‘From the moment when a child with special needs comes into the family, the needs of parents, their interests and goals change, and very often also relations with family members, friends and job environment are broken,’ reflects Kristina, the proud mother of Elizabeth, a child with special needs.

‘Over time it becomes hard to return into society, socialise, because you are not welcome with a special child in a large part of the public life. The special needs scare people. They are difficult to accept, understand and support.’

‘Brīvbrīdis’ (‘Spare Moment’) is a Latvian project funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) which helps parents and special needs children face these challenges. The project opens pathways to community-based services to develop social skills and knowledge, promote social inclusion and raise awareness around different learning methods. Along the way it builds the confidence of those with disabilities and introduces helpful measures to their parents, legal guardians and foster parents.

‘Spare Moment’ provided support to 35 children with functional disabilities, assessing their individual needs and drawing up a detailed plan of the services children like Elizabeth would benefit from.

Bespoke therapies are then introduced to improve the overall physical and mental wellbeing of the child, including social rehabilitation classes with other like-minded children. Activities help the child to communicate with peers, work in teams and acquire creative and social skills. Therapies focus on building confidence and developing their ability to integrate into the wider community.