Aspex Aiming High workshops are led by professional artists and are designed to provide a supported play-space for disabled children and their families. No age-limit is placed on the participants and siblings and parents are also welcome to take part in the sessions. As opposed to offering provision in a specialist environment, or sessions with specific developmental objectives (for instance art therapy), the project represents one of the few opportunities for these children to take part in social activities with their families outside of more specialist environments.

The clearest evidence of the project’s importance is parental testimonials, and we have permission to reproduce the following: “I have never ever seen Joel sit for that long. The longest I have seen him concentrate sitting at a table is maybe 5-10 mins not a whole hour!!! It was a truly remarkable achievement and proves that children with a disability, especially profound learning and communication difficulties can benefit hugely from workshops like yours. An even greater gift is that which you give parents like myself, I have been told by specialists that my son has no imagination because of the severity of his condition. This does not mean however that he shouldn’t be provided with an opportunity to express himself. Aspex gallery is a beautiful, open and calm environment with kind and caring staff. Children like Joel can come here, feel welcomed and explore the space”

How will the £5k be spent? The money will pay for additional staff time to develop the project’s ability to reach out to new communities, working through local organisations to ensure that everyone who could benefit, does.

Who will benefit? There are families in the city who would love to access sessions, but still do not know we are here because of language or other barriers. This money will enable us to reach them for the first time.

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