Clear Safety Commits to Disability Confident Culture
Clear Safety, the safety, compliance and risk management consultancy has pledged its commitment to embracing inclusivity within its business operations by gaining formal recognition as a Level 1 registered Disability Confident Committed organisation. The government run Disability Confident scheme aims to encourage employers to recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with health conditions. Following the stringent approval process, Clear has been acknowledged as a business that offers a workplace that empowers employees to talk about disability and wellbeing at work, whilst also establishing an environment that provides equal opportunities for disabled people, both in terms of new and existing staff. As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, Clear was required to provide hard evidence that the following key principles are firmly embedded in the Clear culture: The Disability Confident Committed status is one of the first outcomes of the consultancy work being undertaken with The Juniper Studio – a multi-disciplinary agency whose services include consulting on customer relationship management integrations and training in Agile methodologies. Working with the specialist consultants at The Juniper Studio, Clear’s has pledged to focusing on promoting accessibility and inclusivity within all its business operations. Commenting on the successful Disability Confident Committed registration, Nicki Lever, co-founder at The Juniper Studio says, “One of the main traits that has been prominent throughout our work with Clear Safety is their inclusivity. They have consistently gone above and beyond for their team, supporting with a range of situational, temporary, long term and permanent disabilities. Each member of the Clear Safety team contributes to the inclusive culture, and we hope to see a range of inclusive activities including work experience, work trials and job shadowing that will further progress the company on its Disability Confident journey.“ Matt Westby, Director at Clear Safety says, “We are delighted to have achieved Disability Confident Committed organisation status. Inclusivity and diversity have always naturally featured within the Clear culture but as the business continues to expand, we felt that the time was right to secure formal recognition of this. We welcome taking the next steps to become a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).”
The Belfry offers unlimited, fully funded access to mental health
The Belfry offers unlimited, fully funded access to mental health counselling and therapy in partnership with The Burnt Chef Project The Belfry Hotel & Resort, located in Warwickshire, is proud to be offering fully-funded, unlimited mental health counselling and support for all its employees in collaboration with The Burnt Chef Project and Thrive Mental Wellbeing. Gaining help with mental health can currently be a lengthy process, so the collaboration will provide Belfry employees with instant round-the-clock access to a number of resources to help the prevention, early detection, and self-management of common mental health conditions. The partnership will see Kris Hall, CEO and Founder of The Burnt Chef Project and his team deliver mental health training to all managers at The Belfry, who will also have access to a suite of online training modules, to help with their understanding of these conditions and to further support their teams. Each employee will have their own personal access to the Thrive Mental Wellbeing app allowing them to choose how they want to interact and receive support from in-house therapists, including video calls, phone calls or messaging. Kirsten Price, Head of People at The Belfry, comments, “It’s no industry secret that the mental health and wellbeing of our workforce is a big topic of conversation and rightly so. At The Belfry we want to continue our market-leading approach to supporting our teams whilst remaining employer of choice, and our partnership with The Burnt Chef Project helps us do exactly that. The Burnt Chef Project is helping us as an industry to start those important conversations, change the way in which we talk about, and manage, mental health and help us make a real difference. We’re looking forward to launching a range of initiatives with The Burnt Chef Project that aim to build awareness whilst also educating and supporting our teams to ensure that they can remain healthier in the workplace” Kris Hall, Founder of The Burnt Chef Project, said, “84% of hospitality professionals experience mental health issues within their career, and nearly half of these people felt uncomfortable talking about their concerns. This support tool enables The Belfry to move to a proactive position so individuals in their team can be truly in control of their wellbeing. It’s a vital component of not just providing easy access to mental health services to their teams and improving workplace wellbeing but also providing critical support to the Managers we will be training. With over eight million people on the NHS waiting list for therapy currently it’s essential that we can provide access to both those experiencing difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing but also to those who may need more help to support their peers and colleagues”. Chris Eigelaar, Resort Director at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, comments “We recognise the impact and serious nature of mental health wellness on our teams and with over 800 employees at The Belfry, it’s crucial that we provide the right support. Partnering with The Burnt Chef Project will give us access to Thrive Mental Wellbeing, an app that will be readily available to every employee, right in their pocket. I am committed to our team’s wellbeing and look forward to helping create a healthier and more sustainable industry”. For more information, please visit www.thebelfry.comTelephone: +44 (0) 1675 238600 | Email: enquiries@thebelfry.com Instagram: @thebelfryhotelandresort | Twitter: @TheBelfryHotel | Facebook: The Belfry Hotel & Resort LinkedIn: The Belfry Hotel & Resort
