REVIEWS
A massive thank you to everyone involved at ’Diversity Dragons’ . Diversity Dragons is an amazing group supporting and encouraging children in so many different ways. As a group I feel it’s filled a much needed gap in our community. Our son absolutely loves each session and counts down to the next one every week.
My son loves that he can play rugby with others, he’s a massive rugby fan and regularly goes to watch matches. This group has now taken his love of rugby a step further by allowing him the opportunity to take part in rugby activities that cater and meet his needs and allow him to participate at his own speed with no pressure. I feel he really does feel part of a team as he will tell you proudly ‘ I’m in the Diversity Dragons rugby team” this has had a great impac on his self esteem and confidence.
During the sessions the encouragement and support from the staff is just amazing, they always go that little bit further to make my son feel welcome and comfortable. Everyone has gone out of their way to interact with my son in some way and make him feel included and part of the group. Each session is full of energy and smiles from all. The volunteers are always upbeat, encouraging and show a real interest in the children. Its a group where both my child and I feel comfortable, there is no added pressure to fully participate in all activities and all activities are adapted to meet my sons needs. These sessions also provided a great space to interact and talk to other parents in a similar situation to myself.
Thank you for your effort and commitment
Hi, review message from Oscar Cleaver's mam- diversity dragons is absolutely amazing! The first group that my son has ever gone to and he thoroughly enjoys it. There aren't many clubs exclusive for children with additional needs so it's so nice to have something that is specifically aimed for children with additional needs. To he able to go somewhere with my son and not have to worry that he is disturbing anyone or feel conscious about his behaviour is absolutely amazing and honestly such a breath of fresh air, I feel at ease and know my son is in good hands. Everyone there from the children, volunteers and parents all have huge smiles the whole session. Honestly recommend it to anyone caring for a child with additional needs, the volunteers are absolutely amazing giving their time to this!! We ❤ diversity dragons!!
My daughter Holly is 4 years old she loves attending diversity dragons and we attend the sessions regularly. Diversity Dragons has given Holly so much, it has given her a place to be herself, to play without fear and mostly importantly to interact with a community that is special just like her. The volunteers make the class what it is, each and everyone spends time with each child so they get the very best experience. Colourful parachutes, games rugby balls and sensory stimulation the list is endless. Thank you will never be enough for what you do fo holly, and for us as parents where we can meet families like us that truly understand these wonderful children. Lynne dockerty
My sister holly really enjoys diversity dragons and I enjoy playing with her. I enjoy meeting new people such as the volunteers. diversity dragons is such a big help with all the games and activities. thank you for everything you do for holly Isabelle Dockerty aged 10
Before Jozef came to Diversity Dragons he tried many different groups however, with his unique lovely little ways to our dismay as his parents, he did not seem to fit in and appeared to be very misunderstood by individuals who have no or very little knowledge of Autism. I am so happy we have found you, he loves coming to group he talks about it all day when he knows group is on that night. I know he is in a very safe place physically and psychologically when he comes to you group. He has made loads of new friends, he has never been judged, stared at or laughed at whilst in the safety of the group. All the children, parents and volunteers are amazing you always make us feel so welcome. Thank you for creating this wonderful group and dedicating your own time to put such a smile on all of our faces. We can’t really thank you all enough Xxx
My son has been attending diversity dragons since day 1. As soon as I realised the club was launching, I was so happy as there is absolutely no opportunities in Merthyr for children with ALN. It’s very isolating and lonely for children and parents as we don’t feel like we belong in any sort of community sometimes. Our children can’t go to ‘normal’ clubs as even at a young age they have to take it seriously and follow rules. At diversity dragons, our children can express themselves, let off steam, reduce their stress levels, gain a sense of belonging, a sense of achievement, it builds their confidence and it’s so much fun. Children benefit from the non judgemental, safe setting, parents get to see their child smiling. The volunteers work so hard to ensure everything is perfect in a warm and welcoming environment.
We can’t thank all of the amazing volunteers at Diversity Dragons enough. The time, patience and effort they put into every session is just so comforting as parents to watch.
It’s hard when you’re told your child may have additional learning needs, you worry about so much and fitting in is one of the things we often worry about with our son.
However, at DD the volunteers make him feel like a part of this amazing family and our heart bursts with pride every session watching him build relationships with these wonderful people.
