Once again BBC Children in Need support our work with families of young children with disabilities in North Tyneside.  LD:NorthEast’s Early Years Project has been awarded a grant of £132,883 to cover the costs of the project over the next three years. Children aged 0-5 with disabilities and complex needs will be able to continue to take part in a range of play related activities, designed to help them to develop, as well as to bring families together.

Maisie and Leonnie

David Robinson, LD:NorthEast Chief Executive, is delighted with the news. “On BBC Children in Need appeal day, we decided today would be the day we announce our fantastic news, which secures such important support for families in North Tyneside. We know how crucial our work is to the children and their families and we are delighted to secure funding for a further three years.”

The project offers a wide range of activities as well as individual support for families. This includes for example, water confidence, music and movement, sign a story, playgroups, outings and events. The project brings people together, offering support and activities often at a time when it can be really daunting finding out a child has complex needs.

Leonnie’s mum Joanne told us: “We don’t know how far my little girl will develop as already her therapists tell us she has exceeded their expectations. They all say that this is directly linked to the groups I take her to and the stimulation and encouragement she gets at these.  When I think back it is scary how we nearly stopped joining groups and our story could have been a very different one without LD:NorthEast’s Early Years project.”

If you would like to find out more about this project, call us on 0191 2622261 or email gillian.richardson@ldne.org.uk