Special needs activity park

[monstermansmum]

I am in the process of trying to get funding to 'build' one of these in the NW but I was wondering if any of you fellow mums could help me out with a name?? Please? I am really struggling as the only name I came up that said what I wanted and linked to kids with a disability was "We Play Too", but its taken I'm afraid. My son has Angelman Syndrome and I want to steer away from having 'Angels' in the name for obvious reasons!! I know this is not a problem as such but as mums with disabled kids I know that you will all appreciate how hard it is to find parks and play areas that are suitable for our kids, and I want to do something about it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. xx

[monstermansmum]

Sorry, should have said "hi" first. .x

[TotalChaos]

Hello and welcome. What about "Open to all" or "Games without Frontiers".

[daisy5678]

Oooh, where in the NW? I'll be there when it opens! I like the above suggestions, especially All Join In, but my creativity has deserted me tonight.

[MannyMoeAndJack]

How about (atraight from Obama)

Yes We Can!

[Seuss]

That's great - good luck! Can't think of anything right now but will give it some thought. I like Desperately's 'Play4All'.

Wish I was in the NW!

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

Wish you were in the SW!

I like DSS's.

[tipsycat]

Sounds excellent.I'm in the North West so will be watching this thread with interest. Sorry no ideas at the moment though.

[monstermansmum]

Thankyou for all your suggestions!! I am hoping to do it in Bolton (where I live) but I think its going to be a long term project-getting land and funding are the major issues. At the moment I am full of enthusiasm, I just hope it doesnt run out any time soon! Love "Yes We Can" and "Play4All" .
There are a few activity parks in London for SEN kids and also Thames Valley Activity Park in Maidenhead. Brill places to go for a day but a bit too far for me! Thanks again and keep them coming.x

[feelingbitbetter]

What a fantastic idea - well done you! Wish I had something to add, but I'm a bit crap at that sort of thing and you've had some great suggestions so far. Will have a think though. Good luck with it x

[monstermansmum]

bump!

[tipsycat]

Have you heard about "Aiming High For Disabled Children"? It is the governments transformation programme for disabled children's services in England. The vision behind Aiming High for Disabled Children is for all families with disabled children to have the support they need to live ordinary family lives, as a matter of course. Every Local Authority has been allocated substantial new grants up to 2011 to spend on new opportunities for families of children with disabilities and learning difficulties to have short breaks. It must not be used to pay for existing short break or other services. In Lancs at the moment, a consultation process has started to determine the type of short breaks people would like. Most of the parents I have spoken to about this scheme, view more clubs and activities for their children to be their top priority for "short breaks".

I love your plans for a Special Needs activity park, and wonder whether you'd be able to get any funding from this. Not sure which council you come under but try [email protected] Hope this helps.

[monstermansmum]

Thanks. Will be looking at Aiming High, but Bolton is looking at using the funding to provide more 1:1 support for individuals who want to access leisure ativities although I am sure that they have enough to at least part fund a project like this. For those who live in Bolton or near, I have managed to convince the Sport and Assets Manager from the local council (who is responsible for planning local parks), to provide a soon to be 'regenerated' park in Bolton with a fully accessible climbing frame and TWO full support swings!! YEY!! He emailed me yesterday to ay that he has also included a disabled changing facility out of their budget as well, and I never even asked for that!!! Progress at last.

[monstermansmum]

Thanks watchtheworld' I will let you know!

[tipsycat]

The idea of Aiming High is to meet the needs of disabled children. Many families will have never heard of a special needs activity park, so wouldn't think of mentioning it during any consultation. They should consider asking the families if they would like to be able to access a facility like this, because there's loads of money being promised. (In Lancs 70k preparation grant 2008/2009,then 1.819 million in 2009/2010 and 5.337 million 2010/2011)

Also, have you heard about a group in Burnley called "Action for ASD" (i think) who got funding for indoor softplay facility, could try asking them where they got funding from?

[tipsycat]

The idea of Aiming High is to meet the needs of disabled children. Many families will have never heard of a special needs activity park, so wouldn't think of mentioning it during any consultation. They should consider asking the families if they would like to be able to access a facility like this, because there's loads of money being promised. (In Lancs 70k preparation grant 2008/2009,then 1.819 million in 2009/2010 and 5.337 million 2010/2011)

Also, have you heard about a group in Burnley called "Action for ASD" (i think) who got funding for indoor softplay facility, could try asking them where they got funding from?

[monstermansmum]

Thanks tipsycat. Will try and get in touch with the Burnley group-any advice is much appreciated. I will have another look at Aiming High and will try and find ut how much Bolton is getting exactly and how I go about getting my hands on some of it!!