Therapy For Swansea Kids Charity And Support Group

About The Swansea Children’s Therapy Centre CharityAnd Support Group Therapy For Swansea Kids.

The Children’s Therapy Support Group was formed in 2001 by a few Parents, Paediatric Therapists and friends of children being treated for varied medical and additional needs in the Swansea area to help establish a Therapy Centre. In 2003, a Therapy Centre was provided by Swansea NHS at Hill House Hospital allowing therapy and medical staff to provide a team approach for therapy as well as opportunities for families to meet and share experiences. The group continued this support by forming a Registered Charity to raise funds to buy additional equipment such as all- terrain wheelchairs that could be lent for family outings, assisting families in buying expensive equipment such as adapted trikes, seating, communication and other aids that support children to reach their full potential. In addition, there are get togethers and family events such as summer barbeques, visits to the pantomime, rock climbing courses and other activities as well as the annual Christmas Party. Importantly, much of the money is raised by members of the Group and friends themselves taking part in sponsored events such as the London Marathon, Swansea 10 K (where some of the children also join in), giving talks and organising fund- raising dinners and events. Many individuals and organisations have also given support and donations to support these activities including working as mascots (it’s hot running the 10K as a large Teddy Bear!) being Father Christmas and his fairies, elves and other magic folk and providing entertainers. Help has been forthcoming from local organisations such as the Lions, the Whites and the Swans at various times. Our Charity is a local one and is entirely run by volunteer parents, therapists and friends. We now have a Special Ambassador – Lee Ellery – a past user of our Centre who promotes the Charity. As the work of the Charity has expanded over the years, so has the Children’s Centre that started it all. It is now housed in a lovely purpose- built department at Singleton Hospital called Hafan y Mor providing first- class facilities. When this new Centre opened in 2010, the Charity was delighted to provide, with help from the Swans, an all-weather specialised play area/garden where children can play and have fun and therapy at the same time. Siblings can join in and families can meet and chat away from the bustle of the general hospital. Our current focus is to raise funds for a climbing wall another therapy / fun activity that young people so enjoy.