In September 2021, Trefoil awarded an organisational grant of £2,385 to Firsthand Lothian. The grant was used to provide 1:1 support for children with disabilities by delivering a range of activities and days out tailored to the needs and interests of each individual child. Activities took place outwith the family home and ranged from exploring local parks, beach walks, picnics, exploring the Botanics to visiting the National Museum of Scotland.
The children and their families were matched with a trained and supported volunteer who met with the child for 3-4 hours every weekend and facilitated such activities. All activities were child led and helped them experience new things and places. By introducing the children and young people to such new experiences, it enabled them to broaden their horizon. Through visiting new places, they had opportunities to learn and expand their knowledge and develop existing and new interests.
The project aimed to deliver 1:1 support to help a child have new experiences which helped them to achieve their personal goal, be more confident, manage their behaviours and improve their relationships with family members.
By working closely with parents/carers, Firsthand Lothian were able to provide them with feedback on what activities had been undertaken and what the child had most enjoyed, how they coped and what they had achieved. Firsthand Lothian also ensured all the activities were local and low cost, meaning they could easily be replicated and enjoyed by the family, either in between sessions or on a longer-term basis.
The activities also had the added benefit of providing families with respite, safe in the knowledge their child was enjoying themselves as, over the course of the period, children developed warm and positive relationships with their volunteer. One parent commented that “I have particular peace of mind and have enjoyed being able to go out knowing my son is having a great time with someone fun and trustworthy and who has shown genuine care for him.”
Trefoil are delighted to hear how beneficial the project has been, not just to that parent but to all the families and children involved, and Trefoil are pleased to have helped support Firsthand Lothian in running such a successful project.