Seashell is proud to have worked in partnership with Disability Stockport, Stockport Council and the local community to deliver the ambitious Stockport Community Champions programme. The project aimed to connect with people who have been most at risk from Covid-19 or the effects of the pandemic, to reduce the impact of the virus on themselves and those around them. Importantly, this recognises and includes those with disabilities or additional needs.
Stephen Pearson, our Community Engagement Officer explained: “Being involved in the project has enabled Seashell to develop new and existing relationships across the borough. It has been clear that parents and carers of children and young adults with additional needs have been, and continue to be greatly affected by the pandemic.
Forced changes to family routines and reduced available support, combined with the challenges of home schooling, and trying to provide stimulation in their child’s day, while shops, restaurants and places of activity were closed has had a lasting impact on individuals health and wellbeing. Ongoing issues are lack of short breaks, holiday clubs and PA availability.
As a result of sharing the voices of our community, organisations in Stockport have increased their provision to support unpaid carers such as pamper days, yoga, boxercise and other bespoke activities to care for the carers. Extra investment has come into Stockport to increase school holiday activities for SEND children on free school meals.
I have been able to utilise expert knowledge from Seashell colleagues as well as my own experiences to actively listen to parents and carers in Stockport, taking the time to build closer connections. While there is no immediate fix, many were simply grateful for the chance to talk, rant and offload and were signposted to services and provision, be that here at Seashell, or in the local area.”
Seashell will continue to use its influence, connections, relationships and resources to help capture the voices of lived experience and share with relevant decision makers to improve services or increase support.
