Marvels and Meltdowns was founded in November 2014 by two parents  both experiencing  the heartache and frustrations of caring for children with a diagnosis of ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Condition.


They realised that there was no provision or support for the parents and carers of the children affected, and so they set out to change that! Working in the local children's centre planted a seed for Shandrika, the founder, about using the venue to host local support meetings for parents, to support one another on the journey to diagnosis, with the day to day frustrations and to celebrate the victories.  After an initial meeting to ascertain the need Marvels and Meltdowns was born.


The group grew immensely quickly and is now a registered charity with its own dedicated social and fundraising teams.  They hold weekly meetings to cater for their ever expanding members and play sessions for children who otherwise can find these social interactions overwhelming providing a place where everyone feels welcome with no fear of judgement when their Marvel is having a Meltdown!!


Marvels and Meltdowns also run 1:1 intensive support meetings to reinforce the positive mental well-being in their members as they have found by promoting this, it makes an immense difference in their daily lives. The charity is run completely on donations of cash, skills and of the volunteers who give their free time to enable Marvels and Meltdowns to continue and move forwards.

Marvels and Meltdowns - Our AMAZING Volunteers


Shandrika Day (Co-Founder)

Shandrika Day - Founder 


I am a mum of three children. I am married to David and originally from Berkshire.  I moved to the Gosport area when I got married as my husband was in the Royal Navy at the time.


I worked for the local Surestart children's centres as a Children's Services Practitioner until things started to become more challenging for my son, which is when I needed to give up my work which was also a passion of mine.


Through my journey with my son, I found there was very little support when I was feeling completely lost and isolated at the beginning of my journey, Now we are able to offer a support network to other parents going through the same journey.




Nikki Martin FDSC BA (Hons) PGC

Centre Manager, 

Treasurer & Trustee,  

Lego Therapist 


I'm Nikki, I'm a mum to twin boys . I connected with Marvels and Meltdowns when a  friend of mine pointed me towards them when I was in need of advice about one of my boys.


Initially I sought the support through the online community  but in Dec 2015 I walked through the door of my first support group session, and I haven’t stopped coming since. 


As my confidence grew through coming to group I started volunteering and I applied to be the charity secretary and trustee to which I was appointed.


I have a I have a foundation degree in speech language and communication science

A BA hons in communication science and a post graduate degree in research training, my research was linked with speech and language disorders.  I am also a fully qualified Lego Therapist



Michelle Baker

Office Manager/Financial Officer


Hello, I am Michelle and I am the mother of 4 amazing children of which 3 are adults with their own families. I am also a nanny to one grandson, so I am what you call the maturest (Oldest) one of the volunteers. Out of my 4 children the two Youngest have a diagnosis between them of Asd,adhd,Spd and vocal Tourette’s .  When my son who is now 21 was diagnosed as a child , their was no support for us as a family. Then when the baby of the family who is now 13  (diagnosed ASD ,ADHD, SPD) was going through the process of diagnosis, I was told about Marvels and Meltdowns.


From the moment of walking through that door It became my second home, and made me into the strong person I am today. Volunteering is so rewarding and you feel a sense of accomplishment, and I have meet some amazing families along the way .



Rachel Lewis

Charity Trustee


I am a mum of 2 marvels and a bit of a Jack of most trades in Marvels! 


I have a childcare qualification which I am delighted to be able to use to support Marvels.


I have helped to run stay and play sessions, and enjoy helping with fundraising when I can. I look forward to helping Marvels in whatever way I can in the future!


Layla Churcher

Volunteer Support


My name is Layla, I am a single mum of 3, imy daughters are 16 and 18 and I also have a 12 year old son. 


As well as being a full time sngle mum I work part time in a pharmacy, I'm currently training to become a dispenser. 


My son has been diagnosed with ASD and ADHD and Iife felt completely alone and out of my depth. Then I  found Marvels and suddenly realised I wasnt alone. 


Now, whenever I can, I help man stalls at events and host birthday parties. 




Martine Prudente

Website support


I have worked with the Marvels and Meltdowns charity for more 3 years now, up until recently as a charity trustee and then personal circumstances meant I took a sidways move but still wanted to support the charity somehow.


My eldest grandchild is autistic and has been diagnosed with ADHD. 


I have been through the process of diagnosis with my daughter so I know first hand how valuable the charity is to parents.  It is essential that parents have somewhere and someone they can turn to to support them through the process but also to celebrate the wins and to shout and cry about the bad days.


For me, supporting the charity has been a fantastic learning curve about ASD, ADHD and SPD and this has now spilled over into other areas of my professional life supporting adults within their working life. It also gives me an invaluable insight into my grandson's life so I am able to see things from his perspective.




Philip Bull FdEng CertEd EngTech MIET

Charity Trustee


I have long had an association with Marvels and Meltdowns via my friend and founder of the charity Shandrika. I have learned a lot about the struggles children with additional needs require and the challenges faced by them and their friends and family.


I have long wanted to be part of the Marvels community and help in any way I can to see the charity grow, continue to provide support to the users of the centre and educate the wider community on the challenges people with the various additional needs face. 

 

I have foundation degree in Aeronautical Engineering gained via Kingston University during my time in the Royal Navy and Certificate in Education gained via Portsmouth University during the time I spent teaching Royal Naval Weapon Engineers. I am also a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.


Jade Lewington

Safeguarding Lead

Secretary and Charity Trustree


Hi, Im Jade and im a mum to 5 children, 2 who are on the autistic spectrum.


I have recently joined the board of trustees for the charity and am the designated safeguarding lead.


Previously I was part of the management team for various nurseries where i was the appointed SENCO and recieved safeguarding, child protection and child development training. 

More recently I worked as a 121 for children on the autistic spectrum in early years and helped run parent courses on managing challenging behaviour. 


I moved to Fareham from Brighton in 2016 to provide a quieter life for my children not knowing the area or a single person until I discovered Marvels and meltdowns


The support group not only helped me access various services in the local area but provided me with a much needed safe space for myself and my children and introduced me to lifelong friends.


I am extremely excited to be part of the Marvels team.



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