The ELFT Charity was able to support staff in the Specialist Children and Young Peoples Service (SCYPS) in Newham who held a Family Fun Day on 1 September in Stratford Park. Over 80 families known to the team attended. They were invited as a chance to reconnect with services, chat to specialist professionals, meet other parents, talk to representatives from local organisations and have some fun together.
Neurodevelopmental Specialist Nurse, Florence Cobb, and Joanne (Jala) Vally Mamode, a Roald Dahl Transition Specialist Nurse, co-ordinated the day. Michelle Kukielka, head of programmes at Roald Dahl Marvelous Childrens Charity (who is the one in the red Roald Dahl T-shirt) and Louisa Griffith, Roald Dahl Epilepsy Nurse Specialist.
Bubbles and Bicycles
A range of activities were on offer for children and parents to get involved with. A bubble machine proved very popular - with children trying to catch the bubbles or stamp in them! There was also face-painting, henna, musical instruments, drawing and painting, Lego, along with snacks and drinks. Bike Works were present offering accessible cycling opportunities for children with disabilities, or balance and co-ordination issues - and their parents. The London Fire Brigade brought a Fire Engine for children to explore close-up. The Golf Trust and Autism Clinic London offered Pitch and Putt golf sessions, and The Newham Bookshop donated books for children to take away. Florence said,
"I am so delighted at how the day went. We have felt that since the pandemic, many families have not returned to their usual pattern of life. So we wanted to create an event that gave them access to key specialist staff to chat to informally about the needs of their child, and to organisations that could offer them additional support.
Jala added,
"Often, when these children have contact with health services, they are often in waiting rooms, consultation rooms, having interventions, tests or monitoring. So we wanted to provide an experience which was different and fun and that could involve their siblings too."
Staff from therapy teams, nursing teams and paediatricians at West Ham Lane joined in. Local organisations were present for parents to speak to such as Ambition Aspire Achieve (Ark in the Park!) who offer groups and clubs for children and young people; Shelter - who help people in insecure housing or facing termination of tenancy, and Mencap, who offer a range of support to people with a disability.
One parent said,
"We were really happy to come along. We have been looking forward to it for days. It has been helpful to talk to people and see what support is available."
A key opportunity was that parents were able to meet each other and know they are not the only ones supporting their child on their journey. The team hope the event will begin to build a community of families whose children have additional needs and additional skills!
Florence added,
"I want to thank all my colleagues who pitched in to make sure the day was the success that it was. And to the ELFT Charity who provided funding for us to give these families a special day out!"
