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  • Grief, In The Time of Covid 19

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    Post by Michelle King...

    My role at Little Miracles means I have the privilege of seeing children grow, of really getting to know the family and spending time with them.  This means that I get incredibly close to the families, I am involved with their lives and often I am involved in their deaths and making sure the family knows exactly what is happening so that the child gets the best death possible.

    This in itself I truly believe makes a difference to the family and hopefully makes things that little bit easier in what will be the worst experience of their lives.

    My role can be anything for the family whether it’s just holding their hand, ensuring that they have a priest attend the bedside, explain what is happening, keeping family members from arguing and generally keeping the peace but sometimes it’s also helping the family leave their child at the hospital for the last time.  After the child passes I also help the family plan the funeral and help with essential arrangements whether that be planning the funeral, making phone calls or visiting the child with the family, and ensuring that they look perfect before the family go in.  Honestly, this is for the family but helping and taking on practical arrangements also helps me feel useful, grieve myself, and appreciate my own situation.

    Recently we lost a little boy very dear to me.  A child whose smile lit up a room, who sparked joy in everyone he met.  I cannot begin to explain how amazing this child was how he fought to live every day of his 10 short years and how full of love his life was.  It was an honor to know him and spend his final day with him.

    Last week was his funeral and I feel like I have failed the family as I was unable to do the things that I would normally do for them.  As this pandemic takes hold it made me think about how many of us will lose loved ones whether as a result of the virus or other means but not be able to make the arrangements that we normally would.  As a result, I have made a bit of a list of things that may or may not help – but I think the important thing to remember is this is completely unchartered territory and do what works for you and your family and reach out for help.

    1. Often we can anticipate in advance that we are going to lose a loved one.  In this situation, if possible it’s important to talk about it.  I always think of a good death as being one that is planned out and as peaceful as possible surrounded by friends and family but at the moment this is not always going to be possible.  If possible talk about where you want the death to happen but please try not to set something in stone now more than ever plans have to change.  If you cannot be with your loved one then can you video call or get a mobile phone into them?  It is not ideal but playing a favorite song over the phone may bring comfort to both of you even if they are in a position of not being able to respond.
    2. At this distressing time you may not be able to visit your loved one at the funeral home – if this is the case then ask if you can prepare what they wear and send it in and consider writing a letter to be placed inside the coffin to enable you to say those final goodbyes that you may have missed.
    3. Get dressed.  You may not feel like it and in the time of lockdown no one will know or judge you for sitting in your pajamas but getting dressed, doing your makeup, etc is part of the grieving process that many of us may miss due to not being able to attend the funeral.  Every morning at the moment I have a staff meeting first thing and make everyone get up and be showered and dressed – this isn’t because I care if they want to work in the jim-jams it’s because it is essential for their mental health and putting them in the right frame of mind to work.  There is a lot to be said about the act of choosing what you are going to wear and making sure that you dig out the waterproof mascara and it’s all part of the grieving process.
    4. The physical service will be different from what you are expecting and you may not be able to attend.  At the moment these services are being live-streamed in some but not all areas.  If you are watching it live then watch remotely with other people that are also grieving.  If you cannot attend then light a candle or let off a balloon and take the time to focus on your loved one and share the time that you would have spent at the funeral.
    5. If you would have normally have had a collection for charity then still have this – set up a page on just giving or alike and give a donation in their name but other more practical ideas could include fighting for a home delivery slot to send food to your family.
    6. If you would have sent flowers then send flowers – and ask the funeral home to take photos for you of them.  If you are attending perhaps consider if you would like those flowers to remain where they may not be seen again or if you would prefer to take them home.
    7. If possible get outside, being outside does amazing things for our wellbeing but after the service also connect with loved ones on systems such as Zoom.  Even if you do not feel like you want or can talk, just being with other people experiencing the same grief will help.  If you feel able to share happy stories, toast their life, and plan the memorial service to celebrate their life that you will have once this craziness is over.  Sharing memories and planning for the future is so important to the grieving process – do not wait to start.  Another idea would be to share pictures and memories via a group chat or similar – there are some amazing free video creator sites available which will allow you to compile these into a video to share.
    8. That memorial that you planned after the service for when the craziness is over – hold it!  Celebrate their life and hold a party that they would have loved to have attended.
    9. Remember that grief does not end with the funeral – continue to be there for each other and speak about the person you have lost and if you are finding things difficult reach out for support many organisations, ourselves included have moved their counselling services online – at this difficult time you do not need to be alone.

