The area of additional needs in children is truly vast, and the Spectrum projects are designed and created to help alleviate that.
An example of just some of the areas we presently support and are not limited to are as follows: Autism (ASD), Dyspraxia, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), Global Development Delay (GDD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Social Communication Disorder (SCD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Epilepsy, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Cancer, Genetics & Chromosome Disorders, Cerebral Palsy & Hyper-mobility.
As part of our development, we continually analyse the services and features that we provide physically and digitally and consider new ones. Our projects focus on social and communication development skills, supporting sensory needs, utilising creativity and maintaining a fun aspect to them in an empathetic environment. We will always try to include an educational element alongside them and consider such areas as the Arts and Environment while utilising technology, entertainment and interaction.
All of our Spectrum projects are areas that we need to fundraise for, gain donations and work with the external grant funders and corporate partners to deliver. We have been fortunate to see fantastic support from the local community and community partners in many ways and a great belief in the work that we do.
We are incredibly proud to have won several awards for our work with families and we are hugely fortunate to have been wonderfully supported by the likes of the National Lottery Community Fund, Community Foundations, Trusts, Organisations and individuals along the way.
Here are some of the projects that we are working on presently and moving forwards.
PHASE 1
EVENTS & DAYS OUT
Supporting access to the leading UK and local events, whilst focusing on inclusion and reducing isolation. Enabling vulnerable families to take advantage of learning, fun, and creativity while engaging with Sport, the Arts, Technology, Entertainment Heritage, Nature and History. Utilising peer support from likeminded families.
DEDICATED SESSIONS
A central channel for our family support access whilst provide children dedicated sessions in an engaging sensory considered environment while promoting an active lifestyle. The cornerstone of our work, the foundation for the future and embracing the community partners and local business while providing moments of parental respite.
PHASE 2
DEDICATED STAFF
The implementation of a dedicated day to day team member. They will be challenged with not only supporting our beneficiaries and growth rate but building upon it, actively creating more opportunities and community partners.
DISNEYLAND PARIS
An extended stay, overseas event. Providing our member families the opportunity to take in the magic of Disney, whilst understanding and supportive of the challenges they face. A once in a lifetime option for many.
PHASE 3
DIGITAL REACH
Broadening and expanding our Digital Reach to those we support across different media, regardless of geography and from their own home. Delivering Spectrum TV, a fully remote Arts Award programme, secure Minecraft servers and embedding technology in our events and sessions.
VISUALISATION
Working with digital content to provide an array of visual learning tools for the benefit of all those we work with. Making Spectrum’s work more visual for families to assist learning difficulties, while engaging children in mentoring, recording their successes and encouraging peer to peer learning.
PHASE 4
TEAM EXPANSION
Expanding Team Spectrum to cater for continued higher demand for our services, family work support requests, inclusion events, digital content and channels, with both our members and community partners. Increasing our support to schools and referral points.
EXPAND INCLUSION
The programme is designed to increase and support mental well being across the families we work with, over increased geography. Highlighting SEND accessibility to families and reducing their isolation with collaboration partners, to support wider and quicker.
PHASE 5
UNITE & ENGAGE
Improviding child mental health strategy and direction alongside the diagnosis pathway to improve support in the local area where additional needs are present.
PARTNER GROWTH
Expanding our education, local authority and commercial partners to increase community cohesion and service provider knowledge.
PHASE 6
SPECTRUM LODGE
A dedicated coastal retreat for the families we support across East Anglia and beyond. A sensory considered location that is fully equipped to offer respite and short breaks to meet wide range of family needs and budgets.
SHORT BREAKS
Expand our short break options both in the UK and outside of it, including expansion with Disneyland Paris. Working with new venue and attraction partners for a different geographic range and methods of interaction.