Pods Charity

PODS is a parent carer/peer led charity that was set up in 2008, it has staff and volunteers who have the relevant ‘real life’ experience to support families who have a child with a disability or additional need (aged 0 – 25 years). Parent participation is at the heart of the forum, as parent carers can pinpoint problems frequently experienced by families with disabled children. This knowledge is useful to professionals in helping to improve how children’s services are delivered so they better meet families’ needs. To ensure all events and activities held by us are truly inclusive to all, to help and support other services to be the same. We bring families together to reduce social isolation and create long term friendships with people who understand and support each other. Our Aims are: • To provide emotional, practical and social support. • To help reduce isolation and increase well-being. • To improve and influence those services affecting these families. Our Objectives To relieve the needs of children and young people, including their parents, carers and families, who have disabilities and/or special educational needs in the Telford & Wrekin area. In order to improve their quality of life, promote their inclusion in their local communities and to help and support them to reach their full potential. What we do: • Hold inclusive events to enable all children to access activities and create memories. • Hold family groups across Telford and Wrekin to support families and their children. • Provide emotional and practical support via the Face2Face scheme. • Run workshops and events relevant to the needs of PODS families. • Work in partnership with Telford and Wrekin Council, Health, Social Care, Education, Voluntary and Community Services. • Hold social and fundraising events for PODS families. • Provide relevant information via information events, family groups, e-bulletins, website and other social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.