Rotherham Parents Carers Forum hails success of first disability fun day

The Rotherham Parent Carer's Forum hosted a disibilty fun day at Hooton Lodge recently, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham Cllr Robert and Mrs Tracy Taylor.

ROTHERHAM’S first disability fun day aimed to help parents of children with special needs to learn more about the support on offer.

The event at Hooton Lodge Farm was organised by Rotherham Parents Carers Forum, with support from Rotherham United Community Trust.

Kay Ellis, family activity co-ordinator at the forum, said: “The main aim was to unite people and discover what Rotherham offers for people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. It can be incredibly isolating, and there is lots of support within Rotherham.

“Still, sometimes it can take effort to find out what is on offer, which was why we wanted to organise this event with help from our partners.

“The event was a huge success, and planning has already begun for next year to make this an annual event.”

There were stalls and activities from various voluntary sector organisations, as well as local authority and health services.

Attendees included Rotherham Local Offer, Swinton Lock, Portage, Me in Mind, Rotherham SEND Youth Club, Genuine Partnerships, Reach Day Services, Fostering Service, RMBC Transport, Rotherham Deaf Connections, Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, Rotherham Hockey Club, Pivotal Fitness, Rotherham Artworks, National Autistic Society, Guiding Voices, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services, Rotherham Adult Neurodiversity Support Service.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Robert Taylor, said: “Every day in this job, I see the best of people, the people who do and do it because it makes lives better.

“Hooton Lodge Farm was the venue for a gathering of parents, carers, charities, essential services and just good people who constantly strive to make a difference.”