EastEnders star Kellie Bright has shared an emotional message on Instagram regarding her son, who has Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The Linda Carter actress opened up in a video about the long process of getting an Educational Health Care (EHC) assessment for her son, which looks at the educational, health and social needs of a child.
In the video, Kellie admitted that she "wouldn't normally put such a personal message on Instagram", though feels "it's a really important moment to share".
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"I am the mother of a child with SEN," she began. "For those of you that don't know, that's Special Educational Needs. It's also called SEND, which is Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
"Myself and my husband have been fighting for an EHC assessment since March of this year. We were initially turned down. We then tried mediation and they just didn't come back to us with a date at all, and so we then pursued an appeal.
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"We were in the middle of an appeal process going to a paper tribunal, which would have been at the end of December, beginning of January. About three or four weeks ago we had to resubmit all of our paperwork to our local authority and to the tribunal."
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Kellie then began to get emotional as she revealed that an assessment has finally been agreed, sharing: "I have just received an email to say that they have agreed to assess my son.
"Now in no way does this mean he will reach the needs of the assessment and get the help and support that we think he needs, but it is a step closer, and it has been eight months of such hard work and perseverance and fighting to get to this point."
Sharing an inspiring message for parents, Kellie explained: "The reason I wanted to put this on here is to say that if you are also a mother of a SEND child and you are fighting for an EHC assessment, don't stop fighting. Don't give up when they say 'no'. Keep going, just keep going.
"There are lots of people out there that can help you, and I truly believe that every child has the right to be supported and helped through our education system. They have the right to an education that meets their needs.
"And I am really happy, but I have cried a lot of tears. It feels like a momentous day. So good luck anyone else who's in the same position."
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Writing in the comments, Kellie said she hoped her message "doesn't come across as earnest, it isn't meant to".
"I just know that there are many, many parents out there in the same position as me and I wanted to share something positive," she added. "It often feels like a relentless battle of negativity when it comes to fighting for SEN."
Kellie has since received a lot of praise in the comments, with former EastEnders co-star Rose Ayling-Ellis (Frankie Lewis) writing: "Your son is lucky to have you both as his parents who won't give up fighting. The system is rigid and messy. Sending you lots of love".
Heather Peace (Eve Unwin) added: "Brilliant Kel. And such an important, heartfelt message to post. It shouldn't have been this hard for you. I hope you inspire many others to keep going. Sending love to you all".
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
