I am very pleased to announce that JCI London has chosen KIDS as your first charity partner of the year, so here’s to a very exciting year ahead! Hurrah! We are planning to work together to offer JCI members the chance to get involved with KIDS, helping to make a difference to families in your local area and further afield. So first a little bit about KIDS …..

KIDS is a national charity working with over 7000 disabled children, young people and their families. KIDS works with the whole family, enabling disabled children to develop their skills and abilities and to fulfil their potential, hopes and aspirations.

KIDS provides a wide range of services in the London Boroughs, including 5 Adventure Playgrounds, Parent and Sibling Support, Home Learning, Short Breaks (respite), Youth Clubs, Inclusion programmes and Transitions. 

One of our many playgrounds which allow allow disable children play freely 

Together these services support the whole family, helping children from birth into young adulthood. So what do we have planned for this fantastic year of opportunity? Well there are a few initiatives and events that you could consider getting involved with…..

KIDS transition services help disabled children and young people as they make the transition into work, further education and independent living. We would like to hold a workshop where JCI London members share their skills with young people starting their journey into employment. Or how about signing up to join the KIDS team at The Royal Parks Half Marathon in October? 

Lace up your trainers and take a run through some of London’s most famous parks with crowds cheering you all the way. Run for KIDS and gain the added satisfaction of making a real difference to services for disabled children and their families.

Why not join our team of supporters and take up a running challenge to fundraise for KIDS 

Christmas is all about giving isn’t it? Well JCI London would like to launch a Gift of Christmas appeal with your help. It’s simple, fun and it makes you feel really good! Donate a gift for children who use our adventure playgrounds and make their Christmas very special. Children at our playgrounds in Hackney, Islington, Chelsea and Wandsworth are always delighted to find that our supporters have thought of them at Christmas, it’s a very happy day when the toys are delivered.

 (Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

We may even organise a group visit to deliver these gifts in person, there’s always a lot of fun to be had at a KIDS’ playground! So there we go, the start of a very exciting year ahead, I can’t wait to meet you! There will be more information on all of the above to come but if you’re eager to know more or have an idea about something you’d like to do then please get in contact with Soraya, soraya.bowen@jciuk.org.uk. I’m really looking forward to the start of something special with JCI London!

Why not come along to our summer BBQ which is opportunity to meet staff and get better understanding our work. Please contact Soraya to R.S.V.P.

Rikki Sullivan
KIDS Events and Donor Development Officer