News

Seashell Trust’s award-winning inclusive sport programme CADS is celebrating a record number of participants.

Over 80 young people attended our two-day half-term holiday sports camp in Cheadle Hulme.

Some 74 disabled children with a range of complex needs and 14 of their non-disabled peers and siblings enjoyed activities together, including swimming, arts and crafts, drama, tennis, and tri-golf.

Parents travel from far afield to ensure their child can attend as CADS, established over 15 years, is the only inclusive event of its kind in the region.

Any child or young person that requires one-to-one support – and 50 such young people attended this half-term - has the cost met by Seashell Trust, thanks to an anonymous donor. 

Dominic Tinner, head of fundraising for Seashell Trust, said: “Families’ budgets for Short Breaks are increasingly stretched. This free support for their child gives them an additional break during the holidays.”

And 19 trained volunteers also supported children that required a helping hand rather than a support worker.

Lisa Edwards from Warrington, whose 10-year-old son Dylan has Downs Syndrome, autism and is a non-verbal communicator, said: “I felt very emotional and teary looking through all the activities that he was going to be doing. He has never had access to anything like this during school holidays before.” 

She added, “Dylan came home really calm and content. He sat on the sofa crosslegged, stroking his favourite blanket with a big smile on his face - I think he was remembering all the fab memories you help him make.”

Gemma Lynch, Senior CADS Development Officer, at Seashell Trust, said: “Some of the young people who attended our early sports camps are now returning as volunteers.  It’s really heartening to see how their confidence, communication and general well-being develops over time.”

Sign up for our next CADS events at Easter here.