Big Lottery Fund Update

 

BIG LOTTERY FUND:

SUNBEAMS FAMILY LEARNING MUSIC PROJECT.

UPDATE: Dec 2011

We are now into our third year of our Family Learning Project, which is supported by a grant of £464,498 from the Big Lottery over a four-year period.

The project, for families from highly deprived areas of Cumbria who have children with severe and debilitating disabilities, is delivered in Kendal, Carlisle and Barrow and is now reaching over 400 family members.

Many children with profound disabilities face serious communication problems so, as well as enabling families to learn and improve their skills together, the project continues to help family members interact more positively, improve their confidence, and strengthen their relationships.

The sessions feature dance, movement and music, especially singing, all accompanied by sign language and embedded with word activities to help families improve their literacy skills.

We have seen improvements in the children’s social skills, their communication skills and even improvements in the children’s physical health.

“ ... finds the environment relaxing and non-threatening. This allows him to enjoy the music, interact socially with other children and be exposed to experiences, which he would not otherwise be able to benefit from. Being able to ‘get up close’ to instruments such as harps, guitars, clarinets etc is wonderful for his general learning.”

 

Bernie in Barrow is a real star on the drums!