Foodbanks and Flood Relief for Families With Disabled Children

Introduction: Recent severe floods in Wales have uprooted many families, including those in Carmarthenshire and Llanelli. For ALN families in Wales (those with Additional Learning Needs or disabled children), the disaster has brought not only physical displacement but also emotional upheaval. Children and parents faced sudden evacuations – in Carmarthenshire alone, dozens of residents had to flee their homes to safetynewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. Families are coping with the loss of housing, food insecurity, and the disruption of vital routines that help their children feel secure. This blog post offers a warm, practical guide to getting through the crisis with dignity and hope, highlighting local support from foodbanks to flood relief grants, and special considerations to help “disability support during floods” stay inclusive and compassionate.

The Emotional and Practical Impact on ALN Families

When floods strike, the emotional and logistical impact on families with disabled or ALN children can be intense. Many parents have described the experience of scrambling to evacuate as water levels rose – leaving behind essential items like medications, sensory toys, communication devices, or mobility aids. Routines that children rely on were instantly upended. This can trigger distress, meltdowns, or anxiety, especially for autistic children or those with developmental disabilities who struggle with sudden change.

• Emotional Distress: It’s normal for children (and parents) to feel scared and disoriented after a flood. Kids may have nightmares, clinginess, or outbursts. Keep offering reassurance and simple explanations of what’s happening. Try to maintain familiar routines (mealtimes, bedtime rituals) even in a new setting, as much as possible. If a favorite blanket or toy was rescued, encourage your child to use it for comfort. Many experts note that with time, nurturing, and a stable routine, most children will recover after a flood, though extra support may be needed for someemergingminds.com.au.

• Sensory Overload: Emergency shelters or relatives’ homes can be crowded, noisy, and busy – a sensory nightmare for some ALN children with autism or sensory processing challenges. If you’re in a communal refuge, let staff know about your child’s needs and ask if a quieter low-sensory space can be arranged for your familyautismspeaks.org. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to help your child cope with the unfamiliar noiseautismspeaks.org. Dimming harsh lights or creating a small “safe zone” (even a taped-off corner with familiar items) can help them feel more secureautismspeaks.org. Many shelters and volunteers will understand and do their best to accommodate if you explain what helps your child.

• Dietary and Medical Needs: Floods can disrupt access to specific foods or medicines. Children with dietary restrictions (for example, gluten-free or textured foods only) may not be able to eat standard food parcels. Let foodbank staff know about any allergies or special diets – foodbanks in Carmarthenshire often have some provisions for gluten-free or vegetarian needs, and they can pack suitable items if aware. If your child uses formula or tube feeding supplies, ask your health visitor or GP for urgent replacements; local chemists and charities might assist too. For medications left behind in the evacuation, call your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible – doctors can arrange an emergency prescription so you can get the medicine from a local pharmacy. Don’t tough it out; emergency help in Llanelli and Carmarthenshire is available for health needs. The local health board (Hywel Dda) and pharmacies are on alert after the floods, and many will expedite refills when they know a family has no access to their usual GP.

• Lost Equipment or Aids: If you fled without critical equipment (wheelchairs, communication devices like iPads, hearing aids, etc.), reach out for help. Many communication devices and medical aids are considered essential disability equipment, which means they may be covered by insurance or emergency aid fundsautismspeaks.org. Contact your local social services or charities to see if they can provide a loaner device or replacement. For example, the Red Cross in some areas loans wheelchairs and might assist in crises. It’s also worth posting in ALN support groups (mentioned below) – other parents may have spare sensory toys or older devices to share. Keep a record of exactly what was lost or damaged (make/model, cost if known) so you can include this in any relief grant applications or insurance claimsautismspeaks.org.

Above all, remind yourself and your children that you are not alone. Communities across Wales have come together to support one another. Neighbours, schools, and volunteers are reaching out to help ALN families with understanding and solidarity. Carmarthenshire’s council leader praised local communities for their resilience and for “coming together and showing such resilience” during this crisisnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. In the next sections, we’ll look at where and how to access practical support – from foodbanks to emergency accommodation – and how to connect with networks that understand inclusive education in Wales and ALN needs.

