More Than Words

Imagine what life would be like if you could never describe how you felt, never explain to someone what you need, or never express to anyone that you were upset or in pain. This is the reality for thousands of disabled children across the UK for whom communication is not such a simple, everyday skill. Providing the right support for these children can mean the difference between them remaining trapped in their own isolated world, cut off and frustrated, or being able to express themselves and live their lives to the full. As a leading provider of services for disabled children and their families, Action for Children has developed a number of community-based projects under the More Than Words banner to which you can now donate Nectar points:

IT for All – Provides state-of-the-art IT equipment for severely disabled children.

Pictures for Words – Enables children who can’t speak or sign to express themselves and their needs.

Signing for Change – Training Action for Children project workers in simple Makaton sign language.

Environment for Learning – Creating stimulating play and relaxation environments for disabled children.

Social skills Workshops – Helping autistic children make sense of the world around them.

Raising Awareness – Disability awareness training for local communities.

Sibling Group Outings – Workshops, adventure groups and outings to provide a break for siblings of disabled children.

Maximising Communication – Strengthening the link between Action for Children support centres and disabled children’s schools.

Speech Therapy – Improving children’s confidence in communication.

Big Days Out

Imagine what life would be like if you spent every spare minute caring for a sick or disabled parent, could never go out with your friends, and had never spent time away with your family.

Now imagine what this would be like if you were still a child.

Up to 50,000 children in the UK are the main carers for a sick or disabled relative and more than three million live in poverty. As a leading provider of services for such children and their families, Action for Children has developed a number of community-based projects under the Big Days Out banner to which you can now donate Nectar points. "Children In Our Community" projects:

Outdoor Activity Centres – Giving 9-11 year olds the chance to try their hand at a number of activities, develop communication skills and learn to work in a team.

Trips With Friends – Providing a rare opportunity for child-carers to socialise and make new friends.

Family Outings – Action for Children disability centres enable families with disabled children to enjoy stress-free weekend trips.

Family Holidays – Giving disadvantaged families the chance to get away during school holidays, supported by Action for Children workers.

Residential Weekends – Provide abused and neglected children the chance to share their feelings and experiences in a safe environment.

Sibling Group Outings – Workshops, adventure groups and outings to provide a break for siblings of disabled children.

Play Equipment – Play and arts equipment at Action for Children centres give young carers the chance to forget their responsibilities and be children for a while.

Mentor Support – Recruiting Action for Children mentors to take children on regular outings, listen and build friendships.

*Every year, for every 250 points donated, £1 will be contributed to the Nectar Children in Our Community Projects.