By Empathy for special children
Providing a safe social space of welcome, belonging, fun and friendship for anyone feeling out of step, lonely and isolated. "Lonely is not being alone, it is feeling that no one cares" - Anon
Based at the new Empathy Inclusion Hub in Craven Arms, the Include Me project will extend the warm arms of friendship and support, cultivated through our work over 15 years with the neurodiverse, to any ! member of the community who experience isolation. Age, location, culture, health, life change and feeling different or out of step with our peers or simply life’s journey can make anyone feel isolated at any time and why the Include Me project sessions are open to all and supported by our Empower, Enable and Community Champions teams The community have told us they would like drop-in sessions at school times, lunch clubs and coffee drop-ins for those who cannot travel or are working from home, to share their skills across the generations, to come together and simply enjoy the company of others with community evenings. To support Include Me is to include, support and hear their voices and ensure Fun, Friendship, Support and Inclusion is available to all.
What we'll deliver:
Why it's a great idea:
A happier community leads to a healthier community both physically and mentally. The benefits of inclusion are as well documented, as the negative effects of loneliness and isolation; increased activity and socialisation lead to a healthier population, particularly relevant for a vulnerable rural community such as South Shropshire where service is harder to reach. Bringing people together, not only, builds stronger but more resilient, tolerant and understanding communities; more able to work together and support each other in times of need, and better places to live and work for all. This is a new project for Empathy but not new work, we have seen first-hand the devastating effects of isolation on the young Neurodiverse and the resulting loneliness, but we have also seen the impact of bringing people together, of empowering communities to support each other. We believe that true inclusion and acceptance are the keys to a happier, healthier, more resilient and successful society.
Steps to get it done:
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Whoop, 40 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 30 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
How will the money be spent?Target (inc. fees) £15,284
Costs Breakdown
This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.
Overfunding
This project is enabled for overfunding. If the project hits its funding goal before the end of the campaign period, any extra funds raised will be spent (in order of priority) on:
Target (inc. fees) £15,284
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VolunteerEmpathy for Special Children is a registered charity, working across Shropshire to improve the lives and reduce social isolation of those growing up and living with Neuro-diversity and Hidden Disabilities.
Formed in 2010 by three like minded parents, who recognized that different isn't wrong, it is simply different, that the challenges were specific and needed specific support, that those challenges were not isolated to just those experiencing difference and that those who face the challenges are best placed to understand and bring about change. We are proud to still be user led. We are a professional organisation, run by a small and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Who are committed to providing the support and opportunity needed to ensure that the young Neurodiverse, and all those living with the impact of a hidden difference are enabled and empowered with the support and equal opportunity to enjoy and embrace life, lifelong. Year on year, month on month we grow, we change, we adapt. We bring fun, friendship and laughter to special lives whilst ensuring that no one living with Neurodiversity or the impact of a hidden disability need ever feel alone.
Project Owner: Empathy for special children The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
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