QAC Sight Village, the UK’s leading exhibitions for blind and partially sighted people welcomes Deafblind UK as sponsors of their 2023 events
The Sight Village events take place across the country throughout the year and are the UK’s leading exhibitions for blind and partially sighted people and for those experiencing sight problems. They are hugely popular events, giving people with sight loss and professionals working in the sector, the chance to find out about the latest technology, products and services such as daily living equipment, mobility aids, education and training opportunities and leisure services. With Deafblind UK’s sponsorship this year, Sight Village events will include number of exhibitors who provide services for people who have both visual and hearing impairment or loss. Deafblind UK is a charity that supports people with both sight and hearing impairment or loss. CEO Nikki Morris said: “We are really excited about sponsoring the 2023 events; we know this will provide a huge opportunity for people with both visual and hearing impairment. Having information and equipment for sight loss and hearing loss all under one roof makes these events truly unique and a welcome addition to these already fantastic exhibitions.” Bev Jessop, Principal and Chief Executive, said: “All of us at QAC are really excited that Deafblind UK are joining with us to be a sponsor of our Sight Village events. We share the same values, particularly in ensuring accessibility products and services help towards achieving individual social and independence goals for the VI and deaf-blind community. We look forward to welcoming deafblind service users, professional services and providers to these premier national events.” Sight Village exhibitions are free to attend and will take place in Wales,18th April, Birmingham, 17th & 18th July, Exeter, 26th September and London 7th November 2023. For more information, or to pre-register your attendance, go to www.qacsightvillage.org.uk or call 0121 803 5484, email: sv@qac.ac.uk. Sight Village is organised by Queen Alexandra College (QAC), a national residential College and community charity that supports a diverse range of student abilities and needs based in Birmingham. The College provides education, training and routes to independent living and employment.
Smart Energy GB’s in Communities Fund Offers Grants to Charities Helping Vulnerable People and Carers During the Energy Crisis
The Smart Energy GB in Communities fund is now open for applications from charities and voluntary organisations. Grants of up to £25,000 are available to help people in vulnerable circumstances understand the personal and national benefits of smart meters. The Smart Energy GB in Communities fund works with expert regional organisations from the voluntary and public sectors to ensure those who may need extra information or support understand how smart meters may help them manage their energy use and how to request an installation. With energy bills on the rise, the Smart Energy GB in Communities fund provides funding streams for organisations to speak to fuel poor households and people who struggle with technology – those defined as lacking digital skills – about the vital benefits smart meters could bring. Funds are also available for organisations and groups reaching people who are unpaid carers. Applications must be received by 12 noon Friday, 10th February 2023. Smart Energy GB is the independent, non-profit, government-backed organisation that helps households and small businesses across Great Britain to understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families and the environment. A smart meter is being offered to every household in Britain by energy suppliers at no extra cost. More than half of British homes have got a smart meter. In the home, the smart meter’s in-home display shows how much energy is used in near-real time and in pounds and pence, allowing people to keep track of budgets and better manage their energy use. This can be particularly helpful for many vulnerable customers during these difficult times. Smart meters also remove the inconvenience of taking manual meter readings as they automatically send accurate meter readings directly to energy suppliers. This is especially useful for customers in vulnerable circumstances, as there is no need for estimated bills or manual readings. For prepay customers, smart meters also make it possible to top up their meters from home. On top of the benefits to households, smart meters form part of an essential upgrade that will make Britain’s energy infrastructure smarter, greener and less wasteful. Last year, Imago