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The Little Rays of Sunshine Club is a Bude based mutual support group for all families who have a child with special needs. The main idea behind the group is to build an extended family to help, advise and support one other and have a bit of fun doing it.The reason for starting this kind of group in Bude is because there s nothing of this kind in the area. We also have to admit that, it's because we live here. We being "T'committee" : - Michelle Quartermain - Secretary and Maria Sturt - Treasurer. We know that the first time we're told that our baby is less than perfect is devastating. We know that in whatever way your child has been burdened, medical and social support services tend to look for every associated failing. We also know that they are not always right. We all love our children and will do the best we can for them. We are also happy to share our knowledge to help each other with the difficulties which lie ahead.

We've started off with a good deal of help from the Downs Syndrome Association, in particular the Cornwall Downs Syndrome Support Group, based in Newquay. We are affiliated with the DSA which brings us under their umbrella with regard toadvice, support and charitable status. But please remember, we're happy to include all children with a special need, not just those with Downs Syndrome.

In addition to support and advice from the DSA; the group can also rely on professional support from the Portage Group, Cornwall social services and Parent to Parent. All very good at their work, and if they don t know the answer, they probably know someone who does.
The general idea is a weekly meeting for approximately two hours, when our families can get together, entertain the kids, exchange our knowledge also help and advise each other if needed.

At each meeting all Mums, Dads, Grandmas, Grandads, Brothers, Sisters even Aunties and Uncles if they wish to come, get a cupper and a biscuit. There's squash and jammy dodgers for the kids.

We hope to provide hour or so of structured entertainment, intended to be fairly instructive ie:- singing, sign language and stories; not just for the kids, everyone has to join in, it s law.Then the kids go and play with the toys while the mum s and dad s get together for a natter, exchange thoughts and ideas and, most importantly, if some one needs a little help with an issue, we ll get our heads together and see what can be done..

We invite all those who wish to attend to do so, where-ever you live, there s room for children with any special needs not just Downs Syndrome. There is no age limit, but those over the age 10-12 may probably think it s all a bit young for them. If you think you and your child would benefit, then please come along.

We now meet on Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5.00pm at Harlequins, and Saturdays for swimming at Trevalgas Holiday Park 10:30am to 3:00pm. We look forward to meeting you soon.

If you have any enquiry, you can email us at:- littleraysofsunshineclub@googlemail.com or go to our "Contacts" page

Donate for free.
posted 28 Sep 2010 03:45 by Little Rays
The Little Rays of Sunshine Club has been registered with "The Giving Machine" :- http://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/

Please go to the web site and have a look, it collects donations from hundreds of high street companies and passes the funds on to your chosen charity, when you make an on-line purchase.

All you have to do is register, then go to the company you want via the Giving Machine web site. That's it, everything else is automatic.

You can raise funds by just giving the Little Rays two clicks on the mouse.

Thanks to you all.