Inclusion for All

The Pitch

Problem statement

Many disabled children say that leisure and play – after school, in the holidays and at weekends – is the most important missing element in their lives. (Source: Contact a Family). A child’s complex needs could mean that they need physical support to take part in an activity, that they find it difficult to understand and follow instructions, or that they lack the social skills needed to make friends. There are approximately 8,500 children and teenagers with additional needs who require special educational needs support in Wokingham and Reading. Each year we face a growing demand for our innovative work and last year saw a 60% (n45) increase in the number of individuals we directly supported.

Solution

An independent evaluation found that families want children to be able to access mainstream activities but there is a lack of support for them to do so. Me2 Club offers the solution by recruiting, training and supporting amazing volunteer ‘buddies’. The funding will be spent on our volunteer programme thus enabling more children with complex additional needs access to mainstream leisure activities. Most volunteers (aged 16+) are recruited via presentations at schools and colleges before they attend our comprehensive induction training course. The impact will be: - Increased self-esteem and confidence - Reduced social isolation - Increased independence - Building on vital life skills.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Our delivery team are highly skilled practitioners with significant experience and a passion for making mainstream activities accessible and inclusive. Our Chief Executive is an experienced leader of change and accredited programme manager who focuses on the coproduction of services with beneficiaries. Our Trustees have a wide range of knowledge and expertise including 2 with lived experience of children with additional needs. In 2011 we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. In 2021 we were finalists in the UK Youth Inspiring Hope Awards. Me2 Club is a preferred short break provider in Wokingham Borough. We are 1 of only 5 local providers with this ‘seal of approval’.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

100 people

Expected impact

“Her confidence and independence has grown enormously. Her social skills have developed too. Doing activities with Me2 Club is one of the few things she enjoys doing. Her anxieties prevent her from joining in most things but she has come to trust the Me2 Club team and really looks forward to doing things with them.” Parent1) Children will feel less socially isolate; developing in confidence and self-esteem. Target - 55 report significant progress, 42 starting to make progress and 3 yet to make progress. 2) Children will be given the opportunity to develop the life skills which will enable them to reach their potential and thrive. Target - 20 report significant progress, 76 starting to make progress and 4 yet to make progress. 3) Children become and feel more independentTarget – 39 report significant progress, 56 starting to make progress and 5 yet to make progress. Listening our children’s voices is at the heart of our charity and we ensure all communications meet their needs.

Track record

"Me2 Club's tailored and flexible response to the needs of children based on a well-developed process of volunteer matching, in-house training and ongoing support leads to a range of positive outcomes". Independent Evaluation “I know that when I grant money to Me2 Club, every penny goes towards achieving life-changing results for youngsters, their family’s and increasing awareness of additional needs in the wider community.” Alexander Barfield, David Brownlow Charitable Foundation “I think you’ve all done such a great job in continuing to do what you can – with continued energy, enthusiasm and passion – over what’s been an exceptionally uncertain and challenging period!” Pam Bacon, BBC Children in Need “Tackling educational and social mobility challenges dominates our volunteering efforts. We are therefore delighted that Me2 Club is our new Reading office charity and look forward to supporting them as they help local young people to fulfil their potential.” Partner at KPMG Reading

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