PLUS, a Stirling-based charity supporting children and young people with disabilities, has announced that it has secured funding to expand its current services in the Falkirk area.

PLUS aims to provide a better quality of life for children and young people with disabilities and their families across the Forth Valley. PLUS’ main approach is to support individuals in a group based social setting, encouraging friendships, whilst reducing the social isolation felt by many children with disabilities and their families.

Since 2012, PLUS has been delivering a level of support in the area, with a focus on a model of 1:1 community based support. However in January 2016, with the support provided by a local family and the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, PLUS has been working alongside parents and carers on a fortnightly basis facilitating Play and Chat, which has developed from a Parent and Toddler group into a Peer Support and Friendship Group.

Over the last 15 months, PLUS has met over 40 families in the area, with children from birth through to 16 years old. It has been clear that there are demands for additional services in the area, to compliment the provision currently provided by the local authority.

The families who attend the PLUS Sessions have been able to provide insight and direction into what they need. It was clear that there are many families in the area who are currently isolated, with no access to short breaks at present.

As a result of this consultation, PLUS will be developing weekly networking for parents and carers through Play and Chat, regular group based events for children of primary age, regular group activities for teenagers, and practical information sessions for parents.

They are also looking to recruit a sessional Play/Youth Worker and volunteers to join them as part of these projects.

In order to begin recruitment to the projects, PLUS will be hosting a Family Fun Day at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre on Sunday 21^st May, 10:30am – 1:30pm. There will be a variety of activities and resources available for families, providing a taster to the type of work PLUS currently deliver. Staff will be available to meet with families to discuss the projects and the next steps.

To book your place at the Family Fun Day, of fort further information, please contact Rhianna by phone: 01786 450086, or email: rhianna@plusforthvalley.org.uk

For further information on the sessional Play/Youth Worker as part of these projects, please visit the web article on the CVS Falkirk website.