Dealing with a disabled child alone is a challenge. Doing this in a harsh environment, where no one understands your child’s condition, can be heartbreaking for a parent. In 2004 our neuro nurses began providing support groups for parents of children with disabilities. The nurses knew parents of children with disabilities need a group who understand what they are facing.

There are support groups in Embu, Naivasha, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kaplong and Thika. A group is being established in Kisumu. In Mombasa the group is sub-divided into six sub-groups, which cover the whole Coast province. Each support group is registered under the Ministry dealing with social services, using the countrywide umbrella body the Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Kenya (SHAK).

Support group objectives are to:

-     Create awareness about children with disabilities,
-     Advocate for children with disabilities in schools,
-     Start income generating activities for the parents,
-     Manage folic acid awareness campaigns, and
-     Follow-up with parents who have not visited the clinics.