Norwood has launched a new Sunday club offering a range of activities, workshops and outings for young people with disabilities, thanks to a three-year £50,000 grant from Children in Need. The weekly term-time club will be based at the Kennedy Leigh Children & Family Centre in Hendon and will cater for seven young people aged between 12 and 18.
Most of the young people who will attend this new service, which started in May, currently attend residential schools during the week. However, when they come home on weekends they have limited access to clubs or social activities. The project will compliment Norwood’s ongoing Unity recreational service for children and young people with disabilities.
Jo Shone, Norwood’s Unity Manager, said: “Norwood is delighted to receive this grant as there is a great unmet need for these young people to socialise, make choices and enjoy themselves, in a safe environment and with the required level of support.
“We believe the club will bring many benefits to the young people and their families, including increased self-esteem and general well-being and happiness, and that it will allow them to make the most of their abilities and achieve their full potential.”
The club will give the young people the opportunity to use a range of facilities at the Kennedy Leigh Centre, including a soft play room, a specially-adapted outdoor adventure playground, and a sensory room. They will also be able to take part in group activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, cookery and drama workshops, and go on outings including bowling, horse riding and going out to eat.
