Giving Mylo a place to belong
I’m Ashley, a mum of four, and for a long time, I felt like I was struggling alone. My son Mylo is five years old and waiting for an assessment for ADHD and autism. Mylo gets overwhelmed in noisy, busy places, and without a diagnosis, I thought there was no support for us, especially not locally. Then a friend told me about The Yard.
At first, I wasn’t sure if we would belong there. I didn’t have that ‘official piece of paper’ saying Mylo needed extra support, and I was so used to feeling judged in other places, but from the moment we walked in, I realised I was wrong.
A place to be himself
The Yard is the one place Mylo can truly be himself. He loves sensory play, getting messy with mud and slime, and spinning on the sensory chair.
The play team know exactly how to engage him, whether that means getting his favourite toys out, giving him a piggyback, or even getting into the mud and slime with him. Nothing is ever too much trouble.
For the first time, I don’t have to apologise for how he plays. There’s no pressure, no judgement—just a safe space where he’s free to be himself.
A place for the whole family
Taking four children out alone can feel impossible, but at The Yard, I don’t have to choose between Mylo’s needs and his siblings’ happiness. They’re all welcome, and they love coming here too. My nine-year-old has even started to understand Mylo better, and seeing them play together means the world to me.
The Yard hasn’t just supported my kids. They’ve supported me, too. I lost Mylo’s dad to suicide, and there have been times when I’ve felt completely isolated. The carers’ group here has been a lifeline. I’ve met parents who understand, learned coping strategies, and even started my own journey, realising that I might be neurodivergent myself.
“The Yard makes me feel safe and valued and like I’m part of a big family. While I worry about going to other places, this is the one place I don’t dread going to. It’s almost like a break from reality – everyone is so loving and supportive.”
Ashley Courtney, Mum to Mylo
A future for families
For families like mine, the yard is a lifeline. It’s where we feel safe, where we belong, and where Mylo can truly be himself. Without it, our Sundays and lives would be completely different.
For Mylo, it’s his happy place. For me, it’s opened the door to a whole new understanding of additional needs and the support that’s out there.
Your support can help make sure more families find the same sense of belonging we have.