Food and Essential Supplies: Open Foodbanks and Emergency Grants

One of the immediate concerns after a flood is accessing food, clean water, and daily essentials, especially if you’ve lost power or had to leave food behind. Fortunately, several foodbanks in Carmarthenshire and nearby areas are open and ready to help families in crisis. Here’s a list of key resources as of November 2025:

• Carmarthen Foodbank (Xcel Project, Johnstown, Carmarthen SA31 3BP) – Open for emergency food parcels every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am to 2pmcarmarthen.foodbank.org.uk. You will need a foodbank voucher, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry – many local agencies (citizens advice, health visitors, schools) can issue vouchers, or the foodbank can direct you on how to get onecarmarthen.foodbank.org.ukcarmarthen.foodbank.org.uk. Contact: 01267 225996carmarthen.foodbank.org.uk. The Carmarthen Foodbank provides 3-day food packs and can sometimes deliver in emergencies. It’s run by a local charity and church network, and they understand that some families have unique needs – mention any dietary requirements and they will try to include suitable foods.

• Llanelli Foodbank (Myrtle House, 22 Myrtle Terrace, Llanelli SA15 1LH) – Open Tuesdays to Fridays, 2:30–4:30pm for drop-in, with an additional Wednesday morning slot 10:00–13:00 for pre-arranged collectionsllanelli.foodbank.org.ukmyrtlehouse.org.uk. Contact: 07594 609952llanelli.foodbank.org.uk or email [email protected]. This foodbank is run by Myrtle House Community Church and is part of the Trussell Trust network. They serve the Llanelli area and can provide emergency help in Llanelli for those affected by the flood. If you’re staying in a hotel or with relatives in the area and can’t cook, let them know – they may have some ready-to-eat items.

• Ammanford Foodbank – Serving the north/east of Carmarthenshire (Ammanford/Llandeilo area). Typically open a few days a week (usually at least Tue/Thu), with locations in Ammanford town. (Contact via Trussell Trust website or local churches). If the flooding has impacted your income or access to food, Ammanford Foodbank can help ensure families have basics like canned goods, UHT milk, etc. Check their latest opening times on the Trussell Trust site or by calling the Ammanford volunteer team.

• Community Foodbanks (CETMA and PBP) – In addition to the main Trussell Trust foodbanks, there are community-run emergency food distributions:

  • CETMA Llanelli Surplus Food Project: Based at CETMA Business Centre in Llanelli, open Mon, Wed, Fri 10am–2pmfis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. This project redistributes surplus food and does deliver locally for those who can’t travel. You usually need to be referred by an agency (they have an online form for agenciesfis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales), but in an emergency you can also contact them directly via Facebook (Surplus Food Llanelli)fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales or email surplus@cetma.org.uk. They might supply hot meals or grocery packs.

  • Pembrey and Burry Port Foodbank:* Covers Pembrey, Burry Port, Kidwelly, Trimsaran, Carway, Pwll, and Pontyates – villages that have also felt flood impacts. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 10am–2pm for referralsfis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. Contact via Facebook (PBP Foodbank) or email pbpfoodbank@cetma.org.ukfis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. They deliver afternoon food parcels to families in those communities. If you’re in a surrounding county (like Ceredigion or Pembrokeshire) and currently sheltering in Carmarthenshire, these foodbanks won’t turn you away – they’ll coordinate to help or point you to a closer service.

• Christ Church, Carmarthen – A drop-in food pantry at Christ Church, Lammas Street, Carmarthen (Fridays 10am–12pm)connectingcarmarthenshire.wales. No referral needed; you can have a hot drink and pick up some food essentials for free. This is more informal but very welcoming.

