Our Services- Strut In The Community
About Us
Strut is now nearing its 30th birthday after gaining charitable status in August 1982. We successfully merged with KIDS in May 2010 with the aim of strengthening and enhancing the services we offer within the local community and to enable us to expand our services in the near future.
Through our after-school clubs and activity days, we support disabled children and young people from the age of eight up to 19-years-old by providing access to social and leisure opportunities.
Our aim is that disabled children and young people feel safe to explore their interests, make new friends and express themselves within a supportive environment, with all activities tailored to their individual needs and overseen by an experienced and qualified care team. These services also offer support to parents and carers by providing short break opportunities, enabling them to have some time off from their caring roles and responsibilities.
History
Strut originated after a two-year investigation into the needs of disabled children and their families in May 1981 in Lincolnshire, when an open meeting of parents and professionals decided to raise funds in order to form a charity, which would own and run a short-term care unit.
Charitable status was acquired in August 1982, and in December 1982, the director of social services agreed to provide a property, if Strut provided the staff and running costs. Strut House, at 35 St Catherine's, Lincoln was chosen because of its domestic scale and because it was warm and welcoming for all the children who would come to use the service for short breaks.
Opened in March 1984, Strut House cared for over 200 disabled children in total, during the time that Strut ran the respite unit and it provided for families throughout the county and adjacent areas. In 1999, the board of directors made a decision to split the company. Social services took over the running of Strut House, and expanded the service to care for those children with multiple or complex needs. This also created the opportunity for Strut to diversify its service provision and provide care out in the community.
Strut in the Community, or KIDS Strut as it is now known, continues to provide services for disabled children, young people and their families in and around Lincolnshire.
Play and leisure
KIDS Strut is the charity in Lincolnshire's which enables, disabled children and young people to gain independence, social skills and self-confidence through quality after-school clubs and activity days during school holidays.
After-School Clubs
KIDS Strut runs four after-school clubs each week. We provide a safe and fun environment for disabled children and young people between eight and 19 years to interact and develop their social skills and abilities, while being supported by qualified and experienced staff. There is a variety of activities for children and young people to take part in, including:
• Cooking
• Arts and crafts
• Music
• Pool
• Wii, and lots more!
All the children and young people are provided with a light snack or meal and we can cater for specific dietary requirements if necessary. The groups are supported by a qualified team leader and a range of experienced care staff, who all have appropriate experience and skills.
We are happy to offer a free taster session for any family who wishes their child or young person to experience the clubs for themselves.
Opening Times:
On Mondays and Wednesdays, the club takes place at:
Queens Park School, South Park, LN5 8EW, from 4.00pm to 7.00pm
On Tuesdays and Fridays, the club takes place at:
North Hykeham Youth Club, Middle Street, North Hykeham, LN6 9QX from 4.00pm to 7.30pm
Cost of Service: £8.50 per session. Transport may be provided at an additional cost of £1.25 per session.
How to Refer: Referrals can be taken from parents or professionals. Please contact us directly using the details below.
Contact us:
Kerry Sweeney, team leader
Tel: 01522 527 292
Unit 4, Wheelabout Business Park
Outer Circle Road
Lincoln
LN2 4HX
Activity Days
Every school holiday, KIDS Strut provides a range of exciting activities for everybody to enjoy, from painting to paintballing.
Try new things and complete new challenges; there are full- and half-day activities available. A timetable of activities and days out is compiled prior to each school holiday and sent out to families who are on our database. However, we are always happy to take new referrals. These activities tend to be booked up quickly, so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.
Opening Times: 9.00am to 4:00pm
Cost of Service: Prices vary greatly depending on the type of activity. We try to keep costs down and subsidise activities wherever possible.
How to refer: If you are interested in your child or young person attending any activity days in future, please contact us using the details below. We will arrange a visit to meet with you and your child to gather detailed information regarding their specific care requirements to ensure we can offer the best possible service to you and your child.
Contact us:
Kerry Sweeney, team leader
01522 527 292
Unit 4, Wheelabout Business Park
Outer Circle Road
Lincoln
LN2 4HX
Explore: Our Services- Strut In The Community
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