The Trust’s pan-disability crafts group reaches out to children with additional needs, offering them a safe space to explore their creative side and produce material related to events from around the world.
Debbie Dance, who leads the group, said: “For me, it’s seeing children who don’t think they’re very good at something, create something of quality and be proud of it when they’ve done it.
“We’ve got children of all different abilities. It’s about encouraging them to bring out their creative side.”
Throughout the month of June, the group focused on topical areas, covering:
- World Environment Day
- Euro 2024
- Pride Month
- World Oceans Day
- World Rainforest Day
- National Pink Day
- Father’s Day
- Summer Solstice
On the difference the group has made to individuals, Debbie added: “There is a girl who’s been coming for quite a while now and she’s gone from being a participant, to wanting to help and get more involved with the group.
“There’s a young boy who comes in and is very strong-minded. He comes in and wants to draw his own things but he is really good.
“When we were creating things for World Rainforest Day, he created our big tree and I was really proud of him for sticking to the subject.
“Instead of doing individual pieces (all the time) it’s nice when we all work together.”
The group runs on Wednesday and Friday evenings. For more information, please email: debbiedance@spireitestrust.org.uk.