Markfield Project 'JustGiving' Appeal for a play session for Zack and friends

Those wonderful people at Markfield Project in Haringey would like to run special play sessions for groups of up to 8 children and young people, aged 5 to19, who have severe/complex physical disabilities, including paraplegia, complex health needs, profound and multiple learning disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

Initially, this would be a pilot project during the Easter Holidays 2022, and, if successful, sessions would then run on a monthly basis.

Links to Markfield and the Markfield JustGiving page

https://justgiving.com/markfieldproject

https://markfield.org.uk/

Children and young people with severe/complex physical disabilities do not have the choice to play outside on the street or in the park like their able-bodied peers. Profoundly disabled children need hoists and people trained in ‘manual handling’ to help their mums and dads lift them in and out of play equipment. Children who are non-verbal need people trained in augmented communication on hand to help disabled children play with their peers. Disabled children with ‘complex toileting needs’ need Changing Places Toilets to ensure that their most basic human needs, like going to loo, are met.

Markfield Project would like to give children with life-limiting conditions the chance to have fun outside for the sake of having fun! And to that the change to have a range of stimulating and fun outdoor play experiences; to meet and interact in a group with peers and to give parents a chance to relax and connect with other families with children who have similar needs in a supportive friendly session, knowing that their child is enjoying themselves and is safe.

Links to Markfield and the Markfield JustGiving page

https://justgiving.com/markfieldproject

https://markfield.org.uk

This project is needed because children with severe physical and learning disabilities typically have very limited opportunities for play experiences outside of school, and to meet and interact with other children outside of school. Families are typically very isolated.

All children need play, and in particular outdoor play offers them opportunities for a rich, sensory first-hand experience of engagement with the wonder and mystery of the natural world, with space and freedom to try things out, explore, experiment and investigate how the world works. There will be space for whole-bodied, expansive movement as well as the opportunities for adventure, risk and challenge.

Links to Markfield and the Markfield JustGiving page

https://justgiving.com/markfieldproject

https://markfield.org.uk/

Make no mistake, a single session like this will cost about £3,000 to £4,000 – or £500 per child. So, we need to fund raise. Big time. And that is just for the pilot.

So, The Difficult Parent is asking you to donate to The Markfield Project. When you donate you can specify a specific project should you choose to do so, just mention Zack or The Difficult ‘pains in the arse’ Parents.

Links to Markfield and the Markfield JustGiving page

https://justgiving.com/markfieldproject

https://markfield.org.uk/