Community received a grant to reach people across Kent, Medway, East Sussex and London. The Director, Jenny Wilders, said: “Since receiving the grant, Imago Community have increased the awareness of the benefits of smart meters, how to obtain one, and supported individuals by providing the contact information for their energy supplier. Feedback from some consumers in group session said that they have been extremely grateful for all our support and are happy with their smart meters making them more aware of what savings they can make.” From Smart Energy GB, Phillippa Brown the Deputy Director of Specialist Audiences, says: “Whether you are a previous or a new applicant, we welcome the great ideas you have to spread the word about smart meters to your communities. The six years of experience we’ve had working with partners across Great Britain have proved the credibility and trust our partners hold in their communities and are therefore well placed to communicate the benefits that smart meters can bring.” The bid fund is being coordinated by the charities National Energy Action (NEA) and supported by Energy Action Scotland (EAS). Grants will be awarded to regionally-based organisations, with local networks, that have a trusted voice amongst people who are: 1. In fuel poverty: The total amount requested should be between £15,000 and £25,000 2. Lacking basic digital skills: defined as lacking the digital skills to manage information, communicate, transact, problem solve or create basic digital content. The total amount of grant requested should be between £10,000 and £15,000 3. Carers: defined as someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. The total amount of grant requested should be between £7,500 and £10,000. Housing associations, registered charities and non-registered community groups are eligible to apply. Applications are welcome from former applicants, both successful and unsuccessful. Applications must be received by 12 noon Friday 10th February 2023 and funded activities must be completed by 6th December 2023. Further information is available at: https://www.nea.org.uk/work-with-us/smart-meters/smart-grants-2023/
Guide Dogs’ Top Tips for Making Christmas Accessible for People with a Vision Impairment
Particularly during the festive period, children with sight loss can face several barriers that can cause them and their loved one’s feelings of exclusion and isolation. Following its successful launch of the UK’s first ever inclusive Christmas grotto, Guide Dogs is sharing some advice on how to make grottos more accessible for people with a vision impairment. Here are five top tips from Guide Dogs on how to make the festive season more accessible for all those who celebrate. 1. Introduce yourself Have you ever thought about how you would approach someone with a vision impairment and how you would offer your support? Simply introducing yourself and asking if the person would like any assistance is the first step. It’s important to ask the person if they need help first – never sneak up on them, grab them or assume they need help without checking. If the person declines your offer, that’s fine – at least you’ve offered. Also, when you’re moving away from the person, be sure to let them know you’re leaving them. If you’re interested in learning how to guide someone with sight loss, check out our top 10 tips for Sighted Guide Training video: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/sighted-guide-top-tips-video/ 2. Describe key elements in the surroundings To bring the festive scene alive, try to be as descriptive as you can – point out key things in their surroundings and describe them using examples that don’t rely on sight. Is the snow cold and crispy? Can you smell pine needles in the air? Is Rudolph’s fur soft and warm? 3. Use all the senses Just because someone can’t see the surroundings well doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy Christmas through their other senses. They can still enjoy the smell of Gingerbread, the sound of carols, or cold snow crunching under their feet. Get creative and think about how you can help people experience your grotto using all their senses. Also, think about how you can use bright colours and tonal contrast. Good colour contrast can help people with some residual vision make things out more easily – Christmas lends itself well to this as red and white have a good contrast! Be aware that stimulating the senses too much can be overwhelming and cause disorientation for someone with a vision impairment. Try to use soft, consistent lighting and avoid strong glare or flashing lights. Similarly, make sure your background noise isn’t too loud or distracting. 4. Keep clear of clutter Christmas grottos are often busy venues full of exciting things like trees, presents and even Santa’s sleigh. Plus, streets and shops tend to be much busier over the festive period with things moved around from their usual position and more clutter. Be aware that obstacles like these could pose a hazard or make it more difficult and stressful for someone with sight loss to navigate around the venue safely and independently. When planning your event, think about how you can keep walkways clear for people with vision impairment. And, wherever possible, make sure there is plenty of space for someone to navigate with a guide dog, long cane or their sighted guide. You could also consider the use of contrasting textured flooring to help the people with a vision impairment navigate their way around (e.g. smoother flooring on walkways and rougher surfaces such as fake snow for surroundings). 