It was party time at last for dozens of children and young adults in Plymouth who have been more affected than most by the pandemic.
Many of the youngsters at the party thrown by Plymouth-based charity Friends and Families of Special Children had to shield throughout lockdown and are only now starting to socialise and take part in activities again.
The party at the Mountbatten Centre was their first full get-together since Christmas 2019, and everyone was determined to make up for lost time. The children threw themselves into the activities that were laid on and took an active part in the sensory entertainment provided by Rob Pudner of Entertainingly Different.
Some also joined in with well-known folk musician and singer Jim Causley, whose sea shanties by the waterside went down a treat – as did the party food and ice cream van! Sadly, the wind conditions meant that planned trips on board the historic Tamar barge, Lynher, had to be rescheduled until a later date.
The charity provides an integrated, holistic support service to 1,700 families and carers of children and young adults with special needs in the Plymouth and surrounding areas. Services include specially tailored activities and a Fun and Freedom Club for young carers who help to care for their siblings.
The summer party proved particularly special for one young carer, with a surprise award. Taylor Hardy, 12, was presented with a trophy for being the charity’s Fundraiser of the Year.
Taylor, from Plympton, raised £4,469 with his 603-mile static bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Two of Taylor’s brothers, Danny, 13, and Sonny, 9, have disabilities, and Taylor and his younger brother Jack both help to care for them.
Mum Theresa said she felt ‘ridiculously proud’ of Taylor’s achievement:
“He told us he wanted to do something good during lockdown that everyone could remember as a positive memory. He hoped to raise £1,000 but he did that in the first week! To raise almost £4,500 was absolutely amazing.”
All four boys take part in the charity’s activities and Theresa said:
“They are happy to have some normality back in their lives. Taylor loves the activities that the charity organises in the Fun and Freedom Club, so it’s great to have those back again.”
Over 300 families have accessed the charity’s much-needed activities since they re-started this summer.
The charity’s chief executive, Tim Tod, said:
“It’s lovely to end the summer holidays by bringing everyone together again. It’s been a challenging year for many of our parents. But here, we have created a space where they feel comfortable and where they are among friends.
“There are some things that most people take for granted, but that’s not the case with many of our families. Today, they have felt happy to come along and have some fun – and that’s what the party was all about.”
Special guest for the afternoon was the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mrs Terri Beer, and Consort Mr Colin Beer. The Lord Mayor chatted with families and paid tribute to the charity for its ‘absolutely splendid’ work.