    I cannot stress the importance of reaching out to people in this time whether this be your family or a professional – we have a team of counsellors and family support workers that you can reach by calling 01733 262226 or by completing this form for us to call you back  

    Lastly, I am sorry that you are having to go through this.

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  • A £750 Million Pound Bandaid​​​​​​​

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    I cannot begin to explain how hard everyone involved in the sector has worked to lobby for the £750m for frontline charities the list is endless and I am so proud and thankful to you guys.

    I think the whole sector has just given a collective sigh of relief at last night’s announcements by the Chancellor. However, I am still worried that the lack of clarity around it means that it may not get to the organisations that truly need it the most and realistically £750 Million does not go far in a sector that is predicting to lose over 4 BILLION pounds during the Covid crisis.

    There are thousands of organisations, ourselves included who have seen their incomes completely decimated by their inability to fundraise at this time but who still need to continue working and delivering services. Many of whom have not been given any hope but these announcements especially those in fields such as the environment and animal welfare charities. Social Enterprises seem to have been completely forgotten and in the process and still charities that are not able to access any of the grants available to businesses around their rates (I have tried… three times.)

    Did you know that 93% of households have used a charity – last year alone 83% of us did – often without realising it was a charity rather than a government department, 53% of us in the last month and I am willing to put money on that figure being even higher now as these figures were before Covid came about. This is an amazing start for the charitable sector but I am still so worried.

    Hopefully, in the coming days, there will be more guidance and questions will be answered but what is certain is that we will lose some amazing organisations as a direct result of delays, lack of clarity and not investing in the third sector as a whole. I am desperate to see guarantees for the sector and that this money will be ring-fenced for additionality and not used to plug funding gaps for services already commissioned so that the local community and people in need truly get the most benefit possible. I hope to see VCS and infrastructure organisations have a crucial role in allocating the money as they know the organisations on the ground providing support who are truly in need but unable to manage complex application forms.

    For now I am keeping everything crossed that we will not be one of those amazing organisations that are lost and on that note, I want to say thank you to everyone who has already donated to us and beg anyone still considering doing so to message me to talk about the difference that it will make to us you guys are my heroes and at the moment our rescuers in this certain time when all that we can give you is a promise that we will keep fighting to the bitter end to provide the support that families with disabled and life-limited children need.

    Thank you

    Michelle

    Charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced today (Wednesday 8 April).

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  • How To Look After Our Mental Health During The Coronavirus Crisis!

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    LOOK AFTER YOUR WELLBEING DURING COVID 19

    The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has drastically changed how we live our lives - there's travel restrictions, many workplaces have closed, and now schools have closed too. Maintaining your mental welbeing can be difficult in the face of such disruption and uncertainty, but there are reasons to be optimistic too.

    Jill Wagner, Little Miracles’ Clinical Lead, has some tips for how to stay well at this difficult time.

     

    Stay present

    All we can do is take one day at a time. The present moment is a gift - we should live each moment to the best of our ability. Take a moment to notice your feelings of concern, stress and anxiety, be aware of them, acknowledge them, and let them pass.

    Activities that engage our mind and make us think a little bit, such as arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles and colouring are perfect for reducing anxiety levels. When we are anxious our rational mind closes down; engaging with such activities reinstates the rational mind, and reduces anxiety by interrupting our default way of thinking.

    Breathing exercises help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety too, a few nice deep breaths get plenty of oxygen into the system. Make sure the breath goes right to the abdomen, take a moment to notice when the breath is at its deepest.

     

    Stay connected

    The current advice is to limit face-to-face interactions with other people. Naturally, this means we need to be creative in how we stay connected with each other. Feeling connected to others is so significant to good mental health, and in times like this, it’s easy to become isolated.

    Technology is our greatest asset here. Texting is great for conveying information, but where possible, make phone calls, or even better, video calls. Video calls are the closest thing to face-to-face interaction we have - being able to process tone of voice, body language and facial expressions adds a great deal of value to the conversation, mentally.

    Many services now use technology to support people remotely. If you’re already in the therapeutic process, I would suggest looking into how you can maintain your treatment by using technology.

     

    Go back to basics

    Use this time to get back to basics - play with your children, preferably activities that use the rational mind and encourage conversation.

