Wac Arts delighted to be awarded funding for children with disabilities

The Belsize Park charity, which offers performance arts training, has been awarded a three year contract from Camden Council to take young people with disabilities on short breaks to build confidence.

Wac Arts, which works with thousands of young people each year, has a disabilities and inclusions team which has been at the forefront of providing local services for more than 25 years.

The charity will be working with Camden Council, as well as charities KIDS and PACE (Play, Adventure and Community Enrichment) to offer after-school and weekend clubs where young people can take part in arts, media and inclusive sport activities.

Wac Arts will provide holiday clubs, outdoor camps at accessible activity centres, and fund support designed to help young people transition into adulthood, as well as “buddying” and advocacy services.

Children will have opportunities to explore new interests, develop independence and make new friends on short breaks, and they might also go to the cinema, bowling, or to their local swimming pool.

PACE will provide “Overnight Adventures”, a specialist overnight sleepover service for small groups of young people with a range of disabilities who might also have complex health needs.

The charity will also provide Positive Behaviour Support - a one to one service for young people with challenging behaviour and non-verbal communication needs.

Jo Yeoman, head of youth inclusion, said: “We look forward to working with KIDS and PACE to support young people to develop new life skills, grow in confidence and most importantly, have fun in a safe and supportive environment.”