Teenager's Joy: Holiday Club Transforms Lives

A vital school holiday club is making a significant impact on students with learning difficulties, thanks to the support of BBC Children in Need. The CADS (Children's Activities and Disabled Sports) programme, operated by the Seashell Trust in Stockport, provides an enriching environment for young people. Grace Wilson, a 14-year-old with cerebral palsy, highlighted the club's importance, stating it offers activities like biking, drumming, and swimming. She finds the staff to be bubbly and fun, making the experience enjoyable. Grace uses a wheelchair and has cochlear implants due to her condition, which also causes muscle pain in her legs. Her mother, Clodagh Wilson, expressed her relief and happiness seeing Grace so engaged and well-cared for in a safe, adapted setting.

The CADS programme, which has been running for six years, is part-funded by local councils but crucially supported by BBC Children in Need. The charity recently received a three-year grant totaling £120,000 from the organization. This funding is essential for covering the costs of specialized staff training, necessary for safely assisting children with conditions like epilepsy, asthma, or nut allergies. The program fully booked, with almost 100 young people eligible to attend, underscoring the high demand for its services.