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This summer saw Seashell Trust hold our half term CADS events – two days of fully inclusive sport, music, art and games.  More than 70 children and young people had fun trying a range of activities including golf, swimming, athletics, playing musical instruments and arts and crafts.

Our award winning CADS (children’s able and disabled sports) is a programme of weekly sports clubs and holiday activities which hundreds participate in each year. Ensuring activities are fully inclusive is hugely important to us and is achieved through our specialist knowledge and training, alongside specially adapted equipment and facilities.  Support is tailored to each individual child or young person and where needs are more complex, this is provided one to one. 

Ten activities were held over the two days which saw professional musicians come in to play their instruments and give children the opportunity to have a try themselves.  Seashell’s in house art team got everyone involved in making a range of arts and crafts which they later took home. The young people made dream catchers and wire trees during this session.

Not only is taking part in CADS great fun, but it builds skills and confidence too. One parent told staff members that CADS was the first activity their child had engaged with in the school holiday and that making friends here had encouraged him to engage more at school, becoming more settled here.

CADS provides an opportunity for disabled and able bodied siblings to play together and can act as a respite for families. The programme moves Seashell Trust further towards its aspiration to be a national centre of excellence for inclusive sports. According to Sport England, disabled people are less than half as likely to take part in sport than non-disabled people, a situation the charity is committed to helping to change.

Find out more about CADS and Sports at Seashell Trust: http://www.seashelltrust.org.uk/sports/what-we-offer

Volunteer for CADS
Volunteering for CADS provides an opportunity to gain experience of supporting and communicating with children and young people with a range of needs and disabilities. It’s fun and rewarding and means you’re giving something back to your local community.

CADS volunteers are of all ages and backgrounds.  You don’t need any prior experience and you can volunteer at a time that suits you, such as during school and university holidays.  It’s a great way to meet others and develop new skills. You will work within a supportive team, and receive training as part of your induction.

If you’re looking to build a career in SEND, health and social care, medicine, sports coaching or youth and community work, volunteering for CADS will be a great addition to your CV.

Find out more about volunteering at Seashell Trust: https://volunteer.seashelltrust.org.uk/