A MUCH-LOVED charity that helps Wokingham borough children enjoy clubs and leisure activities has announced plans to expand its work.
Woodley-based Me2 Club is to launch new services in Reading borough, with a view to becoming a Berkshire-wide initiative.
The charity provides support for children who have additional needs and/or disabilities to enable them to take part in activities such as Cubs, drama groups and sports clubs. Open to ages five to 19, the charity’s ethos is inclusion for all.
Now the trustees of Me2 are starting what they say will be a phased expansion into Reading Borough starting with five wards: Katesgrove, Redlands, Park, Church and Whitley.
In a statement, they said that they were “absolutely thrilled” to be extending the charity’s geographical reach and committed to supporting children with additional needs and/or disabilities. They added that the highly trained Me2 Club volunteers help facilitate access to mainstream leisure activities for these children, letting them grow in confidence and self-esteem.
And the charity also organises Days Away and residential Weekends Away: an opportunity for children to build their life skills and have fun with the volunteers, while providing families with much needed respite.
Tess Eagles, Me2 Club’s manager, said: “One of the hardest parts of our job is when a family contacts us in desperate need of Me2 Club’s help, but they live outside of our current operational area.
“The Trustees and Staff Team are delighted to be able to extend our services to families in Reading, helping more children feel less lonely and ensuring ‘Inclusion for All’.”
Ramona Bridgman, Chair of Reading Families Forum, added: “Reading Families Forum are thrilled that Me2 Club are going to begin supporting Reading families. Our families have been asking for support to help their children with additional needs to access mainstream clubs for some time.
“Me2 Club has an excellent reputation and we know that they will make a big difference to children and young people in Reading.”
Me2 Club is looking for financial sponsors in the Reading area. Its aim is to develop links with corporates and community groups. For more details, email Liz McDaniel on: Liz@me2club.org.uk or call her on: 0118 969 636.
For more details, to find out more about volunteering or to offer financial support, log on to www.me2club.org.uk.
