Young people with special needs and disabilities in Isleworth are celebrating following receipt of a £14,000 grant for a disability sessional worker at the Isleworth Explorers Club, based in Twickenham Road. The grant has been made by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its Community Programme.
Founded in 1968, the Isleworth Explorers Club is open Monday to Friday after school for young people aged 6-18 and since 2000 has hosted a Saturday Club for young people with special needs and disabilities, their siblings and friends. One of the core aims of the Saturday club is to provide confidence and self esteem so that they may become involved in all the mainstream youth activities that Explorers provides. The grant will contribute towards the costs of the disability sessional worker for two years.
Steve Parker, fundraising co-ordinator at the Isleworth Explorers Club commented, “Our aim is to provide inclusive activities for all. Many young people with special needs and disabilities who attend the Saturday club have already gained sufficient confidence to attend the Monday to Friday after school activities. Current activities include football, snooker, pool, dance, multi-gym room, bouncy castle, trampolining, basketball, computers and many much more.”
Jude Stevens, manager at Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales commented, “We are delighted to support the funding of the disability sessional worker. The club has a great programme supporting young disabled people towards developing their confidence and inclusion in activities with other members.”
The club is currently looking for more volunteers to help out with driving, youth activities, holiday play schemes, the canteen and admin office support. Anyone interested in volunteering or joining the club can call 020 8560 4552 from 4pm Monday to Friday or visit www.isleworthexplorers.co.uk.
The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community. Local or regional charities with an income of £1million or less in Greater London can find out more about the funding criteria and grant programmes at www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk.
