On Saturday 5^th April Julie visited a project for disabled children at Barbara Priestman Academy, Sunderland.  Sport Works Ltd runs the project which is funded by Sunderland City Council and aims to enable disabled children to engage in activities which improve their health and social wellbeing.  Simultaneously, parents and carers enjoy a period of respite.

Commenting on the visit Neil Cameron, Managing Director of Sport Works Ltd said:

“Our ongoing partnership with Sunderland City Council is really starting to show a great impact on local families with disabled children.  Since September, we have increased the number of families receiving ‘Short Break’ respite services and have evidenced an increase in self esteem, independence and social skills from those children attending each week.

“We all know the immense financial pressure that Local Authorities are under as a result of the national economic situation, but in Sunderland we see a real commitment to providing continued support for those families who need it the most.

“We are really keen to promote the impact our projects make, not only on the children, but the wider family unit and having Julie attend and see our work first hand will help raise the profile greatly.”

Julie added:

“It is extremely important that disabled children and their families continue to receive specialist support of this kind. 

“The service provides a benefit not only to the individuals directly involved but also to the wider economy through early intervention.”