Born from one act of compassion,
built for every child.
It started with one child, one birthday, and one life-changing moment.
Friend in Me was founded in response to a story that stopped Louise Larkin in her tracks. While driving to work one morning, she heard a mother on the radio talk about her six-year-old son, Logan, who has Spina Bifida. He’d invited his classmates to his birthday party — and not a single child showed up. No balloons, no laughter, no friends. Just an empty room and a heartbroken little boy.
That moment changed everything.
Louise was a high-achieving corporate professional, but Logan’s story stirred something deeper. She couldn’t ignore the pain of exclusion — and she knew she had to act. So she threw a party. Not just for Logan, but for every child who had ever felt left out.
That single act of kindness became a movement.
Since then, Friend in Me has grown into a registered charity dedicated to creating inclusive communities through events, play, and connection. We exist so that no child ever feels invisible. Every event, every program, every interaction is guided by one simple belief:
Every child deserves to belong.
Building a world where no child is left behind.
At Friend in Me, our purpose is simple yet powerful: to ensure every child feels seen, celebrated, and included — no matter their differences.
We believe inclusion is where mental wellbeing begins. Through joyful events, sensory-friendly spaces, and community-led programs, we create environments where children of all abilities feel safe to be themselves, connect with others, and thrive.
Our vision is of a future where difference is embraced, where kindness leads, and where every child — regardless of ability, background, or circumstance — grows up with a deep sense of belonging.
We exist not only to create memorable moments, but to shift mindsets. Our work goes beyond play — we aim to influence how schools teach, how communities connect, and how businesses lead with compassion. By educating, advocating, and celebrating inclusion, we’re planting the seeds for lifelong impact — one child, one family, and one act of connection at a time.
Because when a child feels they belong, everything changes.
Turning inclusion into action.
Through a range of inclusive initiatives, Friend in Me creates safe, joyful spaces where every child feels connected and supported. From play-based events to school programs, our work nurtures belonging and builds emotional resilience – one experience at a time.
Pop-up play, family days & community celebrations.
Purpose-built environments for calming, creative exploration.
INCLUZION sessions to support kids, families & professionals.
Teaching kindess, boundaries & emotional awareness.
The Hearts behind the Movement.
Our team is made up of passionate, creative, and purpose-driven individuals who bring diverse experiences, and a shared belief in inclusion to everything we do. From planning joyful events to shaping big-picture change, they are the driving force behind Friend in Me’s mission to make every child feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves – A world where no child is ever left out.
Click one of the photos below to find out more.
Express your interest by completing our volunteer form.
