06 Jun Opportunities to support summer camp for deafblind children in Essex
Usher Kids UK is set to host its second ever summer camp, ‘USHthis’ at Fairplay House near Witham, this July. The event will give 24 young people who live with progressive deafblindness the opportunity to develop independent living and self-advocacy skills through outdoor activities and mentorship. There are opportunities for local businesses to support this event.
Usher Kids UK is a charity that supports young people living with Usher syndrome, a genetic condition which causes combined deafness and progressive blindness. Together with charity partner, Deafblind UK, they aim to empower young people and their families, creating a community of support and advocacy.
During this week-long residential camp the young people will experience a wide range of outdoor activities, many for the first time. This will give them the chance to develop skills and strategies which can be helpful in their daily lives, alongside peers and role models who understand the challenges they face.
Chloe Joyner, Founder and CEO said: “There are up to 1,000 young people in the UK with Usher syndrome. Most are in mainstream education, with no access to peers, role models or specialist support. They don’t know other people experiencing the same things as them. This summer camp gives them a chance to be independent, to build friendships within their Usher community, and find role models they can look up to, which helps them start to envisage the path ahead for them. We’re really excited to host the camp in Essex this year and are grateful to all our supporters.”
The camp is supported by charity partner charity, Deafblind UK. CEO Nikki Morris said: “We’re extremely proud to be involved with the USHthis camp for a second year running. It makes a tremendous difference to the lives of these young people, and their families. Our team will be on hand to mentor the young people and to provide counselling and emotional support to their parents and carers. We are very grateful to the Trusts and Foundations whose generosity has made it possible for us to fund the camp again this year.”
Usher Kids UK and Deafblind UK are keen to work with local businesses to provide the best possible experience for the young people at the camp.
“There are lots of opportunities for local businesses to support this event and promote themselves; from supplying outdoor equipment to providing coffee and biscuits for our volunteers. We’re also looking for a local taxi firm to help with lifts to and from the station, a local pizza supplier who could deliver to the camp and an ice cream van!” Said Chloe.
For more information or to get involved, contact Usher Kids UK on info@usherkidsuk.com or Deafblind UK on info@deafblind.org.uk.
