Making a splash: project brings SEND families together

Families of children with special educational needs and disabilities are being offered inclusive swimming, activities and opportunities to connect through a new programme.

Malvern based not for profit organisation What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful has received funding from our Community Chest Fund for its SEND Summer Connections project.

The funding is supporting private swimming lessons at Lower Wick Swimming Pool in Worcester and inclusive family sessions at Malvern Splash Leisure Complex.

It will also provide community coffee mornings, family meet ups, creative activities, lunch bags and a dedicated SEND family day featuring inclusive play, inflatables and food.

The activities have been designed for families who can face financial, physical or social barriers to accessing mainstream leisure opportunities. They will provide safe, welcoming environments where children of different abilities can take part while parents and carers develop friendships and informal support networks.

Kim Philpotts, Founder of What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful said: "Families living with SEND can often feel isolated or excluded from everyday activities. Mainstream sessions may not meet their children's needs, while cost and worries about how others might respond can create further barriers.

"Our activities are designed to be welcoming and inclusive so families can relax, enjoy themselves and feel that they belong. The swimming sessions give children an opportunity to build confidence and enjoy physical activity, while parents and carers can meet other people who understand some of the challenges they face.

"Previous sessions have shown us just how important these connections are. Families have told us they feel less isolated, children have made friends and parents have developed supportive relationships that continue beyond the activities themselves.

"We are extremely grateful to Platform Housing Group for enabling us to continue and expand this support."

Alongside promoting physical activity, confidence and positive family experiences, the programme will help parents and carers reduce loneliness and improve their emotional wellbeing through peer support.

The project builds on earlier sessions which attracted strong attendance and positive feedback. Families have continued to request inclusive swimming and community meet ups, while new families have expressed an interest in getting involved.

Nick Richardson, our Community Engagement Officer said: "Kim and her team have created something very special, a community in which families feel welcomed, understood and able to participate fully.

"This funding is removing some of the financial and accessibility barriers that can prevent SEND families from enjoying leisure activities and meeting others. It will give children opportunities to have fun and grow in confidence while helping their parents and carers build valuable friendships and support networks.

"The project has already demonstrated a positive impact, and we are delighted that our Community Chest Fund is helping it reach even more families."

The sessions are being promoted through community networks, schools, partner organisations and families who have taken part in previous activities. They are open to our customers and families and from the wider community, helping to build connections across neighbourhoods.

All activities are being delivered by experienced facilitators, with safeguarding procedures, trained volunteers and appropriate risk assessments in place.

Our Community Chest supports local organisations and projects which help improve the lives of customers and communities across the Midlands.

Photo caption : Families of children with special educational needs and disabilities are being offered inclusive swimming, activities and opportunities to connect through a new programme.