5. Suitable presents One of the most exciting parts of visiting a grotto is the presents – but if the gift is something that relies on sight, it can be disappointing for a child with a vision impairment. Things like colouring books, etch-a-sketch and rubix cubes aren’t great options for a child with sight loss. Instead, think about toys they don’t need their sight to enjoy, such as a teddy bear, large print or tactile colouring books, customised short story book, scented pens/pencils or jewellery. This festive period, Guide Dogs encouraging members of the public to sign up to our Guiding Stars campaign. This introduction to sighted guiding will help to give you the skills and confidence to guide a person with sight loss if they need it. For more information, please visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/guiding-stars-at-christmas/
Winners of Dimensions 2022 Leaders’ List announced
Dimensions, Learning Disability England and the voluntary organisations Disability Group announce winners of the 2022 leaders’ list celebrating extraordinary achievements and accelerating social change of people with learning disabilities and Autism. This year’s winners celebrated at a virtual launch event hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce. Annual Leaders’ List award aims to give people with learning disabilities and autism a platform to showcase and celebrate exceptional achievements. Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, has announced the winners of its Annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List. Run in conjunction with Learning Disability England and VODG, it celebrates the extraordinary stories and achievements of individuals across the UK. The Leaders’ List gives people with learning disabilities and autism an opportunity to be recognised, celebrated and represented in the mainstream media. Dimensions’ research has revealed that 75% of respondents feel that it is easy for people in the wider community to forget about people with learning disabilities and autism. Therefore, providing individuals with a platform to share their stories on the national stage remains vital to increasing representation. Highlighting the stories and achievements of people with learning disabilities and autism will not only serve to overcome harmful stereotypes but will inspire others in the community to achieve things they perhaps did not think would be possible for them. Considering over 96% of respondents Dimensions’ research felt that they have something to learn from people with learning disabilities and autism, showcasing their talents, successes and achievements will benefit people from all walks of life. The 2022 Leaders were announced across four categories: arts and entertainment; local communities; work and education; and advocacy, policy and media. Recognising leaders across a broad spectrum of fields showcases the breadth of talents that people with learning disabilities and / or autism have. Some examples of the 2022 winners include: The celebration will be hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce and featured presentations for each category alongside a keynote speech from Leader and author Richard Keagan-Bull and a closing speech from Dimensions’ CEO Rachael Dodgson. Rachael Dodgson, CEO at Dimensions, said: “Dimensions is proud to present this award to all of this years’ Leaders’. The Leaders’ List is a reminder of the personal strengths and contributions that people with learning disabilities and autistic people make to the local community. I am deeply inspired by all of their achievements and hope you will join me in celebrating them” The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group said: “We are proud to support the Leaders List 2022. Celebrating the work and contributions of people with a learning disability and autistic people is so important – we are looking forward to celebrating the 2022 winners. Thank you to our partners who have made this fantastic event happen, and an even bigger thank you to all of those who have entered this year.” Ken Bruce, BBC Radio 2 DJ and Leaders’ List award ceremony host, said: “I have had the privilege of hosting the Leaders’ List Awards Ceremony for several years, yet the achievements of the Leaders never cease to amaze me! I have been inspired by all the stories and am very proud to be part of an event that rightfully celebrates these achievements. A huge congratulations to all the winners.” Chloe Douds, 2022 Leaders List judge and 2021 finalist, said: “Being on the leaders’ list is a huge achievement and one that everyone who has been nominated should be proud of. The work that everyone has done has helped change attitudes and opinions around learning disabled and autistic people and improved countless lives – well done everyone.” Leanne Yeo, 2022 Leaders’ List finalist, said: “Initiatives and awards like this are really important to the disabled community. There aren’t many awards out there that recognise people with disabilities. We often put in so much hard work but don’t get much recognition so having such awards is really heartening. This makes us feel valued and that our contributions have made a difference.
