Being told that your children have a condition which will affect them for rest of their lives is tough for any parent.

And that's exactly what happened to 40-year-old Amanda Richardson when her two sons Thomas, 12, and James, 14, were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Amanda wasn't sure where to go or if there were other parents who were going through something similar.

But four years ago, she discovered ADHD West Cumbria, a support group aimed at helping parents cope better.

She says: "When I first went, it was the unknown as you don't know what you're walking into. 

"I was a bit sceptical, but when I went in they made me feel very at ease. We went round the room and talked about our different experiences and when our children got diagnosed.

"If I had any problems or was having a rough time with my eldest I could ask them and they would say 'have you tried this strategy?' It's all about strategies."

The group held its first meeting at Workington's Moorclose Community Centre this week after relocating from the town's Minto Centre.

At the monthly meetings, parents meet to discuss their difficulties and discuss good coping strategies.

There is no known cure for ADHD which affects attention span and causes restlessness and Amanda's sons were also diagnosed with autism.

She adds: "Children with ADHD do things impulsively and you have to be one step ahead to stop accidents happening.

"The only way I can describe ADHD in childhood is like constantly flicking the channel on the television. Their brains are on the go and never stop.

"It's very hard, we have good days and bad days. It's very difficult because it's a disability you can't see.

"People just assume they're a naughty child and that's very difficult for me to say when other people are judging you as a bad parent. Other people's ignorance can be a challenge in itself."

The group has also helped children with the condition and organises fun days which has enabled new friendships to be formed.

Tuesday's meeting was also attended by Workington MP Sue Hayman, who discussed mental health issues.

Amanda says: "It's made me stronger as a parent and I'm more confident. I find it very useful as you feel like you're not on your own and it's helped me a great deal to be able to cope with my children.

"I'm more able to meet their needs. There's a lot of parents out there who are struggling who are basically told their child has this condition but there is no support out there. 

"We're just there to get the message out. If you're concerned we can give you advice and we can point you in the right direction."

For more information, visit www.adhdcumbria.org.uk