A Norwich mum is supporting the launch of an online forum for parents of children with disabilities.

Tina Connor-Saunders, 47, is one of the first parents to try out the Parents Network, run by disabled children's charity Whizz-Kidz.

The site aims to support families across all areas, but particularly with the changes to support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities which came into effect last month.

Now, the charity has teamed up with Mumsnet to launch a forum for families, something Mrs Connor-Saunders is keen to be involved with.

'My son Joel has cerebral palsy and he's just turned 18, but I do think I would have benefited from something like this when he was younger.

'Sometimes you don't know where to start, but now Joel's older and I've been through the whole process with him, perhaps we could help people who have only just been diagnosed and don't know what to expect.'

Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz Ruth Owen OBE said the new package of support from the charity's partnership with Mumnet would help families struggling to support their disabled child. 'As a wheelchair used myself, I know how hard it can be to navigate the public services requird of day-to-day life and I'm an adult,' she said.

'Parents, particularly those who don't have friends with disabled kids, often worry more than their children do as they face a system of struggle just trying to do what's best for their families.

'Whizz-Kidz has more than 24 years of supporting disabled children and we've gained a huge wealth of experience and expertise which we can offer parents through our new online resources.'

Mrs Connor-Saunders, who lives in Wordsworth Road, urged other parents to take a look at the site in the hope it might answer some of their questions.

'Parents should try it and enjoy it, use it even if it's just for advice or if you're looking for help or even to get involved with Whizz-Kids.

'It could be a real lifeline for some people, I used to sit racking my brans because I didn't know who to ask.

'But with this, you can just go online and have a friend.'

To sign up to Whizz-Kidz's Parents Network, visit whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help and click 'Parents Network.'

Have you been helped by a local or national charity? Let us know by emailing locallife@archant.co.uk.