Motability’s Road to 45
Motability, the Charity with a vision that no disabled person shall be disadvantaged due to poor access to transportation, today marks its milestone anniversary of 45 years. Before Motability was established in 1977, only disabled people who could drive themselves received any government help with transport, usually in the form of a small distinctive single-passenger blue trike which was unable to take passengers. As a result, many disabled people were housebound for long periods and dependent on others to get around. The introduction of the Mobility Allowance by Government in 1976 allowed recipients to choose the best way to meet their mobility needs, whether that be driving a vehicle, using taxis or getting a mobility scooter. Although the new benefit was a positive advance, it soon became clear that it was not enough to buy and run even the smallest of cars. The Secretary of State of Health and Social Services at the time invited the late Lord Goodman to consider how disabled people could affordably obtain a vehicle using this allowance. He enlisted the help of Lord Sterling and together they established Motability, the Charity, in December 1977 when the formation was announced to the House of Commons. From this, the late Lord Goodman and Lord Sterling devised the Motability Scheme to provide a simple way of leasing a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair without the worrying of owning and running one. The Motability Scheme delivered its first vehicles to customers in July 1978 in a ceremonial presentation at Earl’s Court, London. Since then, over five and a half million vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs have been delivered through the Scheme to help disabled people and their families. Today, more than 640,000 people benefit from the Motability Scheme by exchanging their qualifying mobility allowance to help gain more freedom and independence. Around two thirds of Scheme customers drive, but those who do not can still lease a car and travel as a passenger. Similarly, parents or carers can also apply to join on behalf of a child aged three and above. Overseeing the Motability Scheme continues to be the main method by which the Charity strives to achieve its vision. Its Scheme-related Grant Programmes continue to provide financial support to those who want to join the Scheme but who need help with the cost of an Advance Payment and the adaptations they may need. Investment in this area continues to be a priority, with the Charity awarding the highest ever number of Scheme-related grants in 2021/22, supporting thousands of beneficiaries in leasing a vehicle. The Charity has further increased its grant-making by offering support that reaches beyond the Motability Scheme to have even greater impact on the lives of disabled people. Its steady investment in innovation activities and research, combined with its oversight of the Scheme will help to enhance the transportation needs of disabled people in the years to come. This year, the Charity launched a new portfolio of grants to provide support to other charities and organisations in areas where its research and insight has shown opportunities to have the greatest impact. A total of six new programmes have been launched in this area to address the challenges disabled people face accessing transport right now, while Motability continues its research and innovation work into longer-term solutions to make all transport accessible. Last month, Motability hosted a Parliamentary reception at the House of Commons to mark the launch of a new British Standards Institute (BSI) standard, sponsored by the Charity and the UK Government Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV). This world-leading standard sets out best-practice for making public electric vehicle (EV) charge points accessible, and was created with disabled people’s involvement. Now work is underway to encourage adoption of the standard, as the Charity is keen to work closely with Government and site owners, such as local authorities and providers, to ensure the standard is implemented to make EV charging accessible for all. Barry Le Grys MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Motability says: “Motability has grown from strength to strength over our remarkable 45-year history. We have a strong vision and sense of purpose, which has been at the foundation of our growth. We have supported disabled people with their mobility for over four decades, and we aren’t stopping here. “As the world of transportation advances, we too are determined to evolve and further support Motability Scheme customers and our beneficiaries to ensure they aren’t left behind. As well as focusing on their transport needs now, we are also looking at the longer term and next generations to grow and expand our purpose, ensuring we continue to make a real difference well into the future.” Throughout its 45-year history, Motability has had the honour of having the presence of its Chief Patron from inception, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, attend notable milestone events. The most recent event was to mark its 40th anniversary and over four and a half million vehicles, held at Windsor Castle in 2017. To see an animated roadmap of Motability’s Road to 45, including key moments from its history, please visit Motability’s YouTube channel.
