Savannah Dreams Foundation exist to create a safe and accessible space to provide short breaks/respite care for children with severe learning disabilities, physical disabilities and or complex health needs within the East Riding Yorkshire mainly the minority community.
Children in the East Riding, Yorkshire with complex health needs need better play provision and more opportunities to interact with other children. Parents and carers feel isolated and would like more contact with other parents of children with complex health needs.
Savannah Dreams Foundation carried out a consultation at an event they organised in June 2019. 15 parents of children with complex health needs identified that there is limited play provision in the area. Hence, they were concerned about the social skills and interaction of their children. Parents also expressed concerns about limited support networks.
The need for the project is reflected in specific parts of the Government’s Valuing People strategy which sets out to improve support and opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
The project overall aim is to increase access to play provision for children with complex health needs and allow children with complex health needs to integrate with their peers (without complex health needs) and benefit from specialist support and services.
Activities will include: (please include dates, time and location)
- Recruit and train staff
- Set up play centre and install equipment
- Hold launch event with five stakeholder organisations and 30 parents
- Provide training for parents on setting up peer support groups
- Hold three awareness raising information sessions with volunteers, staff and stakeholders.
Children with complex health needs will have improved confidence and social skills, and better integration with their peers. Staff and volunteers will have greater understanding of the difficulties faced by children with complex health needs. They will also be more confident providing guidance to parents and carers. Parents of children with complex health needs will feel less isolated and better supported through sharing their experiences.
