We are incredibly proud to share a detailed update on our SEND Community Share & Care Project, a project that has grown into something truly special for children with SEND and their families.
Thanks to the generous funding of £17,415 from The National Lottery Community Fund, we have been able to create a warm, inclusive and supportive environment where families feel welcomed, listened to and valued. This funding has allowed us not only to run the project, but to develop it in meaningful ways that genuinely meet the needs of the families who attend.
We’d look to welcome you to our free SEND Community Support session please visist our events page here – Free SEND Community Support Session.
About the SEND Community Share & Care Project Funded By The National Lottery
Our sessions take place every Wednesday from 4.15pm to 5.45pm at Brookside Family Hub. What started as a small group has quickly become a much-loved weekly space for families across the area.
The project is designed to support children with SEND while also recognising the importance of supporting parents and carers. We understand how isolating life can sometimes feel for families, and our aim has always been to create a space where everyone feels safe, understood and supported without judgement.
A space designed with children in mind
One of the most exciting developments within the project has been the creation of our sensory room. Using part of the funding, we purchased £6,500.96 worth of brand new sensory equipment from SENstation. This room has become a calm, engaging and comforting space where children can regulate, explore and enjoy sensory play in a way that suits them individually.
Alongside the sensory room, children also have access to:
- A main activity room, where we run different activities each week to keep sessions fresh, engaging and fun
- An outdoor space, allowing for free-flow play and fresh air when children need it
- A newly hired additional room dedicated to LEGO play, giving children the opportunity to explore creativity, problem-solving and social interaction
Looking ahead, we are excited to share that next year we will be undertaking LEGO Therapy training, allowing us to further support the children who attend and build on the positive engagement we already see during LEGO-based activities.
Support for the whole family
Our sessions are supported by a dedicated team, including two project workers and a project manager, ensuring families receive consistent, high-quality support each week. We also work with a caterer who provides a two-course meal every single session for both parents/carers and children. Sitting down together to share a meal has become an important part of our sessions, creating time for families to relax, connect and enjoy a moment without pressure.
We strongly believe that supporting parents and carers is just as important as supporting children. To help with this, at least once a month we invite professionals from other organisations to join our sessions and offer advice, guidance and reassurance to families.
So far, we’ve welcomed organisations such as Voice United Worcestershire and Own Time and Space, both of whom have provided valuable insight and support. In the coming months, we’re looking forward to visits from The Feeding Trust and SENDIASS, continuing to ensure families have access to trusted information and practical help.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We love working alongside organisations who share our values and commitment to supporting families, as we know that working together leads to better outcomes for parents, carers and children alike.
A growing and thriving SEND community
One of the most heart-warming outcomes of this project has been the sense of community that has developed. Every single week since being based at Brookside Family Hub, we’ve had a new family contact us to book onto a session, having heard positive feedback from others who attend.
Families talk to each other, recommend the group and share their experiences, and that word-of-mouth support has been incredibly powerful. The amount of positive response we’ve received has been overwhelming, and it’s a true reflection of how much this group means to those who attend.
Feedback we’ve receive from families
The feedback we receive from families reminds us why this project is so important.
Lauren shared:
“Such a fantastic evening at the Nigel Prosser Foundation SEN group. Both my babies enjoyed it so much, especially Lexi with her Tinkerbell glitter tattoo from Elsa. Week after week you and all the team provide a safe, inclusive space where not just my children but all children there can be themselves without judgement. Thank you so, so much. Merry Christmas all.”
Natasha shared:
“I’m so happy I came along this charity , we felt welcomed has soon has we came through the door . My daughter enjoyed all of the different activities and it honestly gave us a little bit of respite, staff played with the children and having our meal cooked took the stress of meal times away . My daughter actually ate a meal something she never does at home, we look forward to coming on a regular basis.”
Kelly shared:
“We love coming to this group. Joshy feels relaxed and there’s activities for Amelia to do too, and everyone’s so friendly and welcoming.”
The Future Of The Community
We are incredibly proud of what the SEND Community Share & Care Project has become and excited about what the future holds. The continued growth of the group, the strong partnerships we’ve built, and the positive impact on families reassure us that this project is making a real difference.
We are deeply grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for believing in this project and making it possible. Most of all, we are thankful to the families who attend each week and trust us to be part of their journey.
Together, we are building something truly special, a community where children can be themselves, parents and carers feel supported, and no one feels alone.
If you would like to book onto one of these sessions please visit our page – Book A SEND Support Session