All foodbanks operate non-judgmentally – you are entitled to help if you need it. Don’t hesitate to reach out; volunteers know that flooding is an unforeseen crisis and anyone can suddenly need support.

Besides food, you may need other essentials (clothing, toiletries, baby supplies). Some hubs like The Table community hub in Carmarthen (Merlin’s Walk) offer toiletries and baby items on certain dayscarmarthen.foodbank.org.uk. Also check local Facebook groups or community centres – after the floods, many people have been donating spare clothing, bedding, and equipment for those affected.

Crisis Grants and Financial Help: In Wales, there are grants available to help families recover from emergencies like floods:

• Carmarthenshire Hardship Support: The county council has set up an emergency hardship fund for flood victimsnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. If your home was internally flooded, you can apply for a one-time payment of £500, and if you did not have insurance, an additional £1,000 is availablenewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. This is meant to help with immediate costs like food, clothing, cleaning supplies, or replacing essentials. Council officers will visit affected homes to verify details, then fast-track the payment. You can apply through the council’s website (search “Carmarthenshire flooding support apply”) or call the council for assistance with the form. Note: This fund is per household, so it won’t affect any other benefits and you do not have to pay it back.

• Welsh Government Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF): The DAF is a nation-wide scheme for people in crisis situations. If you’ve experienced a disaster like a flood or fire, you may be eligible for an Emergency Assistance Payment – a grant to help with essential costs after an emergencyen.powys.gov.uk. This can cover things like food, utility bills, clothing, or baby items if you can’t afford them due to the crisisen.powys.gov.uk. It’s not a huge amount (often a few hundred pounds), but it’s a grant, not a loan. How to apply: You can apply online via the gov.wales website or by phone. The process is usually quick (geared for emergencies). In a situation where many homes have flooded, local authorities sometimes set up a dedicated helpline – for example, Powys Council noted they issue a helpline and even council tax relief for flooded homes, alongside the DAFen.powys.gov.uk. For Carmarthenshire and surrounding counties, you can directly contact the DAF or ask the council or Citizens Advice to help with an application. (Tip: When applying, mention any disability or ALN-related needs you have – e.g. extra laundry costs for soiled bedding, special dietary food costs – as this can help justify the grant.)

• Other Sources: Charities like Family Fund (which supports families of disabled children) might offer emergency grants or faster processing if you need to replace disability-specific items (like specialist sensory toys or equipment) – it’s worth contacting them to explain your situation. The Salvation Army and local churches in Carmarthen and Llanelli sometimes provide furniture or appliance help after floods. Keep receipts of any emergency purchases (clothes, dehumidifier, etc.) in case more funding becomes available later or for insurance claims.

By tapping into these resources, you can ensure your family has food on the table and basic needs met while you recover. Accepting help can feel hard, but remember: these supports exist to uphold your family’s dignity and well-being. You deserve relief just as anyone else hit by this disaster.

Safe Shelter and Emergency Accommodation

If your home is uninhabitable due to flooding – whether for a night or longer – emergency accommodation is available. Local authorities and community organizations have swung into action to ensure no family is left without a roof overhead:

• Rest Centre at Carmarthen Leisure Centre: Carmarthenshire County Council opened a rest centre at Carmarthen Leisure Centre for anyone who needed immediate shelter after evacuatingnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. This leisure centre has been functioning as a safe warm space where families can get a hot drink, dry off, and sleep if needed. It’s wheelchair accessible and staffed by council teams, including social services. If you have a child with ALN, let the staff know – they might have a quieter corner or side room for you. They also have basic supplies and can connect you with further help (like emergency clothing or contacting a pharmacy for medication). This rest centre was set up due to the severe impact in areas like Whitland and St Clearsnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales, when flooding hit in early November, and it remains available for any flood-affected families from Carmarthenshire or nearby. Don’t hesitate to go there or call the council if you need a place to stay – even for a few hours or daytime respite.

