The Speech, Sign and Song Club, a small local charity, is celebrating after being awarded National Lottery funding for its work with children who need extra support with communication and interaction.
The group will use the money to continue their well-established and popular specialised music sessions, which are based in Beeston and Toton but attract families from a wide area.
Speech, Sign and Song has been running since 2009. It was founded by Wendy Prevezer after she realised that some children and their families were unable to access regular community activities because of their specific needs.
Experienced music leaders run weekly sessions in term-time for pre-school children, and a monthly group for older children. They engage the children’s interest and nurture their contributions through enjoyable repetitive games, songs and musical instruments, all accompanied by live music, clear simple language and Makaton signs and symbols. Whilst having fun, the children are also developing their communication, gaining greater confidence and self-esteem.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will secure the groups continuation for the next 2 years.
Claire Hastings, Chair and Charity Trustee says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to keep supporting local children and their families. This is important because it helps both the children and the parents to build relationships with others facing similar challenges and to create their own supportive circles of friends and peers.”
A parent whose child attends the group says: “My daughter has always loved Speech, Sign and Song. It provides a great opportunity for her to enjoy being around other children and the regular weekly format really helps her to build her confidence and feel secure to build her communication skills. She has really benefitted from the way the whole approach can be individually tailored – initially being helped to make a choice, through to choosing from symbols and sometimes being able to sign herself now. Thank you so much!”
To learn more about the group, apply for a place or to offer support, please visit www.speechsignsong.co.uk.