A group that offers support to military families with children who have a disability has become a model for other organisations in the Army.

Now the Aldershot Garrison Special Needs Group is searching for volunteers to lend a hand in its twice-weekly gatherings and its regular excursions.

The group was set up six years ago by Trish Robson and Beverley Fletcher, who both have children with special needs, and has been copied in other garrisons across the country.

They aim to give parents an opportunity to have a chat while their children play in a room decked-out with cuddly toys, a DVD player, a games console and scores of toys at the Union Buildings in Hospital Hill, Aldershot.

Funded mostly by voluntary donations and fundraising, the group has also received support from the Army Families Federation, children’s charity the Variety Club and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

Mrs Robson said: “We decided to start the group as there was nothing else for families with disabled kids in Aldershot. I didn’t want others to be shut away feeling that they couldn’t speak to other parents as I was before we started the group.

“Other garrisons have set up similar groups up and down the country. I think parents really benefit from having the opportunity to mix in an environment that’s safe and fun for everyone.”

The group is primarily for military families, many of which often have one parent who is abroad or elsewhere in the country on operations.

“It can be very difficult when you’re alone with your kids when your partner’s in Bosnia, Afghanistan or Iraq,” Mrs Robson said.

“We aim to give people light at the end of the tunnel and give them the opportunity to access the trips and support that we provide.

“Nobody here worries about what their child is doing as nobody bats an eyelid when they misbehave.”

Fundraising is always an issue but Mrs Robson, whose 13-year-old son Thomas is mute and profoundly autistic, said the generosity of residents and volunteers helped the group to continue to move forwards.

“We’re always looking for volunteers to help out — they’re the salt of the earth and always appreciated,” she said.

Georgina Dallimore has been attending the Aldershot Garrison Special Needs Group for nearly two years. Her son, Calib, nine, has a number of disabilities including Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, Tourette's syndrome and epilepsy.

The group has helped Mrs Dallimore and her son in a number of ways, including putting them in touch with a school that specialises in teaching children with disabilities.

“Calib used to go to a normal primary school, but since going to his new school he is doing much better,” Mrs Dallimore said.

“He loves going to the Christmas parties and the activities during the summer,” she added.

The group has planned a number of summer excursions including a trip to Harbour Park, a seaside amusement centre in Sussex, on Saturday, and a party hosted by CBBC presenter Chris Jarvis at the Maidenhead Holiday Inn on June 29.

For more information about the group and the facilities it provides email specialneeds.aldershotgarrison@googlemail.com, or call 01252 343753 or 01252 327752.