The BDFA hosts regular Mum's Chats and Dad’s Chats groups on Zoom, led by trained BDFA Peer Befrienders who are themselves parents of children with Batten disease. These friendly, informal sessions offer a supportive space to connect with other parents, share experiences, and talk through any concerns — from practical matters like home adaptations, specialist seating, or grant applications, to lighter conversations and new friendships. Many parents tell us they value the chance to chat about everyday life too, whether it’s football or joining in for a game of online bingo a quiz together!
We’d love to welcome you to one of our groups.
To view our calendar of upcoming events including all groups run by our Peer Befriending service, click HERE.
The calendar is updated regularly with the latest sessions. Simply select any event to learn more, and click ‘Join Now’ to take part.
For more information on any of the sessions, please contact Mimi Petty, Family Support & Peer Befriending Officer: mimipetty@bdfa-uk.org.uk
Our Dad’s Chat group is a chance to come together with other dads from the BDFA community, some who have been on this journey for a while, and others whose children have been recently diagnosed.
Dad’s Chat is hosted by two dads who both have children with Batten disease – Andrew Dawkins who is a BDFA trained Peer Befriender and volunteer James Yarrow.
The group meets once every 8 weeks on Zoom, in the evenings from 8-9pm. You’re very welcome to just come along and listen if you don’t want to say anything. The chats can be about anything, and might involve sharing practical information such as home adaptation tips, or can be a space to ask questions about how to cope with living with Batten disease.
To view our calendar of upcoming events including all groups run by our Peer Befriending service, click HERE. https://bdfa-uk.org.uk/community/family-events-workshops
Our Mum’s Chat group is a chance to come together with other mums from the BDFA community, some who have been on this journey a while, and others whose children have been recently diagnosed.
Mum’s Chat is hosted by two mums who have children with Batten disease and are also BDFA trained Peer Befrienders – Lisa Hover & Val Trayner.
The group meets once a month on Zoom, in the evenings from 8-9pm, and provides a space to ask questions and share advice with other mums who understand. The group often focuses on doing something fun together, such as online Bingo, or a Quiz Night. Feedback told us that often what was wanted, was a chance to switch off for an hour and to be able to relax with other parents who ‘get it’. Every so often, the Mum’s Chat will focus instead on a time solely dedicated to talking about any issues you may be facing, whilst caring for your child.
To view our calendar of upcoming events including all groups run by our Peer Befriending service, click HERE. https://bdfa-uk.org.uk/community/family-events-workshops
Our BDFA Family-Led Cooking Sessions take place on Zoom during the school holidays and are open to the whole family — children, young people, siblings, parents, grandparents, and carers. It’s a fun, relaxed way to spend time together while making something delicious. In previous sessions we’ve cooked pizza rolls, cookies, pineapple upside-down cake, and lots more!
Each session is led by a different family, who choose the recipe for the day. We send out the ingredient list in advance so everyone can join the Zoom session ready to get cooking.
Please note: children and young people must be accompanied by an adult during these sessions.
We’d love to see you at our next session.
To view our calendar of upcoming events including all groups run by our Peer Befriending service, click HERE. https://bdfa-uk.org.uk/community/family-events-workshops