• Temporary Accommodation: The council’s Housing and social care teams are actively finding temporary accommodations for families who can’t return homenewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. Over 40 residents from one flooded area were evacuated and many have already been placed into alternative accommodationnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. This might be a local hotel, a B&B, or even social housing flats kept for emergencies. The priority is to keep families close to home, especially if you have children in school or with specific needs. If you haven’t already been contacted about temporary housing, you should reach out to the council. During office hours, call the Carmarthenshire Housing department or the main contact centre; after hours, use the emergency number (see below). Surrounding counties like Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Swansea have similar arrangements – contact your local council’s emergency line if you’ve relocated out of county.

• How to Contact for Shelter: To request emergency accommodation or advice, contact Carmarthenshire County Council. In working hours, call 01267 234567 (the main switchboard) and tell them your home was flooded and you need housing help. If it’s outside normal hours, call Delta Wellbeing on 0300 333 2222 – this is the council’s out-of-hours servicefacebook.com, and they will direct your call to the right responders. Let them know if you have a disabled child or any urgent needs (for instance, “we have a child who needs refrigeration for medicine” or “my child is autistic and we need a self-contained space”). The more information you provide, the better they can assist you. Council staff can also arrange transportation to the rest centre or temporary accommodation if you’re stranded.

• Emergency Accommodation in Other Areas: If you are in a different county (say, Pembrokeshire or Swansea) due to flooding, the same principle applies – call your council’s emergency number. Pembrokeshire County Council, for example, opened a leisure centre in Haverfordwest during previous storms and coordinates with Carmarthenshire if families evacuate across borders. In Swansea, the Liberty Stadium was used as a welcome centre during one flood event. The key message: help is available, but you need to get in touch and let them know you need a safe place to stay. Don’t feel you’re bothering anyone – providing shelter in crises is a core part of the councils’ emergency response.

• Staying with Family/Friends: Many ALN families choose to stay with relatives or friends after evacuating, to be in a more comfortable environment for their child. This is a great short-term solution if you have that support network. Still, inform the council of your situation – you may be eligible for financial help or cleaning services, and you should register as a flood victim in case your home needs inspection. Also, if your friend’s place gets overcrowded or unsuitable, you can always ask for a move to official temporary housing.

In any accommodation, remember to prioritize your child’s needs. If you’re in a shared shelter, use the tips above for sensory/dietary needs. If in a hotel or friend’s home, try to create a small personal space for your child with their familiar items, and keep to your normal routine (e.g. homework or bedtime story) to provide a sense of security. This stability amid chaos is crucial for our kids.

Finally, keep a note of any extra costs you incur while displaced (receipts for petrol, takeaway meals if you can’t cook, laundrette costs, etc.). These might be reimbursable via grants or insurance later. The situation is temporary – with each day, floodwaters recede and recovery picks up pace. Your focus now is ensuring your family’s safety and basic comfort, and there is no shame in accepting shelter or assistance. As one local official said, “The Council continues to support those in need, with practical support and financial assistance available”newsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales – help is here for you.

Special Considerations for ALN Children in Emergencies

Every family’s needs are different, and ALN families often face additional challenges during a crisis. Here are some practical tips and considerations to help you support your child with additional needs during the flood recovery:

• Communication and Understanding: Children with communication difficulties (non-verbal, autism, etc.) might not understand why all this is happening. Use whatever communication method works for them – simple words, pictures, Makaton signs, or a social story – to explain the flood in a calm way. For example: “Rain made water come in our house. We will sleep somewhere else for a little while. Mum and Dad will keep you safe.” Reassure them that they have done nothing wrong. If your child uses a communication device or PECs cards, try to keep those accessible. If their AAC device (like an iPad with a talker app) was lost or water-damaged, ask the school or local ALN team if they have a spare or demo unit you could borrow; many education authorities have lending libraries for AAC.

