A COUPLE of Redditch mums are resurrecting a Batchley support group to help families of children with special needs.

Debbie Krasniqi and Barbara Karle vowed to re-start the monthly coffee mornings at Mill Stream Surgery, Cherry Tree Walk, after the death of its joint founder, Ros Ebanks, in November last year.

As parents of children with special needs, the mothers say they understand the difficulties faced by carers and are available around the clock to offer advice or a sympathetic ear.

"Desperation can strike at any time, but we're only a phone call away and are happy to help," said chairman Mrs Krasniqi.

She added: "Those who just want a chat or benefits advice are also welcome to come along to the group."

The SureStart-assisted group welcomes siblings who can act as carers of special needs children but are sometimes "by-passed" by support groups.

The coffee mornings were set up in 2002 by registered general nurse Mrs Ebanks and group secretary Barbara Karle, after one of Mrs Ebanks' daughters was diagnosed with autism.

Families of children with any degree of special need are welcome to attend the group, which meets on the second Thursday of every month, from 10am-noon.

For advice or more details, call Debbie Krasniqi on 460575 or 07859 010500 or Barbara Karle on 592108 or 07817 378581.