(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
A Darlington play space created to support neurodivergent children and their families has become a hit two months after opening its doors.
The Little Harbour, based at Albert Hill, opened on June 15 and is the vision of Darlington mum- of-three Georgina Forster.
The 36-year-old created the venue after struggling to find suitable places for her own eldest son, who is autistic, nonverbal, and has high support needs.
Georgina said: "I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington. Owner Georgina Forster.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
"I think I was hoping that a space like this would just appear one day, but then I realised it wasn’t going to, so I decided to do it myself."
Her eldest son attends a specialist school to support his needs.
Georgina said his diagnosis marked a pivotal moment for her as a mother, as she learnt how to navigate his needs.
The mum of three said: "Navigating parenthood looked very different to the way I thought it was going to look.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington. Owner Georgina Forster.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
"You don’t get a handbook when your child doesn’t develop the way you think they’re going to.
"You’re given a diagnosis, and then you’re sent on your way.
"I felt very isolated and very lost at times."
As her son grew older, traditional soft play centres and play cafés became increasingly overwhelming for him.
She said: "Traditional play areas were overwhelming for him and for me.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
"I had to keep eyes on him constantly, but I also have two other children whose needs matter too.
"I found it all a lot.
"I just wanted a play space that would work for all of us as a family."
Since opening, Georgina said she has been "blown away" by the response from families.
She said: "It’s been going so, so well.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington. Owner Georgina Forster.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
"It’s been amazing and I couldn’t have asked for it to go better so far.
"Everyone seems to be really enjoying it.
"I’ve had so many gorgeous and lovely comments from everyone and I’ve just been blown away by it."
The Little Harbour offers sessions for babies, toddlers, and children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as private hire for families and friendship groups wanting a quieter environment.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
The name of the play space also carries a special meaning for the mum of three.
She said: "It’s called The Little Harbour because it’s a metaphor for how I felt, especially in those early days when I was navigating parenthood with my son and how it didn’t look the way I thought it was going to.
"When a boat is lost at sea, they look for a harbour to dock at as a place of refuge for them.
"I want The Little Harbour to be somewhere that families can come as they are.
"No questions, no explaining, no apologising, just exactly as you are."
The venue has parking directly outside the door, visual aids, ear defenders, and a large changing mat for older children.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington. Owner Georgina Forster.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
She said: "I think there is a huge need for spaces that are inclusive, but the word inclusive gets thrown around a lot without people actually considering it from the very beginning.
"Unless you live in it, you do not always know what that can look like for families.
"My seven-year-old is autistic, so I have a good insight into what that can look like for lots of families."
The Little Harbour also has a small café and has recently been awarded a five-star food hygiene rating.
Newly opened play cafe for autistic children, The Little Harbour on Barton Street in Darlington.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
For Georgina, the business is the kind of place she once wished existed for her own family.
She said: "I wanted this for my family, so to be able to do something to help other families is everything really.
"I knew my family needed something like it, but I have been blown away by the other families that have come in and been really happy.
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"I want it to be a safe space and I have tried to make it as inclusive as I can with what I have."
The play café is at 47 Barton Street, Darlington, DL1 2LP.
Sessions must be booked in advance through The Little Harbour website.