Families United Network start new project

The charity was granted the money to allow for the opening of a new project for their members.

Chair of the Paradigm Foundation, Mike Gahagan, said: “We were really impressed with the wide range of activities offered by the Families United Network and were delighted to support their projects.

“Having a child or a family member with disabilities can be very isolating so these opportunities for people to get together are essential.”

FUN, based at the Disability Centre on Poynters Road, helps families across Bedfordshire.

The new project, a Young Adult Club, opened its doors to 18 to 25-year-olds this month, the club is at Lealands High School, from 6:30pm till 8:30pm on Tuesdays.

It allows young adults with additional needs to meet new people and take part in activities.

Leigh West, fundraising officer, said: “We support a lot of families across Bedfordshire, we run a lot of projects and it is the little things like giving support to parents or just listening to any concerns they have.

“We have a team of staff who are always available to listen, talk and give advice, and the best thing is we have staff that are parents who have children with disabilities, so they have been through similar experiences, it is nice for people to share their stories.”

They also run holiday clubs during half term, a youth club for 10 to 16-year-olds, a swim club at Keech and organise family days out.

Membership to FUN is free and the whole family are involved with many of the events.

Ms West added: “For all these great clubs and events to run, we need help from the public with fundraising, we have lots of events coming up and we will be grateful for any help we can get in raising money and volunteers taking part in the events.”

For more information, visit: www.familiesunitednetwork.org.uk