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Local mum launches support group for parents with disabilities
Tallulah Clark became a mother eight months ago. It was, without a doubt, the happiest day of her life. She had always dreamed of raising a family and experiencing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with parenthood—doing ordinary things, like pushing a pram down the road.
Tallulah may appear outwardly fine, but she lives with a rare neurological condition called Ataxia, which affects coordination and balance, a reminder that not all disabilities are visible.
“Parenthood comes with its own set of expectations and pressures,” she said.
is needed now More than ever
She believes that being a parent with a disability adds an extra layer of scrutiny, often accompanied by a sense of self-doubt over whether you are a “good parent”.
Tallulah Clark who recently became a mother has launched a new support group for parents with disabilities
Tallulah, who lives in Horfield, is a freelance journalist and works for a Bristol-based mortgage firm. She manages daily life much like anyone else but has become increasingly aware of the societal attitudes toward disability—ranging from apathy to excessive paternalism – both can be unhelpful. Sometimes, it is just a look with no words uttered..
Determined to make a difference, she launched a support group specifically for parents with disabilities. Parents Like Us was born.
The group meets every other Tuesday, alternating between online Zoom sessions and in-person meet-ups. The first session was hosted at Patchway Children’s Centre, and the group is now preparing for the next in-person gathering.
The support group is intended to be a safe space where parents with disabilities can share their experiences and, at times, simply offload to a non-judgmental audience who themselves are encountering similar challenges.
She said: “After giving birth, I was disheartened to discover how little support exists for disabled parents. I often felt isolated, like my experience of parenthood was different from everyone else’s. I was anxious about meeting other new parents, fearing they wouldn’t understand.”
“I hope this group helps people going through similar situations. But it’s also for me—so I can learn from others and build connections with people who are in the same boat.”
Tallulah pushing the especially adapted pram with handbrakes at the top
The sessions will be supported by volunteers from Home-Start, a local community network of trained individuals who provide practical and emotional support to families, particularly those with young children.
Guest speakers will include representatives from Remap, the UK’s only charity providing custom-made equipment free of charge for disabled people.
One recent example of their work includes adapting a pram by adding handbrakes at the top, supporting a parent who is unable to lift their foot. Remap also assists with speed control modifications, which are especially useful in Bristol’s notoriously hilly terrain.
Tallulah says she loves nothing more than pushing her “my own little mini-me” in the adapted pram.
“This group is for parents with any kind of disability, whether physical or mental,” she said. “But we also welcome expectant parents and those considering parenthood who aren’t sure how they’ll manage. And of course, carers are welcome too.”
The poster is titled “Parents like us – Support Group for Parents with Disabilities” and is designed on a light purple background. It features an illustration of a smiling family: a mother, father (wearing a green shirt and a father wearing a green sunflower lanyard to show that he has invisible disability), and a child sitting together on a couch. A plant sits beside them, adding a homely touch. Colorful Facebook and Instagram logos are shown at the bottom left
For more information about joining the group, email parentslikeus2025@gmail.com
All photos: Tallulah Clark
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