miss them.”
The mother-of-three added: “I feel like as they have got to know Carter so well, they know what his strengths are and
are able to anticipate his needs.
“When we pull up in the car park, Carter always recognises that we’re at First Step and he starts smiling.
“They are just so understanding and they really are a shoulder to cry on. They will help you in anyway they can.
“He knows all of the ladies there, especially Debbie Bennett.”
Emma noted that more needs to be done in Havering in terms of accessibility for families and children with special needs
and disabilities.
She said: “I have major issues when I’m taking Carter out for the day. Some places still don’t have disabled toilets big
enough for me and him to use. Whereas everything at First Step is so well thought-out to meet our needs. Before we
went [to the charity] I was quite apprehensive, but when we arrived it was such a happy place to be. The other parents
were all in the same position as us and I’ve got a really good friendship group from there.
I don’t know what we would have done without First Step.”
Mark, Carter, Ollie, Finley and mum Emma
Baby Carter
Cater with his brothers Finley and Ollie