    Your physical and mental health are linked, and you don’t need to go to the gym to enjoy the benefits of exercising. Make time to get out of the house - go outside and enjoy the fresh air, smell the flowers; notice your surroundings. Even a simple walk raises serotonin levels in the brain and lets you take in Vitamin D, boosting your immune system.

     

    Plan

    Your brain likes to work logically, you feel confident when you have power or control over a situation. Structuring your thoughts into plans is a good way to remove yourself from the negativity and focus on what you can do. The current restrictions could actually be beneficial - all the more reason to reconnect with old friends, and the extra time at home could give you the time to learn skills, cook healthier meals or read more, for example.

    Your brain likes to process information that reinforces what it already knows. While this can be a good thing, in that it’s how we improve our skills and build good habits, it can also cause us to become close-minded or seek out information that causes negative emotions. If you are anxious about the Coronavirus threat, you may want to limit your exposure to the news (outside of Government updates) even if something inside is telling you to look. It’s easy to become obsessive under the guise of wanting to be informed.

    This crisis will pass; dealing with it in the here and now, calmly and rationally, will teach our children that we can come through difficult times in a positive way - what better way to teach resilience?

     

    Care for yourself and your surroundings

    Your mood is influenced by how you look after yourself and your living environment. Keep on top of doing the things you do to make yourself confident - wash regularly, put your jewellery on, wear perfume. Even if it doesn't seem necessary on the face of it, keeping this routine going will help ground you in the present.

    Now that you’re spending more time at home, you may want to do some of those small jobs you’ve been putting off. Clearing your mind of lots of small to-do’s will lift your spirits and keep you motivated; tick them off when they’re done so you can see the progress. It’s good to get your children involved too.

    Following our normal morning routines puts us in the correct mindset - if you’re working from home, you feel more productive when you’ve got proper clothes on. If you’re working from home using a computer, try to work in a room other than your bedroom. Mentally, we need to be able to separate our home life from our work life, and having a distinct work area helps us to switch off when we need to.

     

    One last thing - you need to be mindful of how much of the news you are exposing to your children. It’s up to you to decide where the line is; bearing in mind that older children will be able to find truths and mistruths for themselves.

     

    All children need to know the basic facts, as explained in this social story (produced by Roddensvale School):

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  • Jailbreak 2019 - Friday 25th to Sunday 27th

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    The Wallys

    Multiple Award Challenges

    9 x Loyalty Card – 2 miles each: Petrol Stations and Fast Food Restaurants.

    19 x Advocate – 2 miles each: Little Miracles logo in challenge submission photo.

    2 x Public Service – 10 miles each: Photo with Fireman & Ferry Worker

    6 x Tourist – 10 miles each: O2 Arena, War Graves, Hourglass & Dunkirk Beach, NATO Building, Dover Port & Victorian Lighthouse, Cliffs of Dover.

    5 x International – 50 miles each: France, Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, Germany.

    5 Miles Challenges

    Random Encounter: Statue Street Performer

    10 Mile Challenges

    Video Advocate: Girl signed ‘please support Little Miracles’ on video

    White Collar: Man dressed in suit

    Two for Flinching: Man dressed in yellow jacket

    Name Envy: Best team name. Additional 5 miles for Wally’s being accurate (jamie forgetting passport).

    50 Mile Challenges

    Tactical: Last to leave Peterborough

    Desperate Times: Jamie sleeping on bench

    Long Haul: On a Ferry

    Sweet Talk: Blagged showers and accommodation via Facebook

    One for The Grandkids: Jamie getting searched for at border

    100 Mile Challenges

    Vlogger: Most video submissions

     

    Mad Girls

    Multiple Award Challenges

    1 x Loyalty Card – 2 miles each: Service Station

    8 x Advocate – 2 miles each: Little Miracles logo in challenge submission photo.

    6 x Tourist – 10 miles each: Edinburgh Castle, The Kelpies, State, Mountain Memorial, Loch Lomond.

    5 Miles Challenges

    Grass, as far as the eye can see: Grassy hillside photo

    10 Mile Challenges

    Happy to Help: Shop worker with tongue out

    Keep the Day Job: Kicked out of car for singing

    ROYGBIV: Picture of rainbow

    We have a Moment: Having a go on a toy car ride

    25 mile challenges

    Absolute Unit: Picture next to the tallest person

    Getting Involved: Picture in Loch Lomond frame

    50 Mile Challenges

    International: Scotland.