Bristol and Bath charity announces plans to improve access to green spaces for disabled people and unpaid carers
The first research to be carried out in Bristol and Bath into the experience of disabled people and unpaid carers in the cities’ parks has revealed stark findings. Local charity, Your Park Bristol & Bath, who commissioned the research, is determined to use the findings to deliver significant improvements to this group’s experiences in local parks and green spaces. One in three people living locally has a disability of some kind or cares for someone who couldn’t manage without their support. The charity wants to ensure they can access safe, inclusive and welcoming parks and is calling on local organisations, individuals and community groups to work in partnership on a series of actions over the next three years: With funding from Quartet Community Foundation, the charity commissioned the qualitative research earlier this year to better understand the experiences of disabled people and unpaid carers. It involved in-depth interviews and revealed the participants experienced a disproportionate number of barriers, making it harder for them to access parks and green spaces than other groups. Charlee Bennett, CEO of Your Park Bristol & Bath, said: “We know that being out in parks and green spaces is transformational for our wellbeing, but sadly, going to the park can be particularly challenging for the one in three people in Bristol and Bath who are disabled or unpaid carers. “We wanted to understand better the barriers for disabled people and unpaid carers, both adults and children. It’s sad to say that the results weren’t unexpected, but when you see extent of the hurdles that must be overcome just to go to the park, it is shocking. Our research participants told us how they have to meticulously plan visits, anticipating every potential problem. Parent carers carrying tents so they can change their child in private, searching for play areas that have suitable equipment, or wheelchair users mapping the complex journey to the park entrance. “Sadly, many of these visits ended badly – we heard about wheelchair users getting stuck in gates, sand getting into important medical equipment, disabled people being shamed out of play areas and closed toilets cutting visits short. “Even where improvements have been made, the feeling was it’s often the bare minimum and access requirements are seen as a check box exercise. We clearly heard that for things to change, parks need to be looked at as a whole. There’s no point installing an accessible toilet if there is no disabled parking, or the pathways aren’t suitable. “This is the first piece of research carried out in Bristol and Bath into park access for this group and we are determined to act on what is uncovered. Disabled people and carers need to be able to spend time in parks as nature rich, free to use, community assets that are so good for our health. We want to galvanise collective action and deliver real change that will make a significant impact on their experiences.” The key findings from the research revealed a number of recurring issues: All of the participants interviewed said that spending time in green space was good for their health. However, more than half of the parent carers said that visits to the parks have a negative effect on their mental health, evoking extreme anxiety for themselves and the person that they provide care for because of the barriers involved. Many of them talked about the lack of adequate facilities meaning they felt unable to protect their children’s dignity or had to leave the park early. One of the interviewees was Nicole Rumney from Keynsham, a mum of three and former carer to people with special educational needs and disabilities, who herself suffers from a number of conditions that cause mobility issues and pain. She said: “Parks are really important to me because they are where I relax, exercise and meet friends and family. But I can’t use them because they don’t have accessible toilets and there isn’t enough seating. On the few occasions I have been, I can only use a tiny area because there are steep pathways without railings so I can’t get around. I miss out on days out with my family and I wish I didn’t have to.” The report set out a number of specific recommendations to take forward, including: With Bristol City Council’s draft budget released last week proposing cuts to parks services, with an impact on disabled people and carers specifically mentioned and the expectation that it will be reliant on community groups to take on greater management, it makes the charity’s action plan even more critical. Your Park Bristol & Bath is asking for anyone interested in working with them to deliver their action plan to contact them by emailing: info@yourpark.org.uk. There is also a further survey for disabled people and unpaid carers to complete, to help the charity continue to build a detailed understanding of their experience. https://yourpark.org.uk/not-just-a-checkbox To read the report, visit: https://yourpark.org.uk/not-just-a-checkbox
