Arts and crafts for all children (From Messenger Newspapers)

Arts and crafts for all children

3:38pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Rick Bowen

AN innovative arts project for children with and without disabilities is about to launch in Trafford.

The group, led by Miriam Wild, has been formed thanks to a £10,000 grant from Children In Need and support from the Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation.

Youngsters will be offered a range of activities, from arts and crafts to singing and storytelling sessions.

Miriam, from Cyprus Street, Stretford, saId: “My sister’s got a son with spina bifida - he’s 12 now - and I know she didn’t find anywhere where she felt totally welcome. That was 12 years ago but I’ve been doing inclusive arts work ever since because that’s what I’m committed to doing. I’m totally passionate about it - it’s the only way I’ll work.”

Each club session will be themed, ranging from themes centred around popular children’s books like The Gruffalo to Halloween.

She hopes the group will help break down the barriers between children with and without disabilities.

Miriam said: “The idea is that they won’t notice any difference in each other because they’ll all be having a good time together.”

Her own professional background includes training with the critically-acclaimed ChickenShed Theatre, a theatre company that prides itself on being open to all young people and adults.

Miriam said the CIN funding is for 12 months and she hopes to secure funding for the future. Her ambition is to open a cllub with the same ethos for older children.

* Lanky’s 0-5 inclusive Weekly Arts Club meets at Lancashire County Cricket Club for the first time on September 26 from 10am to 11.30am. Sessions cost £1 and will be held every Wednesday. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Miriam on 07598 379 926. Each session will be able to take a maximum of 15 children each week.