    Stand Out: Best fancy dress effort, superheroes with capes and oriented shirts.

    100 Mile Challenges

    Musou Mode: Dressed in martial arts gear and completed a sequence

    Captured the Moment: Best picture – image of the Scottish Highlands.

    Awwww: picture with cutest animal

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  • Why You Need a Max Card & How to Get One...

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    Max cards … What are they and what do they do?

    Max cards are the UK’s top discount card for families of children with additional needs, disabilities and/or life limiting conditions or illnesses. One card covers a family of 4.

    There are 100’s of places across the UK where you can use these cards and discounts vary from place to place. They can be used at all Merlin attractions where you get up to a whooping 52% off! Jorvik and Eureka are completely free with a Max card!

    Some places offer discounts for the whole family, others just for the disabled child.

    For a list of all attractions, information and discounts available please visit
    www.mymaxcard.co.uk

    Even better news….

    Little Miracles are an authorised stockist of Max Cards and can be purchased from us for £5. You can either collect from our Peterborough Branch or we can post for an additional £1.55.
    Little Miracles require proof of additional need/disability via DLA or Diagnosis letter. These can be sent to admin@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk.

    To request a card from us, please fill out this form.

    Once the form has been received, an invoice will be sent out to you. Your card will only be sent once proof and Payment has been received.

    Have you been anywhere and used your max card? Did you get great discount? Please let us know if there is anywhere you recommend so we can share with our families!

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  • Personal Story of Planning Addict​​​​​​​

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    Throughout my life I have been a planner - I have tried every diary going, and when they have not been perfect I have made my own. When I found out I was expecting my first child it was no different. I read books, I planned everything, I knew what parenting techniques I wanted to use, what equipment I wanted to buy and I organised everything in advance.

    I planned that I wanted our babies gender to be a surprise. It didn’t matter providing they were healthy.

    I never planned to be in 5% of babies born needing additional support at birth.

    I never planned to hear that my child’s condition was considered "incompatible with life."

    I never expected to be told that my child would be unable to eat, unable to drink, unable to walk, talk and at some points breathe for himself.

    I never expected to be that mum.

    The news that my son had Downs Syndrome (caused by having an additional 21st chromosome) and other associated complex medical conditions was never something that I planned to hear. But every day in the UK a mum will give birth to a baby with Downs Syndrome and back in 2007 that mum was me. For parents who are given the news whilst pregnant between 88% and 92% (depending on what data you read) will go on to have a termination.

    Before having my child I knew very little about Downs Syndrome, I was a young mum and had always associated it with being something that happened to older mums. For us, the Downs Syndrome was minor in comparison to his other medical conditions but that news changed my life forever.

    We had two very different experiences as we had two consultants tell us the news (both thinking they were the first.) One was very gentle and mild and the other very direct and to the point.

    Both gave me, at 35 weeks pregnant, the option to terminate the pregnancy.

    I was given the choice 2 weeks before my son was born whether or not he had the right to live or die. I have always been pro-choice and have always felt that women should have the choice over what happens to their body but I cannot help but feel let down by the way my options were presented and the information I was given.

    I was led to believe that my son's quality of life would make it not worth living. I was given a lot of incorrect and out of date information and being a planner I went and read everything that I could about Downs Syndrome and his particular health conditions. But when you have medical professionals telling you what is right for your child and your body you believe them.

    I understand why I was given all the negatives but I wish I had been told that I had other options as well.

    My son has complex health needs, is severely disabled and has Downs Syndrome. He is also fun-loving, sometimes naughty, always cheeky, he loves to sing, he loves animals (especially cows) and babies. He has amazing empathy - his hearing loss often means that he struggles to keep up with conversations but he can read a room better than anyone else I know and gives amazing hugs to anyone who needs them.

    If I could give any advice to 2007 me, or anyone else in the same position it would be to read and educate yourself. Meet other people in the same situation especially other parents. Your journey will be harder. It will not be what you planned for but it will be amazing you will find a whole new family of people there to support and guide you - they will become your best friends. Sometimes you will cry - but you will also laugh more than you ever have before and you will receive more love than you ever imagined.