• Sensory Needs: As mentioned, floods bring loud noises (thunder, sirens, generators), strange smells (mud, cleaning chemicals), and visuals (debris, unfamiliar environments) that can overwhelm a child with sensory sensitivities. Prioritize sensory comforts: headphones/ear defenders for noise, a mask or scarf with a familiar scent to cope with smell, favorite textures (a soft toy or blanket) for touch. In any temporary living situation, set up a “sensory corner” if possible – a small area with their favorite items or sensory tools (stress ball, chew, fidget, etc.). This gives them a retreat when overstimulated. If your child has a sensory diet or routine (like bouncing on a ball, stretching, etc.), try to maintain those activities daily. Many of us have learned creative ways to improvise sensory activities – jumping exercises or pillow forts can help release energy when outdoor play is limited by flood conditions.

• Diet and Medication: Adhering to special diets under crisis conditions is hard, but not impossible. Let relief providers know: for example, if your child has celiac disease or food allergies, clearly communicate that “my child cannot have foods with ___”. Foodbank volunteers can often swap items (e.g. rice instead of pasta, non-dairy milk if needed). For tube-fed children, contact your community nurse; deliveries of supplies can be rerouted to your new location. If refrigeration is an issue for medications or certain foods, mention this to shelter staff – they might have a fridge you can use. Do not wait on medication refills. If you’re running low on any essential meds (seizure meds, insulin, inhalers, etc.), call a GP or 111 immediately to arrange pickup at a nearby pharmacy. Pharmacies in Wales can dispense an emergency 5-day supply of many medications without a prescription in a pinch – just explain it’s an emergency due to flooding. Also, if your child is on the autism pathway or CAMHS and missing any sessions or treatments due to the flood, inform those providers; they can often reschedule or provide guidance remotely to bridge the gap.

• Education and Routine: School closures and the chaos of moving around can wreak havoc on an ALN child’s educational routine. Many schools in Carmarthenshire were closed during the floodingitv.comitv.com. Try to incorporate a bit of educational play or learning each day in a low-pressure way – read a favorite book, do a little counting while stacking cans, etc. It’s not about formal academics now, but maintaining a sense of normalcy. If your child has an IDP (Individual Development Plan) or IEP, some goals might not be workable at the moment – and that’s okay. Jot down any significant behaviors or regressions you notice (for example, if your child has more anxiety or has lost a skill during this upheaval) so you can discuss them with teachers or therapists later. If you have access to the Learn Without Limits App, this could be a handy place to record daily notes about your child’s well-being and any support needs that are emerging (more on this app below).

• Behavior and Emotional Health: Expect some regression or changes in behavior. Even children who are normally cheerful might become more withdrawn or fearful after a trauma. Some autistic children may temporarily lose skills (like toilet training or communication abilities) under stress. Respond with patience and love – now is not the time for discipline or intensive teaching. Focus on making your child feel safe. Use visual schedules if they help (even if the “schedule” is different now – e.g., picture of sleeping at Grandma’s house, or a car to indicate travel). Reward brave or calm behavior with praise or small treats. If your child has a meltdown or aggressive episode (which can happen when they’re overwhelmed), ensure everyone’s safety but try to understand it as communication of distress. You might also be dealing with your own stress, so consider reaching out to mental health support for yourself if needed (GPs can refer you for counseling or check if local charities offer parent support groups in the aftermath).

• Involve Them Where You Can: Depending on the child’s abilities, sometimes giving them a “helper job” can alleviate anxiety. For instance, have them be in charge of holding the torch while you check the car, or sorting clean clothes into piles. It provides a sense of control. For children who like water play, oddly enough, helping with some safe cleanup (like drying plastic toys that got wet) might be therapeutic – but never force it if they’re afraid.

• Health Precautions: Floodwater is dirty, so be mindful of your child’s hygiene. If they have a habit of mouthing objects or fingers, try to keep their hands extra clean (use wet wipes often and hand sanitizer when you can). Any cuts or eczema should be kept clean and covered to prevent infectionnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. If your child is immunocompromised or has complex medical needs, talk to your doctor about any additional precautions (e.g. prophylactic antibiotics or keeping them away from certain areas during cleanup).

