Forres youngsters with additional support needs enjoy fortnightly fun with Wednesday Night Group
A meeting of young people of school age with additional support needs offers them the chance to socialise and learn together every fortnight.
Close-knit bunch, the Wednesday Night Group (WNG), is based in The Hub at Forres Academy from 6-7.30pm during term time and run by volunteers who lead organiser, Lesley Mawhinney, confirmed benefit too.
She explained: “WNG’s volunteers currently include newly-qualified teacher, Emily Stirling, who starts work in the Forres associated school group in August.
“They often achieve bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and go on to have careers in social work or education.”
She added: “WNG is open to siblings of attendees, providing them with the opportunity to meet others in similar situations in a fun atmosphere.
“Through supported interactions, we have watched their confidence soar and many have gone on to become peer mentors. The role gives them responsibility while developing their patience and encouragement of others.”
WNG group is split across two bubbles; one largely for primary school-aged attendees, and the other secondary. The same activities are offered to both and the bubbles merge for some during the summer.
Arts and crafts are offered at every session. Attendees also enjoy nature trails, scavenger hunts, outdoor games and baking events during term time.
“We are a group of foodies,” added Lesley. “We love baking and making our own pizzas as well as fruit smoothies and kebabs. Forres Tesco community champion Ann Gordon has provided some of the ingredients for these evenings.
“We celebrate events such as Burns Night and Chinese New Year with traditional fayre and music from different cultures.”
WNG’s end of term themed parties are a big hit, with more fun and games at Easter, Halloween and Christmas. A summer barbecue also takes place every year.
WNG has support for group activities including: Active Schools coordinators and S6 leaders instruct how to play Boccia (similar to bowls) and soft archery; Moravia Orienteering provided a maze for attendees to try; attendees have been learning bushcraft skills with Wild Things; and Diane Hale at Forres Library provided a virtual reality workshop, allowing the youngsters to experience roller coaster rides and deep sea dives with dolphins without leaving the WNG session!
“WNG has a family feel and offers acceptance of diversity,” said Lesley. “Everyone attending learns to accept and understand each other. The focus is on what we can do, with no such word as can’t!”
This group continues to run via the goodwill of the wider community such as proceeds from a stall at last year’s Forres Toun Mercat featuring a raffle, bottle stall and game.
“The lady who guessed the name of the bear correctly, donated it to the group,” explained Lesley. “Pookie has since visited the homes of several members who have taken pictures of her at various locations to show where they’ve been!”
Donations have also come from friends’ and relatives’ own fundraisers, allowing investment in equipment and excursions. For example, Maclean’s Highland Bakery managing director, Lewis McLean, recently made a donation of £600 in proceeds from a school reunion event he helped organise.
Lesley finished: “With the support of the Class of 1977-1983, the children will enjoy a trip to Innoflate in Inverness and the North Alves Pet and Play during the school holidays.”
For more information call Lesley on 07860219443.