    Whilst I may understand why I was given the option to terminate my pregnancy I wish it hadn’t been the first option I was given and I wish that I had been told about the positives alongside the negatives.

    If I could give advice to anyone who has to deliver the news “your child has Down's Syndrome” I would like to ask them to be honest and explain the hard times but also that it is not all-consuming and that whilst things won’t be what I planned for that there are also many positives and offer to link them to other parents like those at Little Miracles.

    My son has Downs Syndrome, and I am ok with that, he is an amazing young man who deserves to be celebrated his life does not have less value just because he has an extra chromosome. I like to think of him as being a bit like one of the X-Men - genetically enhanced to love and accept others. For anyone who has been given this or similar news please speak a parent of a child with the same condition. Speak to Little Miracles. Get help and support and make up your own mind - termination may be an option but its not your only option and you can educate and plan what you want to happen.

    For anyone else reading this thank you for reading my story. To support a family like mine it costs under £20 - could you donate £20 to help a family in the same position know their options?

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  • Linx Printing Technologies Bank-Holiday Challenge Supports Local Charity, Little Miracles

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    Linx Printing Technologies Ltd (based in Saint Ives) have organised and completed a large fundraising event for their Charity of the Year partner, Little Miracles (based in Peterborough). Little Miracles provides support to families that have children (aged 0-25) with additional needs, disabilities and life limiting conditions.

    Linx staff spent six months preparing the fundraising event – a personal challenge for six cyclists (all Linx employees) who cycled 372 miles over four days (with over a 17,600ft climb) starting on the morning of 24th May and finishing on the evening of 27th May. The cycling event is the latest of a series of fundraising events organised by Linx for Little Miracles; this cycling event and a car wash has raised £1950 excluding GiftAid (which when claimed could raise as much as £2437).

    Additional information and the route that was taken can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cyclemay2019.
    (the figures included above are the actual amounts, not the ones on the justgiving page)

    Sean Robson, Business Development Officer at Little Miracles said “The money raised is enough to provide a whole year of weekly two-hour sensory sessions at Little Miracles Peterborough’s playcentre, The Spinney in Westwood. I’d like to thank the cyclists for their fantastic efforts, the event organisers for working out the logistics, all individuals and companies who supported the event, and of course everyone who donated. It is not too late to get involved – simply visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cyclemay2019.”

    Linx staff provided their own food, bikes and accommodation to increase the amount raised for Little Miracles. Linx the company sponsored the fuel for support vehicles as well as time for staff to prepare for the event. Perry’s provided a minibus for cyclists to drive to the starting point in Scotland and a van for volunteers to travel in; all free of charge. Print Solutions provided vinyl signs to go on the support vehicles.

    There are too many supporting companies to list but guesthouses that put the cyclists and supporting volunteers up for reduced fees and let them use their garages.

    Below quotes were posted on Linx’s Facebook page for the event.
    • “We made it. 28hrs20mins, 372 miles later and over 17,600ft climb over the last 4 days”
    • “Everyone is glad to have finished and it’s been a real challenge”
    • “Time to hit the showers and rest those weary legs!”
    • “An awesome effort in pretty gruelling conditions”
    • “the next 16miles was challenging but the views rewarding with fleeting showers”
    • “shoes full of water and soaked to the bone”
    • “The first glass of Pepsi didn’t taste sweet”
    • “I didn’t do the views justice in the advertising for this event: stunning!”
    • “tomorrow could be a washout!”
    • “11 miles and 50 mins in, X crashed into a parked car! Don’t worry the car is fine!”

    Little Miracles and friends want to wish the key people for this event a massive thank you for taking on this challenge and helping us raise vital funds that keep the charity running!

    Paul Gregory – Senior Electronics Engineer at Linx (main organiser and cyclist)
    Lisa Hunter – Marketing Communications Manager at Linx (arranged with Little Miracles to have representatives come in and talk to Linx’s staff, main point of contact for Little Miracles
    Jorn Frank (he came over from Linx’s German office just to take part in the challenge), Jamie Shelley, Tom Manwaring, Neal Gregory, Slawomir Kozubal – Cyclists
    Stuart Hardy, Dan Barnes and Malgorzata Gorecka-Kozubal – drove the support vehicles and provided most of the catering and bike mechanics

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  • May Half Term in Peterborough...

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    188 families came in just four days of being open to our fun-filled May Half term.

