Summer enrichment programme
Summer can be a challenging time for the children and families we support. After experiencing a brain injury, a child’s needs may change, and the amount of medical and therapy interventions needed can often feel intense. Things that were exciting before, going on holiday and days out with friends, can now feel impossible or scary, and life can feel limited.
Here at The Children’s Trust, we give families the opportunity to spend much needed quality time together and show them that they can still have fun. With the right support, these things can become possible again. We couldn’t do this without your support.
What we've been up to:
Emergency services
We welcomed staff from the emergency services, who visited our specialist centre in their vehicles. After experiencing medical trauma, this is a great opportunity for families to meet these everyday heroes under different and more positive circumstances. This event helps take away negative feelings and replace them with a positive impact. The children loved the sirens and lights, and some even had a go at being locked up in the police van!
Furry friends
Supporter Kelly and her daughter visited the children we support, bringing with them a variety of animal friends for them to meet. The children had the opportunity to learn about the animals and interact with them. They got to feel the different textures of fur and skin, and movement in their hands. Kelly even brought in her rescue kittens for cuddles. This is a great sensory and tactile activity for the children.
River cruising
Children and families enjoyed some quality time together, travelling down the River Wey on a canal boat. This calm and sensory experience included taking in their surroundings, listening to birdsong and the sounds of nature around them. It’s a very peaceful trip, perfect for children who are sensitive to movement and sound.
Adventures at sea
The day started with a drive to Portsmouth in our specially adapted vans, enjoying the views. On arrival, the children were greeted by the crew of Wetwheels Solent, who gave a safety briefing.
The children then boarded the boat, where there was a space for everyone, and the wheelchairs were securely clamped so they were ready to go! The crew took the children on a cruise around the harbour and then counted down before speeding out to sea. They went as far as the Isle of Wight where the crew allowed each child to take to the helm to steer the boat. The children loved doing ‘doughnuts’ in the water, bouncing over waves and feeling the sea spray on their faces. It’s a great trip for the soul and everyone enjoyed the fresh air, as well as the sensation of speed and adrenaline, in a safe and controlled environment.
Bowling
A summer holiday classic! Taking children and families bowling whist they are at The Children’s Trust for a rehabilitation placement gives us the opportunity to show them that they can do familiar and fun activities, whilst also working on their rehabilitation goals. With the help of our therapists who go with them, they can put their therapy skills into practice, getting into a standing position and rolling the ball independently where possible. Being out in the community having fun helps the children relax and enjoy themselves, achieving rehabilitation goals without even realising they are doing it.
The joy of dance
A firm favourite with all of us at The Children’s Trust; Kalpesh from KZ Dance visited our specialist centre to teach Bollywood dance routines. Children, families, staff and volunteers all got involved over the course of the day, learning about the culture, listening to the music, and trying new dance skills. Sessions are adapted for wheelchair users so that everyone can be involved. It’s great fun, full of energy, and puts a smile on everyone’s face!
Horse and carriage rides
Dan and his team visited our specialist centre with their beautiful, accessible horse and carriage. The children’s wheelchairs were clamped onto the carriage which is then pulled along by the horse. This was a great sensation for the children. This activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Getting crafty
Staff members from the Lush shop in Kingston ran bath-bomb making workshops for the children and families. The team brought soap, scented bubbles and moulds to help the children get creative. This playful and tactile activity really opened up the senses, with powerful scents and the sensations of the soap and bubbles. One parent said it was great to do something that is a real treat!
Sports day
A real highlight of the summer was our accessible sports day, packed with a variety of sports and activities that everyone could take part in. The children played hockey, archery, Nerf shooting, football, curling and boccia; all specially adapted to suit their needs. It was a great opportunity to include family members and show parents how activities can be adapted to make them accessible. It was such a fun day, the sun was shining so children and families really enjoyed being able to get out into the fresh air and spend time together.
Bird display
These popular visitors were a big hit with the children and families we support. The children had the opportunity to hold the birds, call them and feed them. They also watched them flying and learnt about the various birds that were brought in. This was a great sensory experience.
Summer festival
We rounded off the summer months with our wonderful summer festival. Children, families and staff gathered to take part in a parade, showing off the amazing floats the children had been making during the summer. There were prizes for effort and creativity. The theme ‘what summer means to me’, inspired some fantastic creations, including barbecue food, an ice cream van and palm tree. As well as the parade, there was an afternoon of activities for everyone to enjoy. Live music entertained the guests, children took on an adaptive Nerf gun shoot-out, and everyone enjoyed making crafts. Treats on offer included glitter tattoos, face paints and candyfloss. Our favourite guests, the goats, also made a special appearance! The whole day had a great atmosphere with lots of fun and laughter.