Remember, you know your child best. Don’t be afraid to speak up about what your child needs in any relief situation – whether it’s an extra mattress because they can’t share, or an advance notice before transitions to avoid panic. Most people want to help and appreciate understanding the inclusive steps that make a big difference for your family. By advocating for your child’s needs, you’re also educating the community on how to build truly inclusive education and support in Wales, even in emergency scenarios.

Reaching Out: ALN Support Networks and Peer Support

One of the most powerful resources in a crisis is community. Connecting with other families and support organizations can reduce isolation, provide real-time information, and even lead to direct help (like someone local dropping off spare sensory toys or a hot meal). Here are some key ALN-specific support networks to tap into:

• Learn Without Limits CIC (Wales) – ALN Facebook Group: Perhaps the most immediately helpful network is the ALN Wales Facebook community run by Learn Without Limits CIC. This is a parent-led support group for families in Wales raising children with ALN/SENDfacebook.com. Parents from across Wales (including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, etc.) are members. In this group, you’ll find real-time updates from peers – for example, which roads are closed, which foodbank has gluten-free foods today, or tips like “the pharmacy in Llanelli town centre has restocked pediatric medicines.” Just as important, you’ll find emotional support: other parents who get it because they are also walking in your shoes. Many have already been sharing flood experiences, advice on calming anxious kids, and offers of practical help. Join the group (search “Learn Without Limits CIC – ALN Wales” on Facebook) and feel free to ask questions or vent. It’s a closed group (to keep it safe and spam-free), but admins are quick to approve genuine parents. The collective knowledge and empathy there is like a warm hug on a tough day – take advantage of it. (For those not on Facebook, Learn Without Limits also has a website and email list – but the FB group is the quickest way to connect informally.)

• Local ALN Charities and Schools: Don’t forget the support that might come from your child’s school or ALN teachers. Even if the school is closed or you’re away, many ALN Coordinators (ALNCos) and teachers have been checking on families. It’s worth emailing the headteacher or ALNCo to let them know your situation. They may have access to resources like spare communication devices, or they might advocate on your behalf with the local authority for extra support. Some special schools in West Wales have parent support workers who can visit or call you.

  Charities like SNAP Cymru offer advice and advocacy on ALN issues – their helpline (☎️ 0808 801 0608) is available weekdayssnapcymru.org. While their main role is usually helping with education plans and rights, they are very understanding of crisis situations and can guide you if, say, you’re worried the school won’t understand why your child’s behavior regressed, or if you need help communicating new needs for your child. Another organization, Cerebra (based in Carmarthen), focuses on families of children with brain conditions – they have a postal library of sensory toys and resources which you might use if you’re stuck in temporary housing.

  Also look out for any local autism groups or disability forums – for instance, Autism Carmarthenshire or the Carmarthenshire People First (for learning disability) – as they might have specific advice or even grants (some autism charities give small grants for families in crisis to buy sensory equipment or pay for a short break when life is overwhelming).

• Learn Without Limits App – Documenting & Navigating Support: Learn Without Limits CIC has developed an ALN Parent Guide App (available on smartphones) which provides instant guidance, template letters, and tools built specifically for families in Waleslearnwithoutlimitscic.org. During this flood recovery, you can use the app’s note-taking or diary features to document what your family is going through. Why is this important? Because as life normalizes, you’ll likely have meetings to update your child’s IDP (Individual Development Plan, the Welsh ALN support plan) or even their EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan, if you’re under an English authority or one of the rare cross-border cases). Having a record of the challenges your child faced – for example, increased anxiety, loss of equipment, breaks in therapy – will help ensure that inclusive education plans reflect these needs. You might note, for instance, “Missed 2 weeks of speech therapy due to flood – speech regressed” or “Sensory issues heightened after trauma – requires extra calming strategies at school.” The app can store these securely, and also offers template language you might use when writing to the school or local authority about extra support. It’s like having a personal advocate in your pocket, reminding you of your rights under the ALN Act and offering tips on next steps. (If you don’t have the app, a simple notebook or phone notes app works too – the key is to jot things down now while fresh.)

