We are thrilled that our ND and Parent Carer projects have recently been recognised for the great support they offer to families. They received an Ipswich and East Suffolk Alliance Award to recognise the impactful respite opportunities and accessible activities provided by the projects, as well as the development of the new Parent Carer Project.
An example of the respite offered is our work with EAST Sailing for the disabled to provide a sail school for children who are neurodivergent and are not able to engage in full time education. This relationship is now in its third year, with our latest course seeing 10 young people training for the RYA basic qualification.
The award , presented on 29th April by Maddie Baker-Woods, Edward Creasy and Phanuel Mutumburi from the ICB who met with the team to hear further about how these activities support families.
They were also able to hear about the amazing work our volunteers do, assisting us to run activities such as Art Club for neurodivergent teens and our coffee and craft for parent carers. The invaluable support from our volunteer administrator has enabled us to managing the bookings for low sensory swimming and parent carer yoga sessions which continue to run in Ipswich.
Michelle Jones , Project Manager for the team, said, “I am delighted that we have won this award, it is a real team effort utilising the vast skills and experience of our staff and volunteers to widen opportunities for families who are caring for a child with additional needs. I want to thank the whole team for their creativity, flexibility and wiliness to continue to go the extra mile.”
