Sensory prom for girls who missed out at school

For many teenagers, prom is one of the biggest milestones of school life - a chance to celebrate the end of secondary education with classmates before moving on to the next chapter.

But for some young people, often because of anxiety, autism, ADHD or sensory difficulties, the chance to get dressed to the nines and mark the special occasion never happens.

It is an issue community group Blossom & Belong is hoping to overcome, as it tries to make sure a group of teenage girls in Solihull can still go to a ball in October.

The community interest company is raising funds to host a sensory-friendly prom designed specifically for young people who have experienced school avoidance.

Founder Fay Joesbury set up the group two years ago after her own daughter was unable to attend school because she struggled socially.

Since then, weekly craft, cooking and gaming sessions have become a safe space for girls who often feel isolated.

Joesbury said the majority of girls who attend the sessions "start being unable to go to school during secondary school", adding: "It's that part of their education that they miss, but then that's also got so many important social aspects to it that they also miss."

For the girls and their parents to have "such a wonderful experience" as prom, was "a really positive thing for them after all they've struggled through in their teenage years", she said.

The event is being designed with accessibility in mind, with a silent disco allowing guests to choose whether to listen to music, sensory spaces for anyone needing a break, and fidget toys available throughout the evening.

The group has also teamed up with Solihull-based charity Madrina, that provides free, donated prom dresses and suits to young people facing various barriers.

"We're having a try-on day," she said. "All the girls are coming together and Madrina bring some dressing rooms with them, so the girls get to have that experience as well.

"We're also going to put some bubbly on in champagne flutes, for the mums to enjoy too, keeping that whole experience really positive."

Although she initially worried the event might be overwhelming, Joesbury said the response had been the opposite.

A GoFundMe page has been launched on the group's website and social media pages.

"When I first brought the idea, I thought these girls are anxious... I'm not sure it was going to work for them," she said.

"But my gosh, the excitement - they are very, very excited."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.