Top activities for children with ADHD
In the UK it is estimated that around 2%-5% of school aged children have ADHD. However, in England only 0.35% of girls and 1.5% of boys are being treated for ADHD compared to the global average of 5.3% of children. A lot of children with ADHD struggle to concentrate and complete tasks, including activities. Here we list the best activities for children with ADHD. What is ADHD? ADHD, also known as Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects people’s day-to-day behaviour in the following ways: These symptoms are usually noticed at an early age, the most noticeable time is when a child starts school. Most cases are diagnosed in children under 12 years old and people of any intellectual capability can be diagnosed with it, however it is more common in children with learning disabilities. However! It’s not all negative, people with ADHD have strengths that they may not even realise, some of these include It’s important to remember that every child is unique and will have their own individual likes and dislikes that should be considered. Planning and catering the activities to their needs is vital for the completion and enjoyment of the activities, they will be more likely to take part in activities that they enjoy or have some interest in. The child’s skills should also be taken into consideration, ask yourself: what can they do? Would they enjoy this? Usually children enjoy activities with an outdoor element or one that involves physical activities, so make sure the weather is nice and they are wearing suitable clothing! Physical activity increases the production of dopamine and noradrenaline, this helps to increase attention and ease symptoms of ADHD (e.g. hyperactivity). However, it is important to monitor their energy levels and don’t overwork themselves to the point of over-tiredness or burnout. Other factors to consider is that the child is always supervised and even if the activity includes friends, there is always a parent or guardian involved. Activities Team Sports Taking part in a team sport helps build social skills, boosts their self-esteem and helps them feel accepted, whilst also developing their physical ability. It’s important to consider which sport is best for them as certain sports may not be constantly stimulating. Some great team sports are: Individual Sports Individual sports where children can be taught individually with a coach, mentor or teacher means they get the attention they require. Some great examples are: Creative Classes Some children with ADHD show a lot of curiosity and creativity, involving them in a creative class such as an art class or music class may benefit them greatly. On the other hand they may not want to be in another class based environment after spending 5 days a week in the classroom. But fear not! It is always doable from home! Get some art and crafts supplies and let their imagination run wild, let them write and come up with stories, or build something. Alternatively if they prefer the musical route, see if there is an instrument they may want to learn to play or even just put on some music and let them dance! Outdoor/Green activities The more time spent in “green environments”, the better. A green environment may be a park, a garden or a farm and can inspire a whole range of activities: Indoor activities Every child loves to play games or “play pretend” and invent new magical realities, mostly with other friends their age. Meet up with other parents and their children at events or just for a casual playdate! If they are busy or no events are taking place then do not despair, some activities are great for the whole family, involving siblings, parents, relatives etc… Some of the games you could play are: Events and days out Getting them out of the house altogether is a great idea and a great way to let them experience new and exciting things, some ideas are: Some extra tips Although they may not be classed as “activities” there are a range of toys and devices that can help children with ADHD: Living in an increasingly digital world can make it difficult to keep children away from technology, gadgets and the internet. Where possible it is more beneficial to reduce their screen time as too much time in front of the screen can elevate their symptoms. Setting restrictions or time limits may be beneficial for them. In the end, no one knows your child better than you. You can plan, structure and cater around their specific needs, likes, dislikes and what they want to do or what they would excel at. Let their strengths and skills shine! For more information on ADHD visit: What is ADHD? | CDC For more information on diagnosis of ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Diagnosis – NHS For information on treatment of ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Treatment – NHS