Jigsaw Thornbury

JIGSAW THORNBURY is a charity based in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. It was set up in 2013 by parents to support families with children and young people with any additional needs. This may be learning disabilities such as dyslexia to complex disabilities or health problems, and may be without diagnosis. We offer a range of events, socialising opportunities, support and information, signposting and the JIGSAW SENsory Lending Library. All events are open to parents/carers, siblings and children with additional needs. Last year we offered around 65 events and sessions and welcomed over attendees. SENSORY LENDING LIBRARY The library offers around 300 specialist items for families to borrow. Items include toys, Special Educational Needs (SEN) equipment, developmental toys & sensory items. There are items for children with additional needs and toys for their siblings. SEN resources & items to help with calming and relaxation. We are gradually expanding this resource and welcome donations which may help other families. SOCIAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS These events provide a relaxed atmosphere for parents to meet and have some fun, whether it be craft events, skittles, tours of local businesses or outdoor activities. There is also an active Dad's Whatapp social group. Special Needs Awareness events are specifically designed to support families coping with particular needs and we are responsive to the demand from our community. We usually bring in a specialist from that particular field, and they can provide valuable information and advice, providing a friendly ear and answering questions. WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUPS We offer an opportunity for parents to come and share their concerns in a safe and understanding environment. Here we provide support for parents, eg. completing Disability Living Allowance forms or going through the Education Health and Care Plan process. Experts also attend the sessions from time to time providing advice and support. The session also provides a fun and relaxed play environment for the children and their families to attend, where items from the Lending Library are out to use, volunteers are on hand to play with the children and parents/carers can meet to chat and give/receive support. We also provide “signposting” families of children with additional needs to other specialist services appropriate to their particular child’s need. We continue to be responsive to parents needs in order to help them best cope with their own specific situation. HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES During every school holidays, activities are provided for children with additional needs, their siblings and parents/carers. These events are inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all families, and we aim to offer a range of activities including Forest School, horse riding, climbing wall/adventure centre. The activities are planned to encourage children to achieve things they did not think they could do, and so help them develop, learn and grow in confidence. The holiday activity events provide a real opportunity for families to have fun together with others going through similar experiences and provides a much needed break for the whole family in an relaxed environment.