  Additionally, Learn Without Limits CIC and similar groups often liaise with government and councils after major events. By sharing your experiences (either in the app or via the Facebook group), you contribute to a collective voice that can improve disaster response for ALN families. This aligns with the broader mission of inclusive education in Wales – making sure every child, regardless of needs, is supported in school even after disruptive events.

• Peer Support & “Buddy” Systems: Sometimes what you need is one go-to person. If you have a fellow SEN parent friend or a support worker, don’t be afraid to lean on them. The ALN community is tight-knit. I’ve heard of families who connected online and ended up meeting for playdates so their kids could be around others who understand. The Learn Without Limits Facebook group might help you find a nearby ALN family – maybe you can share childcare or just have a cup of tea together while the kids play, giving each other a break. In crisis times, these bonds can be lifesaving (for mental health especially!).

Finally, keep an eye on the Learn Without Limits CIC (Wales) Facebook page and your local council’s social media for real-time updates. For example, updates on which roads have reopened, announcements of any donated furniture schemes, or free events for kids (some play centres in Llanelli offered free sessions for flood-affected kids to have a bit of fun – these pop up on social media feeds).

Planning Ahead: From Crisis to Recovery in Education

As immediate pressures start to ease, your thoughts may turn to the future. How will this flood impact your child’s education and support going forward? The Welsh ALN system is designed to be responsive, so here are a few forward-looking steps:

• Inform the School/LA in Writing: It’s a good idea to write a short note or email to your child’s school and/or the local authority’s ALN department outlining what has happened and any new needs. Even if you spoke to them already, having it in writing ensures it’s noted in their file. For example: “Just to inform you, our home was flooded on 5 Nov. This has caused disruption to [Child’s Name]’s routine and he lost some of his specialist equipment (e.g., sensory swing). We anticipate he may need extra support settling back into school.” This alerts the school that they might need to deploy ELSA (emotional support) sessions or allow the child to, say, bring a comfort item to class. It also sets the stage for possibly updating the IDP.

• Use Your IDP/EHCP Review: If your child has an IDP (Wales) or EHCP (England), use the next review meeting to discuss the flood’s impact. You can request an earlier review if the situation has caused significant change in needs – this is a right you have if circumstances change. Bring the notes you’ve been keeping (via the app or notebook). For instance, if your child’s anxiety has spiked and they are refusing to get on the school bus now (perhaps because they fear leaving home), ask for support such as some counseling or a temporary door-to-door transport arrangement. If equipment was lost, the IDP could note that new equipment is needed (and the LA might need to fund it if insurance/DAF didn’t). Think of this as future-proofing your child’s plan: by documenting now, you ensure the “system” recognizes the flood as a legitimate disruption that might require, say, extra learning support or therapy to catch up on missed progress. This is part of maintaining truly inclusive education – schools adapting to the child’s situation, not penalizing them for it.

• Contingency Planning: Discuss with the school how they can help if such emergencies happen again. Many families will be pushing for better emergency contingency plans – e.g., having grab-and-go bags at school for children with medical needs, or a communication tree among ALN families. Your input can help shape these. Perhaps the school can create a “safe space” for discussions where kids can share their flood stories through art or play, which can be healing.

• Advocacy: If you feel your family’s needs are not being met, don’t hesitate to reach out to advocates (SNAP Cymru, your local councillors, or parent forums). The floods are a known issue, and there’s a lot of goodwill in authorities to make things right. For example, an MS (Member of Senedd) has already called for more support for Carmarthenshire flood victims and noted many lacked insurancepembrokeshire-herald.compembrokeshire-herald.com – so decision-makers are aware and watching. If you encounter red tape (like trouble getting the council grant or school transport issues), bring it up with those who can escalate it. You deserve to be heard.