    Tuesday, we held a Teddy Bears Picnic. The rain did not stop the fun as we sang and danced away!

    Wednesday, Serenity Loves hosted a pamper day for the children at The Spinney. Children had face painting, nail painting, and hair braiding and platting.

    Thursday, we headed to Wildwoods in Peterborough who kindly donated us their cinema room for three private showing (with lots of free popcorn). We watched Incredibles 2, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Aqua Man.

    Friday, we had meercats and snakes in the garden as the Party Animals’ came to The Spinney to show and teach groups of families about different exotic animals.

     

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  • A Summer to Remember!

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    AND YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

    Did you know last year Peterborough branch had 2,021 people attend our playscheme???

    In order to make this happen again this year we need to raise £11,387!!! This seems like a massive amount but if everyone on our facebook page donated £2 we can make this happen straight away, please consider making a donation as every penny counts! Would you notice a £2 donation? Could you donate more or hold a fundraiser for us?

    As a result of attending 86.4% reporting feeling less isolated, 70.4% felt they had made progress to towards a developmental milestone and 87.7% reported an improvement in their wellbeing. All of this via having opportunities to play! Please make a small donation in order to make this happen again and lets aim for a bigger and better year!

    Fundraising ideas for schools, churches, and youth sports teams

    Thermometer By ABC Fundraising®

    DONATE NOW

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  • Peterborough January – March 2019 Timetable

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    If you are looking for fun, inclusive and enjoyable activities for the family, then come to The Spinney! We released our new 2019 timetable which includes term time activities that are available from January to March. Booking is not required for most activities, if you have any questions give us a call on 01733 262226 or email us at admin@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk

    We can recommend activities to suit each child based on their age and ability in order for them to get the best engagement and interaction out of each of their visits to The Spinney!

    Check out our new timetable below for more information on daily schedules and activities!

    Monday

    Home Education (5 years and over) 10:00 to 12:00
    Childcare available for siblings
    Lunch 12:00
    Gymnastics 13:00 to 15:00
    Phoenix Gym, Maxwell Road, PE2 7JE – No booking is required, pay £3 on arrival
    Scouts 17:00 to 20:00
    Contact the 58th Ravensthorpe and Westwood scout group – Call Jacquie Smith 07525345760

    Tuesday – Open Access

    Tiny Tots Group (0-4 years) 10:00 to 12:00
    Lunch 12:00
    Coffee, Cake and Chat 13:00 to 15:00
    Let’s Cook! 16:00 to 17:00
    Dinner 17:00 to 18:00 – Slow Cooker Surprise

    Wednesday

    Home Education (5 years and over) 10:00 to 12:00
    Childcare available for siblings
    Lunch 12:00
    Mad Science Club 13:00 to 15:00
    Practice experiments while learning about science
    Gaming Club 16:00 to 17:00
    Dinner 16:30 – Stir Fry
    Ballet 17:30 to 18:30

    Thursday

    Sensory Messy Play 10:00 to 12:00
    Lunch 12:00
    Sensory Stories – 13:00 to 15:00
    Seriously Sensory Session – 16:00 to 17:00
    Dinner 17:00 – Hunters Chicken
    Youth Club (11-25 years) 19:00 to 21:00

    Friday

    Express Yourself 10:00 to 12:00
    Lunch 12:00
    Freeplay 13:00 to 15:00
    Dinner and Movie Club 16:00 to 18:00

    Saturday – Open Access

    Free Play 10:00 – 13:00

    Information and Referrals

    Counselling – clinicalteam@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk
    Caravan Holiday – caravan@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk
    Family Support – familysupport@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk

    Feel free to contact us for any enquiries that you may have via these contact options below:

    Call – 01733 262226
    Email – admin@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk
    Address – The Spinney, Hartwell Way, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE3 7LE
    Facebook – /TheLittleMiraclesCentre
    Twitter – @littlemiraclesp
    Instagram – little.miraclescharity

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  • Sibson Airfield Parachute Jump- 29th July 2019

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    Have you got a bucket list? If so I wonder if jumping out of a plane is on their? Many of us have it as a pie in the sky type item that we think we will do it one day and then put it to the back of our minds. However skydiving is easier than you think to achieve, will conquer your fears and make you feel amazing! Add in the adrenalin of jumping at 13,000 feet and the perfect calmness and how beautiful the world is as you float back down why would you not want to?

