The idea
To deliver an all inclusive project, focusing on good mental health allowing children with disabilities to make memories throughout the summer. We focus on inclusive activities. Engaging and encouraging teenage volunteers to provide 1-1 support. The benefits to all children taking part regardless of abilities is immense. The decline in all of our children's mental health is a huge problem. Pegasus gives children hope, a meaning to their lives and for three short weeks allows them to be children. It changes lives of not only those taking part but the larger network of families of our most vulnerable children. Improving physical, activity, social skills, less isolation, supporting those less able, children get a feeling of self worth and are valued. Holiday playschemes are also seen to have wider impacts at:
family level, for example:
• Increased potential for parents to participate in employment and training
• Providing important opportunities for respite care Improved relationships
What we'll deliver
- A community scheme delivering active inclusive support
- We encourage self improvement ie: volunteer of the week/scheme
- Improvement to mental health for all taking part
- Taking part in local activities which is supporting many local businesses and charities
- Supporting our local economy and small businesses
- Improved community cohesion and identity, especially in urban areas
- Increased awareness and links to other services A community level, for example:
- A happy environment for all taking part
Why it's a great idea
The benefits to our children's mental health is evident to see. We all want to have a summer that we can remember. All children matter. Our short breaks, specially targeted for children with severe and complex needs are vital support for local families. We receive far more applications than we can take. Obviously it's seats on buses that restrict our numbers and financially we cannot hire another mini bus. We receive countless referrals from Social Services, and senior practitioners. We operate a first come first served basis it is the only fair way.
Summers are long and can be extremely lonely not only for children with disabilities but teenagers too. Our children also need to be reminded that they can be valued and active.
The community benefit from seeing our children and volunteers out and about during the summer we get countless affirmations about what we deliver. Ensuring that disabled children and young people are supported to optimise their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Steps to get it done
- Once we have secured the funding we can advertise the scheme to parents of children with disabilities, and volunteers
- Around February we then advertise on social media for Staff and volunteers
- March April we start to book activities, many require a deposit
Encouraging good Mental Health in our children and young adults. It appears that many young adults are at risk. Anxiety is a healthy human emotion that we all feel sometimes. That means most of us will have felt some of these feelings at some point. It seems during the long break this is highlited. We have a proven track record providing a scheme that encourages youth participation, shaping futures and encouraging teenagers to take a step towards a caring role in their own community. Coming back year after year, and even now the children of these volunteers coming to join us, just amazing. It's the continuity that makes a community. The benefits after only three weeks are evident to see. Parents are astounded at the difference in their children not only the ones with disabilities but the teenagers too. They make friends with people outside of their comfort zone, discovering new activities and improving their social anxiety working in a small group, but being part of a large team.
