We are delighted to welcome some new young friends and their families into the CIC community. CIC have set up a new enablement service for children in the North East where twenty children are supported to access activities in their community.
“We support children and young people with autism and learning difficulties to access activities in their community,” explains project manager, Sam Rutherford. “Our project focuses on providing support with life and social skills, including both health and emotional related needs” she adds. CIC took over the service on 5 June this year. By working in close partnership with the local authority, the children’s transition into CIC’s new service has been a resounding success. “Our approach is child-centred and family focused and our aim is to meet the needs of every child we support so they can reach their full potential,” says Sam. “We are working in a number of localities across Newcastle and our aim is to increase children’s confidence whilst developing their skills and aspirations.” CIC’s children’s services include both an after-school and weekend project, this also includes the provision of activities and play sessions for children. The ages of the children range from pre-school toddlers to 18 year old young adults. “The children really enjoy coming to the service” says Sam. “We take part in lots of activities within Newcastle and the surrounding area. We are always active and on the look out for new things to do.” She adds. The activities range from speedboating and rock climbing to makeovers at Debenhams and trampolining. All the children are involved in deciding what to get involved with and coming up with ideas for activities. “We chat with the children to find out what they would like to do and we always try to encourage them to take part in activities they haven’t done before.” Says Sam. “The children are also interacting with each other all the time and this is fantastic for the development of their social skills.” Each child has their own care plan and Sam and her team work together with both the children and their parents in the development of their different needs and abilities. |
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