    If nothing else think of the selfies!

    You have the opportunity to experience this whilst also enabling local disabled children to have a summer they will never forget.

    On the 29th July we are working Sibson airfield UK who are affiliated to the British Parachute Association. All instructors are highly trained and very experienced to ensure you experience a safe, enjoyable time. On the day you will undergo a training session designed to keep you safe before boarding an aircraft that reaches around 13,000 feet in a parachute designed for two people. You will fall at around 120 mph descending to 5,000 feet before your instructor opens the parachute. It’ll then take around 6 minutes to reach the ground.

    Even more exciting is if you raise £300 then we will pay for the jump for you! So what are you waiting for complete the details in this link for more details and to have a once in a life time experience.

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  • Building a Strong Relationship Whilst Caring for Your Child

    Published 11/05/20, by Admin

    By: Tammy C. Forester

    All couples face adversity of some kind at some point in their marriage. With divorce rates on the rise, and some scary statistics for divorce rates for couples with disabled children it seems like it is harder today than ever to create a successful relationship. In a fast-paced modern world finding time to work on a relationship may seem like a difficult task in and of itself. For couples raising a child with a disability, it can be even harder to find time for each other. The child takes priority and it takes a lot of time and resources to care for the child’s needs. This often leads to increased stress within the family as well. It is important to find ways to work together and nurture your relationship even under the hardest of circumstances. Remember that your child needs both of you, and it helps if you are working together as a team instead of being separated.

    Research has found that most failed relationships are caused by a lack of communication. Especially in times of difficulties, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. At times it may seem easier to retreat into your own world and just not discuss your emotions, feelings, worries, or fears, but it is also a highly destructive practice. When frustrations build up and emotions run high, it is a recipe for destruction within a family. Keeping things to yourself does not protect anyone but instead may separate you from those around you who love you. As a couple, you are a team in all aspects of life, and it is important to communicate and work together to find solutions to problems that arise. Working together in stressful situations can help bring you closer together as a family and a couple.

    Even though things may get rough and at times it may seem impossible to deal with and accomplish everything that needs to be done and deal with the pressures of life, it is still extremely important to try to find some time to spend alone with your partner. Even little things like calling home to check in, saying I love you, being there for each other in times of trouble, or just encouraging each other can make a big difference. If you can find time to get away for a few minutes just to talk to one another or spend time together that would help a lot. Keeping an intimate relationship with your partner and offering encouragement and support will help keep the relationship strong and allow you to deal with problems that arise.

    It is also important for couples to realise that they are partners in life and in the care of their children. When a problem arises whether it be finances or a new diagnosis to face, they need to communicate and work out a solution together. Cooperation is the key in all of this. No one person can do everything. Both parties play a role in their relationship and the care of their children. If something goes wrong or a problems arise it may seem easier to place blame than to work together to find a solution. When couples blame each other, they only add to the problem and may be jeopardizing the structure of their relationship and trust. It is important to find ways to share responsibility and work together to overcome adversity.

    Couples should also find and take advantage of resources and support services available to them within the community as well as with family and friends. Raising a child with a disability is a difficult task and at times families may need help and support. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Whether it be with household tasks, babysitting, financial assistance, counselling services, or whatever the need may be, having a strong support system is important in dealing with stressful situations. Don’t be afraid to seek out help when necessary.

    I know that it seems hard to find time to look after your relationship whilst balancing the needs of caring for your child but it is an investment that will keep you working as a team and better able to juggle everything going on in life. Your children need you to be healthy and strong in order to be able to care for them. If things get hard and you feel like you can’t handle everything seek out professional help. If you need to, seek out family counselling or support groups – we can help you! Raising a child with a disability is a huge responsibility and everyone needs help sometimes. Remember that your children are depending on you and working together as a team can provide a sense of stability within the home while allowing you to grow closer and stronger than ever as a couple.

    Marriage is difficult even under the best of circumstances, and having a child with a disability can limit the time and resources available to families and couples. It is important to stand by each other and help each other to grow and overcome obstacles that come your way. It takes communication, effort, and determination to help couples survive even the most difficult of circumstances, and sometimes ultimately things do not work out but you still need all of the above and to work as a team to get what is best for your child.

    We are here to help you, if you need to talk to someone please get in contact on either 01733 262226 or admin@littlemiraclesharity.org.uk to chat to one of our support team.

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