Alan and Jo Parson’s experience of fostering and adopting inspired them to want to help other families navigate the help and support which is available. They are very aware of gaps in health and care services, and also know just how important it is to have a place where children can be themselves without judgement.

They set up a new charity a year ago, In their Shoes, supporting children’s mental health in Ross-on-Wye. They are delighted with the way the charity is growing. Alan told the Ross Gazette: “It has exceed our expectations. We knew the demand is there and we are disappointed we cannot meet all the need but we are determined to carry on doing what we are doing and trying to do it better.”

Run by a board of trustees, who are all volunteers, the charity currently works with seven families in Ross, and some of the children have very complex conditions. These include sensory disruption, dyslexia, or autism. Alan explained that this is often not picked up in girls and other children are just considered to be naughty. He said that lots of children are undiagnosed and some parents are reluctant to go along this route.

There is a waiting list of families who want to access In Their Shoes but the charity is in need of more volunteers and although they received funding from the National Lottery to start up they need to constantly generate more income. They are very grateful for the support of several local businesses and unexpected donations such as a generous amount from the Gresleys which was raised at the Christmas lights event.

Part of the charity’s work is to bring people’s attention to invisible mental health issues, such as anxiety. They are also working with schools.

Alan told the Gazette that people can empathise but only really know what it is like if they have experienced it on a daily basis. Alan and Jo have been in these parents’ shoes so they are in a prime place to offer support.

Currently they organise group meetings at the Ryefield Centre and also run a 24 hour phone service. Their aim to get their own premises where they would be able to offer a drop in service, and this would also enable them to offer individual sessions.

Alan told the Gazette: “We offer a non-judgemental setting for children to enjoy themselves and parents don’t have to apologise.”

He said one person who uses their service told him that the group meetings were the first place she had taken her children and not been asked to leave.

The children who attend are between three and 11, activities range from a recent introduction to mindfulness to pure play. Several professionals offer their services so that the families can experience different therapies

Jo and Alan are able to pass on advice gleaned from their own experience and encourage parents not to take no for an answer when they are trying to get services to help their youngsters. They can also signpost families to other services which will be benefical to an individual’s needs. They never offer a diagnosis but support and advice. Alan said: “What we are doing is not just for these families but for the whole community. If these youngsters can be supported to be part of a community this can only be good for the long term for Ross.”

In Their Shoes regularly organises fundraising stall and events including a recent Nearly New Sale at Tudorville.