Forres Academy based Wednesday Night Group welcomes fun with Active Schools coordinators and donation from a special visitor
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A LOCAL social group for school age children with additional support needs has enjoyed two recent special visits.
The Wednesday Night Group (WNG) - currently made up of 10 boys and girls aged 5-14 attending one week and 12 boys aged 10-15 in the other - was visited by Active Schools coordinators, then accepted £200 from a generous British Empire Medal awardee.
WNG leader Lesley Mawhinney is one of six adults who run the weekly sessions at Forres Academy from 6-7.30pm.
She said: “Active School coordinators Paul Rogan and Rosalyn Carruthers provided our attendees with some fun activities, with the help of young leaders taking part in their program.
“Attendees took part in new age bowling and soft archery in the social area where it became quite clear there were some very good shots in the room!
“The young leaders demonstrated how to play - the groups benefited from their guidance and shared a lot in common with them as many are of similar age and attending the same schools.
“The young leaders were invited back to the school Hub afterwards to enjoy traditional Chinese food in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
“Arts and crafts were also on offer - fantastic scratched art dragons were made, as well as a bent-in-the-middle one!”
Young leader Travis Bremner is keen to continue his support as a WNG peer mentor.
“The groups love having peer mentors taking part in activities,” said Lesley.
“Having people closer to their own age, and sometimes in the same school, is more inclusive.
“Peer mentors can develop naturally as attendees become confident enough to help others participate in our activities.”
Some mentors are attendees’ siblings, others are older children thinking about careers such as in social care.
Support and involvement can earn them Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
“We’ve had some amazing peer mentors over the years,” said Lesley.
“We’re always looking for anyone who has patience, commitment and a keen sense of fun.
“I can provide references for them for college, university or employment.”
Former Moray Councillor and youth worker Lorna Creswell BEM visited WNG to present £200 raised at her Birthday Bash in Forres Town Hall. The funding will be used towards summer holiday activities.
“I was blown away by Lorna’s generous donation,” said Lesley. “She’s always been interested in our progress.
“In the past, we’ve visited Highland Bike Ability in Cantraybridge, Elgin Smart Kart Raceway and Pinz in Elgin and had a visit from the Exotic Animals from Nairn.
“This summer, we’d like to go and visit the exotic animals so Lorna’s donation will go towards this.”
Over the next few months, WNG will go outside more, taking part in treasure trails and scavenger hunts at local scenic spots.
They have a ‘Mad March’ Easter party planned, featuring the traditional bunny bearing chocolates. Seasonal arts and crafts will continue and the attendees will be baking and making fruit kebabs as well as smoothies in the run up to an end-of-term summer barbeque.
Lesley finished: “Please call me on 07890275527 if you would like to help or take part.”
