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An adventurous step towards
independence for local children with cerebral palsy
24 children from, the Wirral based charity,
Stick 'n' Step, have recently enjoyed overnight stays at Barnstondale, a family
friendly activity centre and overnight getaway destination based in the heart of
rural Wirral. The aim of the trip was to bring the staff and children together
to enjoy new activities and utilise what they have learnt whilst having lots of
fun. It also showed the children's families the independence they have gained
through the conductive education sessions they receive from Stick 'n' Step.
Over the last two weeks of July, Stick 'n' Step took four groups of 6 children
to Barnstondale. 4 conductors from Stick 'n' Step went with the children to lead
the trips, organising the activities they would be involved in. Each group
stayed for a day and a half and spent their time taking part in activities like
archery, shooting and wall climbing. Barnstondale is an inclusive facility that
allows children and adults of any ability to take part in the activities it
offers. It provided the children and their families with the perfect environment
to work together.
Taking the children for trips away from the Stick 'n' Step centre has associated
challenges, especially as some children with cerebral palsy experience symptoms
of autism. This means that breaking their routine can be stressful and cause
them to lose concentration when dealing with brand new distractions. Trips like
this are a great way for these children to learn to overcome these issues, which
are things that occur in typical day to day life and allows them to develop
their own independence, in a safe and fun environment, alongside their peers.
Commented Sarah Smithson, Operations Manager at Stick 'n' Step:- "The
trips to Barnstondale have allowed the children to practice what they have
learnt this year at Stick 'n Step in a new environment. The children loved
experiencing new activities, showing their families just how independent they
are becoming. The conductors also enjoyed spending time with the children
outside the centre, seeing exactly how they coped with the new environments and
distractions. It's a great bonding opportunity for the charity and its
beneficiaries and it was enjoyed by everyone who attended. We would like to
thank Barnstondale for its hospitality over the 2 weeks."
Stick 'n' Step provides free conductive education sessions, which are not
offered by the NHS, to help children with cerebral palsy learn vital life
skills, like walking and talking, through participating in group activities.
It's a place where they can make friends and grow in confidence, and where
parents have access to respite and support. Families travel each week from
across the North West and North Wales to the Stick 'n' Step centre in Wallasey
to receive this life changing service. Stick 'n' Step receives no government
funding and relies completely on fundraising to cover its annual running cost of
£350,000.
For more information about Stick 'n' Step and how you can help, visit:-
StickNStep.Org
or call then on:- 0151 638 0888.
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