Wheels For Words 2

Last year, Wheels for Words raised money for Charlie, an inspirational little boy who lives with a challenging disability, to enable him to enjoy the freedom of a bike ride with his family. We smashed that goal and because of our generous supporters we were able to look towards raising money for a secondary cause.

One of the many challenges that Charlie and his family face, is that he needs to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as he does not have functional speech. Giving Charlie access to a voice has been life-changing, but it has been a formidable task, with further barriers to overcome. One of the biggest challenges families in this situation face is finding a community of support and access to education to help their children communicate.

Based on existing residential summer camp programmes in Australia and the US, the fundraising from this event will give us the opportunity to start to implement a unique UK learning experience for children with complex communication and learning needs. It will enable more children like Charlie to have a voice. It will be designed for children with learning disabilities, who use speech generating devices as a primary communication mode, with the aim to improve their use and become much more competent communicators in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

This camp would be all about education, accessible learning would be embedded in all of our activities. Intensive communication therapy would be provided each morning, and the afternoon will involve activities and opportunities for everyone to practice the skills they have learnt in the morning. Separate sibling recreation sessions will be conducted in the mornings, and this time will also provide an opportunity for parents/carers and professionals to discuss the work issues around AAC. Training and mentoring opportunities will also be included in the programme.

Our objective is to improve the use, awareness and capability of those using an AAC device and to improve literacy and education attainment. We also recognise that it would provide a vital opportunity for families and professionals to interact. Educators would be invited to also share this journey.

Our vision is to provide a legacy to empower and educate those that support children who have complex communication needs. Our focus is bringing families and professionals together to gain new skills and advocate for best practice so that every child in camp achieves the best possible learning outcome to improve their futures.

Lynsey Ivison Trust

The Lynsey Ivison Trust is a charity established to provide holidays to families with children suffering from life-shortening illnesses. Established in 1990 after Lynsey Ivison died, the Trust was set up by her family and friends to help families from across the UK spend precious time with their children. The holidays we fund vary but include breaks at Centre Parcs and days out a beautiful beach hut at Frinton On Sea on the Essex Coast. We also involve health professionals from many different hospitals to provide complete peace of mind for families whilst they are away.

We are supported by some fantastic individuals and corporate donors who tirelessly raise funds to continue the Trust’s work. We believe that Lynsey’s short life should provide real inspiration to others families in a similar situation. The Trust is a truly positive legacy which enables others to enjoy precious moments with their child and family and provide lots of treasured memories.

Lynsey Ivison Trust