By Leonie Taylor

As parents and carers, you will know firsthand the challenges that come with getting the right support for your children. The waiting lists that seem never-ending. The phone calls that lead to nothing. The feeling of being told to "wait and see."

Stories like these are heartbreakingly common. Even more so in the most deprived regions of cities like Swansea, where families are desperately trying to balance their need for support alongside the daily pressures of life.

The ALN Act of 2018 states that every child has the right to appropriate support. However, too many families are being left trying to navigate a system that is overwhelmingly confusing and lonely.

This is why Wales Needs WINGS.

What WINGS Does:

WINGS (Widening Inclusion and Neurodiversity-affirming Guidance and Support) is our new project created to support those families that feel unheard, stuck or unsure of who to turn to.

Here's what it can do for you:

  • You don't have to fight it alone. Our team, including a retired special school headteacher and a Learning Disability Nurse with a Master's in Autism, will speak to schools and services directly, on your behalf.
  • Get face-to-face support. There will be thirty drop-in sessions across the project (3 hours each), delivered by 2 project workers who will discuss your worries and questions, and help you form a clear plan for the future.
  • Get tools to make the process smoother. Simple guidance and easy explanations so that you feel understood and involved as much as possible, without the added stress.

Why WINGS Works for Families That Feel Overwhelmed:

The WINGS project follows the same early intervention approach that allowed the Craigfelen project (Ffrindiau Annwyl) to transform the community. When families get support early, children get help sooner.

Parents from Craigfelen summed up their thoughts on the Adenydd project that has helped them:

  • "When I first came down to speak to them, I just felt heard, like someone was listening to me."
  • "They're always here if you want to chat, just to offload. They're very good with advice, very good with resolutions. We love coming here."
  • "It's helped me build my confidence, build friendships, get to know a lot of parents."
  • "I've changed my life. They've changed my life."

It changes how the process feels, too. Instead of feeling like you're battling the system alone, WINGS becomes the partner that helps everyone work together.

The WINGS Timeline — What's Happening When:

  • Now – 28th August 2026: Pledge Collection. Gathering £1,500 in pledges from local businesses and individuals.
  • August – December 2026: Awareness Building. Sharing stories, building excitement and preparing families.
  • December 2026: Live Donation Week. One week, where every donation made is doubled.

A Closing Message:

If you are reading this as a parent or carer, here is what matters most.

You shouldn't need to be an expert in ALN law to succeed.
You shouldn't have to chase every phone call.
You shouldn't feel like you're fighting the system alone.

WINGS is here so you don't have to.

It's not a charity.
It's fairness.
It's respect.
It's your child's legal right.

Together we can help this project take flight and help families get the support they need and deserve.

Links:

Pledge Now or Share with Others (Until 28th August): community.biggive.org/s/pledge?campaignId=a05WS00000GvyW5YAJ

Donate in December: donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000GvyW5YAJ

Learn more about our other projects: https://adenydd.org/projects/