Colourful chalk boards bring joy and brighten up John Greenwood Shipman centre

Northamptonshire Health Charity are so pleased to be able to fund equipment that makes a big difference to children and young people staying at the John Greenwood Shipman (JGS) short break centre in Northampton.  Thanks to continued support, staff at the centre were able to purchase these colourful chalk boards. They’ve not only brightened up the area but they also provide a fantastic outside creative activity.

JGS and The Squirrels in Rushden offer disabled children and young people a residential respite facility.  Operated by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for children with disabilities who have either a diagnosis of autism, complex health needs and/or complex behaviour. Staff provide a specialist service encompassing a structured environment and nursing care, giving parents and carers the opportunity to ‘recharge their batteries’ in the knowledge their child is in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment.

As a charity, family, friends together with staff, community groups and local businesses donate or raise funds for us so that staff can create an enhanced environment and experience for the children and young people under their care – above and beyond that which the NHS provides the funding for.

Nicola Goody from JGS said, “The daisy chalkboards have brightened up the courtyard and everyone who has seen them has said what a difference it has made to the area. It is more of a child friendly space for the children to enjoy an outside creative drawing activity. Children love using chalk as they are able to draw in places they are not normally allowed to! Now they have more delegated space to draw.”

If you would like to support either JGS, The Squirrels or the children’s short break centres as a whole you can donate via our appeals page or get in touch if you’d like to do some fundraising.