Chaos & Calm are an A Better Start Southend funded project which runs sessions throughout the week focusing on sensory storytelling and stay and plays to enrich the lives of children with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, children with autism, as they work with children with any kind of disability. The sessions have interactive elements, music, and the opportunity to develop early communication skills such as Makaton signing, symbols, and switches.

If you haven’t been able to experience the beauty that is Chaos & Calm then you really need to. It is the most warming and pleasurable experience. As a parent with a neuro diverse child I know how difficult it is to find a group that is accepting of children of all disabilities.

Elaine and Hannah of Chaos & Calm really do get it spot on every time and every SEN child is spoken to with such joy, it’s so wholesome. They treat every child as if they have been waiting all day to see them and it is so refreshing how excited the children are, they are also so pleased to see Elaine and Hannah.

Story Time on a Thursday morning is executed perfectly. They read the same story for 3 weeks in a row to keep the children engaged and excited and it makes them feel more involved as they remember it from the week before. It’s always interactive and they use Makaton alongside reading the story. Sarah Richer who works in the Hub also adds to the effectiveness of the story with all the props and being there to support the story also adds to the full experience.

The Makaton is so helpful as I’m learning something new myself, so it’s not just for the children.

The Stay and Play which is held at the Blenheim Family Centre on a Friday afternoon is such a lovely end to the week. The themes that are set up each week are outstanding and the sessions include a lot of sensory additions which is vital for SEN children. The added bonus is that Elaine bakes some beautiful cakes so we all get a tasty treat too.

Chaos and Calm really is as good as it seems; my daughter absolutely loves it and if you are looking for something to do with your neuro diverse child, Chaos and Calm is the place to go. I honestly now have a new confidence to try different SEN specific groups because of Chaos and Calm.

I am very appreciative of Elaine and Hannah, they are such wonderful and clever ladies.

Being a parent of a child with additional needs is extremely difficult at times and they always want to listen to what you have to say. I can’t sing their praises enough.

Chaos and Calm run sessions from various locations in Southend on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The sessions are open to families with children under 4 years of age living in Southend (and aren’t restricted to ABSS wards!). Chaos & Calm invite referrals from professionals who consider that a particular family would benefit from the sessions however, families can also contact them directly by emailing admin@chaosandcalm.org

For more information on Chaos & Calm click here