Bromley Mencap – Siblings Group
Date/Time
Date(s) - 17/02/2015
16:00 - 18:00
Location
Hawes Down Centre
About the event
This group was originally set up by a group of like minded parents who wanted a place for all their children to meet in a social environment. There are groups where disabled children can meet up, but not where their non-disabled siblings can also meet others who are in a similar situation to them.
This group is for primary aged children only. In partnership with Bromley Mencap, the group secured funding from True Colours to run the group for another year and to open the club to new families.
The group meets fortnightly at the Hawes Down Centre in West Wickham, alternately on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, to enable as many families as possible to attend.
Families can attend once a month and must book in with the co-ordinator. We try to match children of similar ages together and also take into account existing friendship groups wherever possible. The group is quite small, with a maximum of 12 children at any session. Families arrive from 3:45pm and leave at 5:45pm. Each family brings their own packed tea and “picnic” together.
Facilities at the venue include a ball pool, a sensory room with a hoist and a ‘play room’. There are opportunities for parents to catch up, and for the children to play in a safe environment.
Benefits (as quoted by the families)
– The children with Special needs enjoy themselves and it is a social club for them
– For most of the families it is the only after school group which is open to all their children
– The parents of the children offer support to each other, share information and enjoy each other’s company in a social setting.
– The siblings are able to interact with other children in a similar situation.
– This will be invaluable to the siblings as they grow older to know they are not the only ones experiencing the emotions/issues that go with having a disabled brother or sister.
– The Hawes down Centre is a great setting for this age group
– The facilities are there for children who have significant physical disabilities and there is plenty to do for the siblings so no-one is sitting on the side just watching
Caroline is the project co-ordinator and is supported by two young volunteers who enjoy working with children and will ensure everyone has an opportunity to have fun during the session. A small charge of £2 per family will be made, to cover the cost of materials.
Please contact Caroline for further information on 020 8466 0790 or by email at caroline.stone@bromleymencap.org