Our Young Carers and Neurodevelopmental Differences (ND) Project are pleased to have secured funding from the Mid Suffolk District Council Community Grants – IP14 Wellbeing Fund.
The funding for the Young Carers will support the running of a monthly Young Carers group for registered carers aged 5-11 years in the IP14 locality. The out of school YC group will run from Stowupland Village Hall for children who need a regular break from their caring role, dedicated time to be a child they otherwise may not have. The sessions are planned and facilitated by members of our Young Carers team who are experienced in running activities for young carers.
It cannot be underestimated the positive impact the sense of community has on a child; building friendships with other young carers who know what it like to have similar worries and experiences.
“Thanks so much, it means a lot to have someone who understands.”
“My son looks forward to Young Carer activities and being recognised as part of a new community.”
In addition, the service will host whole family outdoor activities. We design the activities to encourage families to create new memories together. Such activities may include cooking, craft or team challenges which gently support families to communicate effectively with each other with our staff on hand to model and guide as needed.
“The children’s Dad really didn’t want to come to the first family activity we were all invited to, saying it was his worst nightmare – but afterwards he said, that was really good and the staff are lovely.”
Our ND project will use the funding in partnership with Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre to facilitate low sensory swim sessions for families who have child with SEND. We know, from family feedback, that general swimming sessions can be too noisy and busy for many families whose children have additional needs so these sessions are designed to provide a quieter environment. Families who attended similar sessions in Felixstowe early this year provide some great feedback and know that these sessions will be hugely beneficial for the whole family.
“We have found the low sensory swimming sessions really enjoyable. The quieter sessions have made the experience really enjoyable for my whole family. It has meant we can enjoy some family time together each week. They have had a calming effect on the whole family, after a stressful week of nursery, school and work, the low sensory swimming sessions enable us to have fun and reset, enabling us to head into the weekend with a positive mind set. I couldn’t recommend the sessions enough; they have been brilliant. Thank you”
Later this year we will use remaining funding to provide one off yoga wellbeing sessions in the IP14 area for parent carers of children with SEND, which will provide a short respite opportunity and peer support.
“Thank you for a lovely treat yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed my yoga session. It was scary to realise how tense and stiff my body has become”
To find out further information about these events and activities, visit our Events Calendar
