Follow this project
The idea
Our aim is to offer a range of specialised services, including our new inclusive mother and toddler group, family support sessions and tailored activities designed to meet the unique needs of children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and additional needs. Our sessions prioritise inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging and community among our families.
Additionally, our experienced team includes a trained Makaton Tutor which enables us to offer Makaton-friendly sessions and provide valuable training and support to families and the wider community.
Through our holistic approach to support and our commitment to promoting inclusion and understanding, we aim to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and additional needs, and their families.
What we'll deliver
- Specialist family support sessions for families
- Saturday Family Club
- Extra mid-week holiday sessions
- Makaton training and support
- Emotional and practical support including signposting
- Development of an inclusive mother
- Podcast development to share experiences and guest knowledge
- Development of a specialist clothing range
Why it's a great idea
Our community consists of families with children and young people who have autism, learning difficulties and other additional needs. Our families often feel misunderstood in society and at OJ’s we strive to create a non-judgmental environment where all family members are warmly welcomed into a safe and understanding space.
We have exclusive use of a venue that provides a secure indoor space and expansive outdoor activities for families. This allows us to offer privacy and support during challenging times, shielding families from unwanted stares and comments from certain members of society.
Families face constant caregiving roles due to having children with severe autism, learning difficulties and additional needs. Our children often exhibit challenging behaviours, necessitating 1:1 or 2:1 support. Families find themselves in a situation where they need a break, and caregivers are desperately seeking a safe and understanding environment to take their children and OJ’s can provide this.
Steps to get it done
- Secure funding to enable weekly family services
- Provide consistent holiday mid-week sessions
- Open inclusive mother and toddler sessions during term time
- Offer regular Makaton Signing for Babaies and Families courses
- Develop our podcast
- Develop our clothing range
Our families grapple with the challenge of managing challenging behaviours in public settings, leading to a sense of isolation and the choice to stay at home.
Children supported by OJ's often exhibit a range of characteristics associated with severe autism and learning difficulties. These include being non-verbal, facing challenging behaviours such as hitting, biting, kicking, spitting and absconding. Additionally, many children also experience sensory processing disorder.
With our whole family approach, we recognise that siblings are an integral part of the family unit. We understand that growing up with a sibling who has severe autism and learning difficulties brings unique challenges for brothers and sisters. That's why we extend our support to include siblings, offering resources, activities, and a safe space for them to share their experiences and receive the understanding they need.
