With the help of public votes we could win funding to run a week long playscheme for siblings of disabled children.  We have entered the Aviva Community Fund competition and if we are successful will run a playscheme to celebrate the vital role that siblings of disabled children have within our community; providing a break for them to socialise, be active and have fun. Only projects with the most votes will become finalists, so additional support is vital.

You can vote for our project here https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/4-1479

Siblings at Markfield tell us that if they get breaks from family life, it enables them to feel less stressed. This project aims to make lasting positive change in siblings’ lives; helping them gain confidence to talk about their feelings, take a break from their extra responsibilities, be physically active and make friends. Feedback shows us how special it is for siblings to meet one another: “Now I’ve met other siblings I know we’re the same – I’d like to stay friends to have someone to talk to.”

Siblings tell us they want to take part in activities that give them ‘memories’ and activities that will help increase their fitness, particularly as at home they tend to ‘play video games and go on the internet’.  They want more access to sports, adventure play and trips to new places during the school holidays. Markfield’s unique building and adventure playground offers climbing structures, swings and slides, areas for sport and a zip wire. Our indoor play space includes a large hall, soft play room and a sensory room. This project will also include trips such as ice skating, bowling, trampolining and going to the cinema. Feedback from past trips has been very positive, one sibling said “I have enjoyed going ice skating and making new friends.. the group has made me braver, happier, and less shy”