Dukes Meadows Trust Host Play Workshop

Aimed at breaking down barriers between disabled and non-disabled children

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Dukes Meadows Trust has held the fourth in a series of five workshops, funded by a grant from Heathrow Community & Environment Awards scheme, aimed at breaking down the barriers between disabled and non-disabled children by encouraging them to play and work together on art projects.

The workshop on 3rd February saw mixed groups of disabled young people from Croft Centre and local, non-disabled children co-operating to make and decorate lanterns out of jam jars, pressed leaves and flowers, twigs and tissue paper, with the help of Create’s professional artist.

The Trust’s Development Manager, Maria Krzyzosiak, said, “From the outset, the play area at Dukes Meadows has been designed with both disabled and non-disabled children in mind, local children have been fantastic in seeing beyond traditional stereotypes and making the children from the Croft Centre feel welcome. They are a terrific credit to their families and neighbourhood. We hope that the friendships formed in the workshops will last and that we’ll see the children playing together when the play area is complete”.

One of the participants, Samir said, “I really enjoy the workshops! I think working in groups is really useful because it helps the more abled people understand people with disabilities and how they cope with life. I think it is very good because it doesn't single out anyone whether able bodied or disabled.”

The final workshop will take place on Wednesday 31 March. The Trust hopes to continue the theme of mutual co-operation through structured play sessions once the play area is complete, and would be grateful for any financial support to help achieve this.

If you would like to become involved with the Trust’s work, please email us at maria@dukesmeadowstrust.org

February 5, 2010