• Take Care of You: Lastly, planning ahead includes planning for your well-being. Surviving a flood with a disabled child is a tremendous feat. Once the adrenaline fades, you might feel exhaustion or emotions catching up. That’s normal. Seek support for yourself – whether it’s a carers’ support group in your area, a coffee with a friend, or even short-term counseling (Wales has services like Team Around the Family or Carer’s Trust that offer listening support). A resilient parent is the best asset for a child’s recovery.

Every small step you take – from joining a support group, to applying for a grant, to telling your story – is part of moving from crisis to recovery. Inclusive education in Wales means our systems adapt to each child’s context, and you are ensuring your child’s context is understood. In time, this experience can even become a learning opportunity: schools might incorporate flood safety into lessons, or your child might build resilience and empathy from having gone through it.

Moving Forward with Solidarity and Hope

This journey is undoubtedly challenging, but you are not walking it alone. The floods have tested us, yet they have also highlighted the strength and kindness in our communities. From neighbors who lent a hand cleaning up, to the volunteers running foodbanks in Carmarthenshire, to the online friends offering late-night encouragement – support is coming from all sides. As an ALN family, you have additional hurdles, but also a powerful network of fellow parents, advocates, and professionals who truly understand inclusive, compassionate support.

Take one day at a time. Celebrate the small victories – your child slept through the night, or you found a gluten-free loaf at the foodbank, or you saw a smile today. These are signs of healing. Keep reaching out: use the Learn Without Limits CIC Facebook group for any question (no matter how big or small), tap into local resources without hesitation, and let others help you. It makes them part of something meaningful.

Most importantly, hold onto hope. Your child will learn that even when their world gets turned upside down, it can be put right again with love and support. And they will learn that their community values them – wheelchair, sensory needs, feeding tube and all. In Wales, we pride ourselves on community and education that leaves no one behind. This flood doesn’t change that. In fact, it is bringing out the best in people to ensure ALN families in Wales get through this with their dignity intact and their needs met.

Call to Action: If you or someone you know has an ALN child and was affected by the floods, please share this information. Join the conversations on Learn Without Limits CIC’s platforms, reach out to the foodbanks and helplines listed, and let’s continue to support each other. Your family’s well-being is the priority – the food, the shelter, the emotional support – it’s all there for you to use. Don’t ever feel you have to “just cope” alone. As a community, we stand with you. Together, we will rebuild and ensure our children – with all their unique needs and amazing abilities – continue to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and hopeful future.

Stay safe and take care. Courage pawb (courage everyone) – you’ve got this, and we’ve got you. 💕

Sources:

• Carmarthenshire County Council – Flooding recovery update (Nov 2025)newsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.walesnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.walesnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales

• Carmarthenshire County Council – Emergency funding supportcarmarthenshire.gov.wales (Hardship payments of £500 + £1000 uninsured)

• Carmarthenshire County Council – Rest centre at Carmarthen Leisure Centrenewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.walesnewsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales

• Trussell Trust Foodbanks – Carmarthen Foodbank hourscarmarthen.foodbank.org.uk; Llanelli Foodbank hoursllanelli.foodbank.org.uk; Myrtle House Llanelli infomyrtlehouse.org.uk

• Carmarthenshire FIS – CETMA Llanelli & Pembrey/Burry Port Foodbank infofis.carmarthenshire.gov.walesfis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales

• Welsh Government DAF – Emergency Assistance Payment for floodsen.powys.gov.uken.powys.gov.uk

• Autism Speaks – Disaster Preparedness Tips for Autism (shelter accommodations, comfort items, sensory strategies)autismspeaks.orgautismspeaks.orgautismspeaks.orgautismspeaks.org

• SNAP Cymru – Helpline contactsnapcymru.org (Support for ALN families in Wales)

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwithoutlimitscic (ALN Wales parent-led support group)