New Hope charity’s garden gets a makeover after a 'hard' lockdown

Thanks to some National Lottery funding from the Awards for All scheme, they have been able to swap out their old flooring for some astroturf.

While it might seem like a small change manager Jean Wilson said it’s a great thing for the kids to have as we emerge from a troubling pandemic.

Jean said: “Having this new play area is great for us- as the children get to enjoy something new.

“Before we just had a traditional wet pout down floor which was quite difficult to manage in the summer- if it gets too hot in the summer the children can’t stand on it without shoes.

(Facebook/@NewHopeWorcester)

“We have laid astro turf down now- which is a lot easier for the children and it’s quite sensory feeling for them.

“We will be able to use it for the first time this coming Saturday (8 May).”

New Hope Worcester Children’s Charity was founded in 2010.

The charity supports children who have severe learning disabilities- and they also provide respite care for the parents for school holidays and every Saturday throughout the year.

Jean identified the need for the project within the community when she could not find suitable specialist daytime care for her daughter, Emily.

Jean Wilson (right) with her daughter, Emily (Photo: Jean Wilson)

She added: “The aim is to allow children to access their local community and go to the park or bowling, theatre trips… it enables the children to have fun in their freedom.”

While they may not have been able to embark on outings like that during the pandemic, Ms Wilson said she is “proud” of the fact that New Hope has been able to stay open- even during lockdown.

She said: “We’ve been lucky as we have been able to stay open during the pandemic without any interruptions.

“We are quite proud of the fact that we have been able to stay open for this period.”

Jean said the children, as well as their parents, have found the last year incredibly challenging.

She said: “Everything they have ever known has been away from them overnight- and a lot of other essential services and venues will have closed for face-to-face visits.”

While many children and parents across the country could escape the isolation of lockdown when schools reopened, this isn’t something that many disabled children could take advantage of.

Jean said: “Getting some children with disabilities  back into school has been a long and difficult process for many of our families.”

New Hope charity (Photo: Facebook)

In November, a parliamentary report found that just 1 in 10 ‘vulnerable’ children attended school during lockdown.

The House of Lords Public Services Committee said that Covid-19 restrictions hit children, disabled people and the BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) community the hardest.

Peers found that disadvantaged and vulnerable children “face more risk of abuse and dropping further behind due to Covid-19 school closures”.

Fewer home visits by social workers due to Covid made the situation worse, the study noted.

Jean wants to remind Worcester families with disabled children that New Hope charity is open to those who are struggling- children can even try out the new astroturf for themselves when they visit.

She said: “We really are a lifeline for so many families.

 “We are here and continuing to support families- we understand that many will be desperate for the services we provide."

To discover more about the charity or to make a donations, visit the New Hope Charity website.