‘They need to know they’re not alone’: Woman was so heartbroken when programme for children with special needs was cut she took on 700 kids herself
Sandy Lawrence took matters into her own hands when council funding was cut
A DETERMINED mum whose son has Down’s syndrome has launched a programme to help kids living with disabilities and their families, after cuts left at least 3,000 children “isolated and adrift”.
Sandy Lawrence, from Newquay, Cornwall, not only depended on Cornwall’s Aiming High programme for her son, Matthew, now 13, who has Down’s syndrome, she also used to work as a manager for the council running that very programme.
At least 3,000 children relied on the council service to access support and childcare.
But in March 2013, government cuts led the council to axe the programme, leaving many families facing an uncertain future.
Sandy, now 51, was made redundant but her first thought was not for her career.
She said: “I was devastated. My overriding emotion was that the council were letting down so many people.
“Families like my own, who would be isolated without that support system. I wanted to do something to help families who were being cut off, so they didn’t feel so adrift.”
Rallying parents in an Asda cafe in Newquay, Sandy announced she would set up her own support group, providing adventures and experiences for disabled children and their families.
Sandy explained: “There was a hesitation in their expressions, as many quite rightly thought it was too huge a project.
“It did seem ambitious to think we could replace the services a city council provided, but we didn’t have that service anymore so I didn’t think we had any choice.”
Along with fellow mum Angie Emrys-Jones, Sandy launched the Cornwall Accessible Activities Programme, or CAAP, a not-for-profit project funded entirely by donations and fundraising.
Sandy said: “We support the most vulnerable. Those who absolutely cannot attend mainstream activities.
“Children in wheelchairs are hoisted up climbing walls, severely autistic kids go kayaking and try their hand at archery, children with Down’s syndrome and learning difficulties bounce down a ski slope on a rubber ring.
“There’s pony riding, bush craft, swimming and drumming, as well as sibling days.
“I now work two days a week as an accountant. Every other waking hour is spent applying for grants, organising cake sales and sponsored events and making arts and crafts to sell, alongside many of the parents who have joined me on my mission.”
The sad reality is that if CAAP had some government funding, they could offer support to more children and help more families.
At the moment they are at full capacity for what they can manage, assisting 400 children who have disabilities, as well as 300 siblings, in the Cornwall area.
Sandy added: “Yet social services refer families to me every week, while not providing funding!”
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Sandy’s son Matthew is still non-verbal, but his confidence has soared since attending the events Sandy organises.
She said: “Just recently he woke up so happy and excited because he knew he was going to a Buckaroo event.”
Sandy’s eldest son, James, 14, also gets involved, attending ‘sibling days’ such as foraging on the beach or cycling trips.
Sandy explained: “It’s so important the siblings of children with special needs feel included and meet other sibling.
“When the council cut these programmes, it cannot be underestimated what they are taking away.”
“It’s not just about the activities we provide, it’s the opportunity for families living with disabilities to get together with people who understand how difficult life can be, how hard it is to get out the front door and how hard it is on sibling who often feel left out or neglected. It’s like a hug for the whole family.”
While coming up with new ideas to source funds is a constant strain on Sandy and her small team, she can see the difference they are making to so many lives.
Sandy said: “Every smile keeps me going. A 14-year-old girl with complex epilepsy and cerebral palsy had her first swim recently. Her mum burst into happy tears right there in the pool.
“A teenage boy who is completely blind had a go on the FlowRider surf machine a few weeks ago. It’s noisy and there’s water splashing everywhere, but he was loving it.
“Afterwards, he came up to me and said: ‘You’ve made my life complete!’”
Sandy feels the same way, explaining: “The 700+ kids who come to the activities we organise and benefit from our hard work, have made my life complete too.
“It can feel so lonely juggling doctor’s appointments and support meetings, researching your child’s needs and getting your head around medical jargon and therapies. I know, because I’ve been there.
“I want all the families we can help to know that they aren’t alone.”
To help Sandy support more children, you can donate and find out more at .
