Dame Vera's charity to help support children with cerebral palsy

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, which has moved to a new centre in Cuckfield, enlisted the help of Kim Bryant – parent and founder of children’s group Ellasfield – to get its early intervention service up and running.

Both the charity and Ellasfield use conductive education – a progressive approach to physiotherapy, teaching and learning – that aims to give youngsters with cerebral palsy and other motor learning difficulties better control over their movements and posture.

Ellasfield, based in Coneyhurst, was founded by Kim after her teenage daughter was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Struggling to find services that would support her daughter’s motor skills Kim set up her own service.

Kim is now working with Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity to help to set up and oversee its early intervention sessions. She is also advising families about mindfulness and how they can support their children at home.

Kim said: “It is wonderful to have this opportunity to work so closely with the staff and families at Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity in their new home.

“I’m really pleased I have been able to help get their valuable service off the ground, and look forward to a continued close association with the Charity in the future.”

Pilar Cloud, executive manager of the charity, added: “We’re thrilled to have Kim’s support and by sharing practices and knowledge we can provide even more support to our families, and hopefully reach even more.”

The charity is also welcoming another new face to its ranks after appointing Glenys Crease as its Head of Service.

Glenys, who for the last seven years has worked in children and family centres throughout West Sussex, will be responsible for expanding the range of services the Charity is able to offer its families when she starts her new role in April.

She said: “During my time working in children centres I have loved getting to know families and developing services to meet their needs. I have a real passion for ensuring families receive the best service that can possibly be offered to them.

“I am very excited about getting to know everyone and working with Pilar to develop and expand the current services on offer, as well as broaden the support available for families.”

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