Summary
Through the funding MAYDS offered two weekly Youth sessions for Children and Young People with Additional Support Needs (ASN), these were delivered on a Saturday from MAYDS central base and allowed young people with ASN a safe and supported environment to participate in fun activities and socialise with peers. In addition we ran free monthly swimming sessions (term time) and weekly swimming sessions (during the school holidays) for children and young people with ASN and their families.
What Time Out did
The activities delivered were two weekly Youth sessions for Children and Young people with Additional Support Needs(ASN), delivered from MAYDS central base on a Saturday during term time and weekdays during school holidays.
Theses sessions were to provide children and young people, whom could not access other social or after school groups due to their level of need, a safe and supported environment to participate in activities and socialise with peers. Often the young people were supported on a one to one or one to two ratio to meet their individual needs. Through the provision of these groups it also allowed parents and carers, including young carers some respite and time out.
In addition to these sessions once per month during term time and once per week during the holidays we offered free swimming and soft play sessions at MAC Pool for the children and their families. Again, staff were on hand to support where need be and this provided the opportunity for these children and their families to have some quality time together in a supported setting where there was no judgement. Children and Young people were identified to the program via referrals from education, social work, Youth Services and Parents/Guardians.
The program has received so much positive feedback that we now have a waiting list and are currently trying to establish a third session per week to meet demand.
What Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) has learned
We have learned that program such as this, which provides diversionary activities and support for those with ASD and complex needs is increasing in demand. Not only are our two sessions full, but we now have a waiting list and could fill another two sessions a week.
How Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) has benefitted from the funding
Allowed us to continue a vital service for families within the local community. Upskilled staff to ensure they could manage the different complex needs presented to them.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
Children and Young People will be accessing ASN Youth Club and family friendly ASN swimming.
Results
This outcome was fully achieved. Children and Young people with ASN had regular weekly sessions of diversionary activities both at the MAYDS Centre and via Soft Play and Swimming at MAC Pool. These sessions gave these young people opportunities for recreational activities not otherwise available to them due to their level of needs. In a safe and supported environment, on a one to one basis where need be young people participated in activities such as arts and crafts, baking, sensory room, outdoor play etc. They were also able to interact and socialise with other young people in similar situations forming new friendships.
Case study
Young Person A is 10 years old. A suffers from several complex needs including short gut syndrome, having a line to her heart as well as a feeding tube and other additional learning needs. Due to this A needs constant care and one to one support, this significantly impacted the opportunities she had to attend social and diversionary activities after school. A was referred to the ASN group via the school, whom felt she was isolated and could benefit from social time, and also mum could benefit from some respite. Prior to A attending staff undertook specialist training in order to be able to cater to A’s needs, such as changing her feeding tube etc. This also reassured mum that staff had the knowledge and capability to look after her child while she was not there. A now attends group every week including the swimming sessions, she has one to one support and through time has developed new friendships but most importantly now has the opportunity to participate in activities not otherwise available to her. She has fun and is no longer as isolated. Mum has welcomed the opportunity to see her child being able to participate in normal everyday activities, while allowing her time to herself or to spend with friends knowing her child is being well looked after. Mum also reports on building new friendships and networks with other parents whose children also attend the group.
Outcome
Carers will have regular time out from their caring role.
Results
This outcome was fully met. While children attend regular ASN groups and session’s parents and carers, including young carers have regular opportunities for respite and time out from their caring role. Parents and carers report back in spending quality time with other children or friends, while knowing their children with additional needs are being supported in a safe environment.
Outcome
Number of carers reporting improved mental wellbeing and access to respite and other support.
Results
This outcome was fully met. Through having regular respite carers report feeling more able to continue with their caring role, as the regular respite gives them time to distress and do tasks or chores that can otherwise be difficult. Having time out also improves their overall mental wellbeing. Through the project they also are sign posted and referred to other networks that can offer further support and help. This all contributes to them feeling valued and supported and able to sustain their caring role in the long term.
Outcome
Disabled children and their families will have increased recreational time and supported family time. Parents/Carers, and Young Carers will have regular respite.
Results
This outcome was fully met. Through increased recreational time those with ASN can have fun and enjoy diversionary outlets in a safe and supported environment, this improves overall mental wellbeing and reduces isolation, along with offering new opportunities and friendships. Regular respite gives parents and carers time out to relax or catch up on things without feeling stress or pressure, this in turn improves mental wellbeing.