A DISABILITIES charity has launched a new service for siblings of children with special educational needs.

Diverse Abilities has launched STARs, which stands for Supportive, Thoughtful And Resilient, a 12-week programme of support, advice and activities for children aged between eight and 16. It aims to reduce the pressure they are under by providing an environment where they can access support and advice as well as take part in activities and make friends.

Clare Rochford, a children's team manager at Diverse Abilities, a charity supporting children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities across Dorset, said: "There's a big gap in provision for siblings and I felt as a team we could definitely meet this need.

"We know a lot of the siblings of the children we support really well and have designed a service with the aim of supporting them."

For more information, visit the Diverse Abilities website.