EXCITING NEW CHALLENGES
Y
oung people are being offered the chance to sign up for one of SSAFA’s exciting adventure holidays and this summer the
forces charity has added an extra break for older children to its popular scheme.
The breaks are tailor-made for young people with an additional need or disability, their siblings and young carers and give children the opportunity to make new friends and build their confidence in a safe and secure environment. They also have the opportunity to challenge themselves with a number of exciting activities such as horse-riding, abseiling, kayaking and archery.
Staffed by a dedicated team, including trained volunteers, the holidays not only give children the chance to gain some independence, they also give families an opportunity to spend quality time with their other children and recharge their batteries safe in the knowledge that their child is well cared for.
Eight-year-old Joshua Wasden was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder in 2010 and has since been diagnosed as autistic. He attended SSAFA’s Additional Needs and Disability Break in 2013. His dad Fraser, who is in the Royal Military Police, said: “Joshua did a lot of swimming, abseiling, climbing, shelter-building and forest-walking. He loved his time away and asked when we collected him if he could come again. We cannot praise the break enough. Angie, the volunteer carer provided for Joshua, did an amazing job looking after him. From being introduced to each other they formed a great relationship. It was a fantastic time for the family to recuperate and a win win situation for everyone. If we can benefit from a break such as this then everyone deserves one.”
Service children with additional needs
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www.raf-ff.org.uk
SSAFA summer activity breaks offer exciting new challenges for
The full cost of the breaks is covered by SSAFA but we ask that parents transport their children to and from the holidays and contribute a small amount towards pocket money for the week.
Holiday leader Emma Baars said: “The breaks are a great opportunity for the children to gain a little bit of independence and make new friends. They get to do all sorts of adventure activities that they might not otherwise have an opportunity to try and
it’s wonderful for building their confidence. The holidays also offer parents some much- needed respite and perhaps the opportunity to have a short break themselves.”
Dates of UK Short Breaks 2014 May 25-31 Siblings & Young Carers ages 8-12. Fairthorne Manor, Southampton. Deadline for applications March 14.
Aug 2-7 Additional Needs & Disability Break, ages 8-13, Calvert Trust, Exmoor, Devon. Deadline for applications April 14.
Aug 23-25 Additional Needs & Disability Break, ages 14-16, Venue TBC. Deadline for applications April 14.
BFG Short Break 2014 July 20-26 Break for Children with Additional Needs & Disabilities, Siblings & Young Carers ages 8-12, Center Parcs, Bispinger. Deadline for applications March 3.
Would you like to Volunteer? SSAFA would not be able to operate the Short Breaks Scheme without our team of dedicated coaches who volunteer their time. Our trained volunteers work with staff to ensure that the children are safe and happy while away from home, get to know the children and support them in challenging themselves.
Being a coach can sometimes be hard work but it is always rewarding. No previous experience is necessary, although this would be an advantage. You must be over 18 years of age, have a good sense of humour, a reasonable level of fitness and a total commitment and dedication to children. Applicants will be required to undertake vetting checks and attend a one day information day followed by a two day preparation weekend (UK April 4-6 or April 11-13 / BFG March 21-23).
Parents, carers and potential volunteers should contact the Short Breaks Team on 020 7463 9275 or
hannah.w@ssafa.org.uk for further information.
For further information please contact Lucy Walters at SSAFA on 020 7463 9373 or email
lucy.w@ssafa.org.uk
Envoy Spring 2014 37
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