Young children with additional needs celebrated Chanukah/ Hanukkah and the opening of a multi-sensory room at The Fed’s Children’s Centre in Heathlands Village.
Over 20 young children with additional needs enjoyed “the highlight of the winter season” in Prestwich as The Fed marked the opening of their re-furbished ‘snoozelem’ (sensory room).
Funded by Manchester's 'The Big Birthday Appeal', co-founder Suzy Glaskie, said: “The Big Birthday team are so delighted to have been able to fund cutting-edge sensory play equipment for the children supported by The Fed’s Project Smile.
“Our ethos is all about empowering kids to help other children who are in need and it’s wonderful to see this equipment making a tangible difference to the lives of children with special needs.
“It was a true joy to be able to witness The Fed’s incredibly dedicated team spreading happiness at the Chanukah party.”
Project Smile supports children with a wide range of difficulties including physical, learning disabilities and behavioural challenges associated with being on the autistic spectrum.
The service offers twice weekly groups on Friday and Sunday afternoons as well as play camps in the summer holidays, February half-term and around Pesach and Succos (two major Jewish festivals).
The groups and camps provide opportunities to make friends, try activities and learn new skills.
They also offer parents and siblings a break from caring responsibilities and a chance to recharge or spend time together.
Anthea Jackson, Executive Director of Jewish Child's Day, who are crucial ongoing funders of Project Smile, attended the launch with Fundraising Director, Russell Brody and Grants Officer, Adele Busse.
She said, "JCD are so proud to support the wonderful work of The Fed’s Children's Services which offer vulnerable and disadvantaged children a healthy start in life."
Every child at the celebration went home with a gift, hand-picked especially for them by the centre’s staff, according to their individual abilities.
The gifts were paid for via a successful campaign run by two of The Fed’s young fundraising committees, Fed-Ex in London and Fed Up North.
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