A Dudley charity running activity sessions for people with disabilities has launched a new group for children with complex needs.
Dudley Inclusive Activities has received £1,061 from the Foundation to launch a group for young people who are unable to take part in its regular provisions.
The sessions are held every fortnight at Stourbridge Leisure Centre and welcome children who struggle to take part in larger group activities and their families to enjoy games, soft play and art.
The charity runs a variety clubs including children’s activity groups, wheelchair sports clubs and rebound therapy, which helps encourage movement in those with profound disabilities using trampolines.
Already this year, the Foundation has distributed more than £122,000 to projects across the Black Country since April this year.
Dudley Inclusive Activities has already received a huge amount of positive feedback about its new group in Stourbridge and is now looking to expand the amount of sessions it holds.
Greg Southall, of Dudley Inclusive Activities, said: “We hold a of variety activity sessions, but these are not always suitable for some children and teenagers who struggle to be in larger groups.
“Our new group is aimed at those who are unable to take part in our regular provisions, many of which are severely autistic and have very limited communication, and enables them to take part in smaller activity sessions with their families.
“We currently have young people aged 10 to 16 in the group and not only play fun games, but also try and incorporate some learning into the sessions.
“The group also acts as a support network for family members who are able to share their experiences and speak about strategies to help deal with certain situations.
“The new group is already proving to be incredible popular, and we are already looking into the possibility of running this weekly rather than fortnightly.
“We are constantly adapting our activities to meet the needs of young people across the Dudley borough, and grants such as the one from Heart of England Community Foundation are enabling us to do this.”
Foundation Chief Executive, Tina Costello said: “The team at Dudley Inclusive Activities does an excellent job in supporting young people and their families right across the borough, and it is wonderful that this grant has helped them expand their offering even more.
“We look forward to working with even more groups like Dudley Inclusive Activities across the Midlands who are making a huge difference in their communities.”