Case study: 1

Funder: Community Foundation for Greater Manchester
Project: Kidz2gether
Location: Bolton

Bolton Kidz2gether supports children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in mainstream education and in accessing activities appealing to their age groups. It is based in Horwich, Bolton, an area of multiple deprivation, falling in the top 30% of deprived areas for health and disability.

Due to their condition, many of the children and young people do not have the social skills of their peers and may have difficulty sustaining friendships. They may find it difficult to communicate in social settings or struggle with physical activities.

Young Adam agrees: “Brilliant! I have enjoyed the sessions very much and it has given me the confidence in something that I am good at while having fun at the same time,” he says.

Kidz2gether recognises the popularity of the trampolining classes and hopes to keep them going. It has been able to form important partnerships with local sports centres and other organisations that will help to carry on the project.

A £500 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester’s Kellogg’s Active Living Fund has paid for trampolining lessons for the young members of the group. The sessions have been running for five months, with great success. They were originally planned for 25 children, but nearly double that number have taken part.

“Forty children and young people have been given the opportunity to access the appropriate coaching in a safe and an understanding environment. The pleasure these sessions have given them is immeasurable,” says Steph Sherratt, Outreach Co-ordinator.