LITTLE Oaks is based at the Children's Respite Unit, in Providence Road, and is a support group run and funded by parents.

It is the belief of chairman Niall Murphy, whose son Richard attends the weekly sessions, that the expression 'special needs' covers a wide range of medical conditions and problems.

The children, aged four to 13, who go to Little Oaks have a range of problems and the scheme welcomes their siblings to join in the activities.

The project was founded in the early 1990s.

Youngsters meet on Saturdays between 11am and 1pm and every other week go on a trip, for example to the Lickey Hills.

Otherwise they can take advantage of the venue's ball pool, sensory room, toys, books, games and even a PlayStation.

There is also a safe, enclosed outside play area which is a popular haunt during the summer.

Although parents contribute to the running of the initiative and also have the opportunity to relax while their children play, Worcestershire County Council's social services provides a specially qualified worker and assistant who runs the activities for the children.

Niall ensures everyone who is entitled to statutory benefits based on their child's disabilities is made aware of how to make the right claims.

He added: "From experience, I know many parents are left in ignorance as to what they may be entitled to."

MP Julie Kirkbride recently accepted an invitation to Little Oaks and met the children and saw what the project had to offer.

And last month a friend of Niall's, Layton Ward, who is a magistrate in Redditch, ran the London Marathon in aid of the group.

Niall said: "We're not just here for the children -- parents with special needs children can come along, have a chat, a cuppa, seek help and discuss matters or worries relating to the child or circumstances."