We’ve arrived at Spring (although I think Mother Nature forgot to set her alarm as it is currently snowing!) which means that very shortly schools will be breaking up for the Easter Holidays and families will be gathering with hot cross buns, far too much chocolate and the obligatory roast dinner.
Whilst this might be idyllic for most, there will be those who will find this time challenging for many reasons. One of those reasons will be having a child or young person with a disability. During term time there will be school and there will be clubs that can help support entire families by offering firstly the extra care for the child or young person but also offering respite for siblings.
I thought this would be the perfect time to raise awareness for a charity who support entire families in these situations helping them get the respite they need as well as an incredible community of families facing the same challenges.
Families United (FUN) support families who have a child or young person with a disability. They have developed a local support network within their group led by their trustees, three of whom themselves have a child who has a disability. The whole family is provided with the opportunity to attend a variety of local activities and trips that are suitable for each member.
In doing so they aim to increase the health, wellbeing and social opportunities for their members. They unite families so that they find support in each other through shared experiences, strategies and understanding of the impact that having a child with SEND can have on family life.
All donations go towards helping families access a variety of venues, events and experiences helping to reduce social isolation and improve the wellbeing of the whole family such as:
- A monthly FUN club at The Warrington Play & Sensory Centre. A group meet up for up to 25 children and their families in a safe & familiar environment amongst friends both old & new
- An 8-week block of sport activity & swimming sessions at the Woolston Neighbourhood Hub. This provides the opportunity for children to overcome any sensory difficulties and anxieties they may have in and out of the water, to make friends and to learn new skills whilst having FUN with qualified instructors.
- Monthly family respite at The Puddle Project and monthly parent focus sessions.
If you have a charity you would like us to support, please get in touch and let us know!
