How Families United in Warrington helps children with SEND

Families United is a charity that began in 2003 and continues to help youngsters with SEND.

And what better way to understand how it works than getting the insight of one of the trustees who has come full circle.

Rebecca Staff has been involved with Families United for 12 years, initially as a parent as the charity supports her boy Patrick who first got involved aged four.

The Stockton Heath resident has now been a trustee for eight years.

“I became a trustee because they needed trustees and I wanted to give something back as well,” said Rebecca.

“When we got married, we put our collection towards Families United because they have given us a lot.

“I do what I can.

“Vicky James, secretary and Lisa Edwards, chair of trustees, put in a lot of work and an awful lot of volunteer time.”

The charity puts smiles on a lot of people's faces

Families United provide lots of specialised activities to involve children with SEND.

The 47-year-old continued: “Activities for children with disabilities have improved a little bit but there are still not great.

“Back then, there was hardly anything around for kids with disabilities.

“We initially went to a Saturday fun club in Fearnhead which was somewhere to go.

“Sometimes you might have your hands full with a disabled child and maybe a young baby, it can be hard to make yourself a cup of tea for example.

“Simple things like someone bringing you a hot brew or when you pop to the toilet go a long way.

“All the normal challenges are exaggerated and extended tenfold.

“It’s a community for the whole family.

“He got to try sit-ski which is sit down skiing and it gave him the opportunity to do a really specialised sport and the other children could do the mainstream skiing at the same time.

“It was a really lovely family event that I will always remember it.

“There was usually something that you thought your child might like to try.

“That was supported and at a reduced financial cost – it makes it an easier option.”

A picture from Families United's Platinum Jubilee party

Rebecca says that ‘proud’ is the right word as to how she feels about her involvement with Families United.

She continued: It’s not easy work, it’s not easy to give that time as a busy parent who is working as well because your time is stretched.

“We managed to pull together and create those opportunities for children in Warrington. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s rewarding when you hear from parents how amazing some of our activities have been and that they wouldn’t have been able to access them without our charity.”