The best club run by the most perfect people for the job.
We’ll always be so grateful and thankful for how special you make our son and us feel. 🧡
Rileys review would be "best place ever and we would completely agree the level of compasion and understanding shown with him and all the children that attend, no judgement just a happy safe place for Riley to be Riley, to learn new skill and have fun with all his friends. Diversity Dragons has opened Riley‘s eyes up to lots of possibilities. he now says he is off training so he can play for Wales when he is older. He is always beaming going and leaving the sessions and as parents that's all you can wish for, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts for creating this opportunity for Riley to grow and have fun x x
Hi my son loves coming to Diversity Dragons and you can see his confidence and skills growing each time he comes. It's so nice to have a group like this that he can get involved in a sport he likes, but can still be himself. You know when to give him encouragment and when he just needs time to come around. (you have sat with him and just let him know its OK). He loves having fist bumps and which is a huge thing because he doesn't let many people have close contact with him. Thank you x
My daughter absolutely thrives in your sessions! Seeing her smile and be able to be her true self makes me so proud. There is such a lack of clubs / activities in our area for children with learning needs and disabilities, so I think I speak for all parents / carers when I say we are truly grateful for this setting.
All of the volunteers are kind, and always make a huge effort to make every child feel welcomed and included. Thank you so much.
As a PE teacher myself, I always envisioned sport would be play such a big part in my boys lives with all the benefits it brings. However, the reality of that happening when you have a child with ALN becomes very limited. Diversity Dragons has been a saviour for us, allowing William to still be active and enjoy sport while in a safe environment. A massive thank you to all the coaches and volunteers who show up every session to ensure our children have a best time. It’s a relief to be somewhere where stimming is welcomed and not judged.
I hope this email finds you well. I am the proud mother of two little children and my little boy, Jack, is four years old and has difficulty with his speech, language and social communication. We recently began attending a wonderful new group called the Diversity Dragons, who are based in Merthyr Tydfil. I’m not sure if you are aware of them, but the Diversity Dragons is an amazing group that has recently been set up by members of the community for children who have additional learning needs. I am writing to share with you the impact that the Diversity Dragons has had Jack, on us as a family, but also on the community as a whole.
Prior to this group being established Jack did not attend any sports or social groups, as there were simply none available in this area. We attempted to go to a few local clubs for children, but these groups are unfortunately not set up for children like Jack, who require that little bit more support. Thankfully we found the Diversity Dragons, who is run by an amazing group of volunteers from the local community and Jack’s finally found somewhere that he belongs. From the second you walk in you are greeted with warmth, kindness, understanding and acceptance from the volunteers. Typical groups would often fill me with anxiety; worrying that Jack would struggle because he isn’t able to communicate as well, and that he would be judged by others. But here at diversity dragons all of the children are accepted exactly as they are, and they are able to be their authentic selves. The sessions are adapted to be relaxed, flexible and fun for all of the children and Jack’s communication skills have developed dramatically since attending. I have no doubt that this is down to the volunteers knowledge and skills in working with children with additional needs, and the strategies that they use during the session to engage with the children.
It's also had a huge impact on me, and my partner, as parents. It’s wonderful to see Jack be accepted as himself, but it’s also been so helpful and beneficial for us to meet with other parents in a similar situation. We feel much less isolated, and as though we are part of a larger community of parents like us. Simply knowing that my little boy has somewhere that he can go, where he can be accepted and seen as every other child, has improved my well-being dramatically.
Having worked within psychological services within the NHS for the past 10 years I sincerely feel that this group will have a long-term impact on the children in this community, as well as their families. As I’m sure you are aware the community is hugely affected by huge health inequalities and socioeconomic deprivation and I am therefore so grateful to the volunteers for establishing a local, affordable club for these children. I am aware that they are trying to expand the club across the area, so that more children and families are able to benefit from this club. Every week there are a large number of children who are on a waiting list to be able to attend, simply because they do not have the funding or facilities to accommodate for more children. Whilst the families and volunteers are holding fundraising events to support the group, I’m sure they would be grateful to hear of any opportunities for funding or support, should you know of any. Also, if you ever wanted to visit, I’m sure the Diversity Dragons would welcome you with open arms. 😊 I hope that hearing about this wonderful group has inspired you as much as it has inspired me.