Several local organisations are now welcoming more disabled children following a recent meeting in Ross. Parents had a chance to talk with representatives from Wyedean Canoe Club and the town’s cricket, golf and football clubs, as well as leaders from the Guides, Sea Cadets and various church groups and youth clubs. And now there are new opportunities being set up to develop the inclusion of disabled children – with fun activities for families and a helpful training session for community activity providers.

On Sunday, February 25th Ross Pool is hosting a swim session for any family with a disabled child. With a pool hoist and a seated shower amongst their facilities, the pool is a great venue for the first of a series of Sunday Fundays. Families with a child who has a physical or sensory impairment, a learning difficulty/disability or autism are all welcome. The pool is booked from 2.00-3.00pm.

Organiser Philip Douch is working with the All Interactive project led by the Marches Family Network charity. Families are looking forward to future Sunday Fundays which are planned to include indoor bowls, yoga and sailing.

‘Your child doesn’t need to have any experience or ability in these activities’, explains Philip. ‘It’s a chance to come along, join with other families and take part as much or as little as you like in a friendly supportive group.’ Families are also keen to welcome non-disabled young people who’d like to share in these activities. ‘Just get in touch to find out more’ says Philip. ‘It’d be great if these sessions ended up building some new friendships too.’

Together with a disabled colleague Philip is also running an evening training session for voluntary or paid leaders of any local community group or activity provider. ‘What Can We Do To Be More Inclusive?’ will help your organisation explore how it can make a success of welcoming disabled children or adults. It takes place at The Venue in Ross on Monday evening, March 12th.

You can get more information and book places - either for Sunday’s swimming session or for the training course - through Philip by telephone on 01453 298337 or please email [email protected]