After living with limited access to play and leisure for disabled children and young people, two local parents, both parents of disabled children, decided to take matters in their own hands and started an after-school activity club, The Music Club.

The vision for the club was to give children and young people with disabilities access to short breaks, play and leasure to enable them to develop peer relationships, self-awareness and social skills in a safe and fun environment.

The two parents also wanted to provide a supportive environment where children and young people could feel empowered and be themselves. The parents were keen to use music due to its benefits; such as how it can improve reasoning ability, reading skills, evoke feelings and emotional responses, provide personal fulfilment and the way music can be used to develop speech and communication as well as improved motor control and physical well-being.

“Music can be of great value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding. A single instrument can have qualities of sound and tone irresistible enough to reach a child in a direct, uncomplicated manner. Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music. By means of music, we can assist children with disabilities to come to develop in many ways” (Walker A. 1996) The club provides monthly school term evening sessions and four holiday sessions during the summer, Easter and Christmas holiday, and carers and siblings are welcomed to join in with the sessions. It is also a chance for them to talk with each other, share experiences and have a break from their caring responsibilities. The club has many events planned such as the family fun day on August 14. Shortly after that the club will re-commence their monthly meetings and has planned their half term Fun Day on October 25, and Christmas Fun Day on December 20 and a trip to see the Christmas panto in Oxford on December 29 to see Mother Goose.

If you would like to attend, or find out more about The Music Club visit www.music4disabledchildren.org.uk, info@music4disabledchildren.org.uk, or call 07768 298 297.