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Sheep and lamb
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Our Members

Young people with special needs are far from a homogenous group. The thing that our members have in common is that it is difficult or impossible for them to join in with mainstream activities, while most also miss out on the informal holiday activities enjoyed by other young people such as going to the park with friends, due to their high individual support needs.

Our members range in age from 4 to 25 years old (although they are divided into age groups for all sessions except Performing Arts days). Some of our members have hyperactivity disorders and are active and boisterous, while others prefer quiet activities or have mobility problems. They have the same range of tastes and interests as any group of young people. Our members have a wide range of interests, talents and abilities and we aim to provide choices to suit everyone!

We have around 95 members, divided into flexible age groups with around 20-25 members attending each session. They come from towns and villages around North Wiltshire - some travel even further to join in because there is so little provision available. There is a huge need for more activities that are accessible for young people with special needs and unfortunately we are not able to offer a place to everyone who needs one. Our members range in age from 4 years old to young adults, and they have a very wide range of interests and abilities.

All of our members have a severe learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder and many have multiple and complex disabilities including physical, behavioural and social problems.

The support needs of our members vary widely and include tube feeding, various communication needs such as sign languages (BSL/Makaton), toileting support including changing adult incontinence pads, wheelchair users, children with attention deficit disorders and boisterous behaviour, epilepsy, and other needs requiring specialist support. Some members are assessed as needing two carers for any statutory support (which we provide if needed) but are left to the care of their families during the long summer holidays, when few have any statutory support. Many families find it impossible to find someone to care for their child, even for a short time (eg to enable them to go to shopping).

Unfortunately we are unable to accept any new members for summer 2010. Holiday Club is a valued resource for local families and we will do our best to continue to provide a full programme of activities and outings for all of our current members. Hopefully we will be in a position to increase membership again when our financial situation is more secure.

Meanwhile you can subscribe to Holiday Club News by Email - if we hear of more activities accessible to our members and others we will include them in our News!

Focus on Ability

Photographer Ali Pearce

All of our members have disabilities, and they have a range of talents and abilities too.

Ali Pearce is a talented local photographer who has had several exhibitions and last year won a prestigious competition. Ali is a wheelchair user and has disabilities including Downs Syndrome.

Ali Pearce's website

Seal of Longleat by Ali Pearce

'Seal of Longleat' by Ali Pearce

Images by Ali Ali's Winning Photo

We would love to feature more of our members talents in our website. We can add drawings, photos, videos or links to other websites - please contact us to tell us about your hobbies and abilities.

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