The Bishop of Rochester will today (28 March) officially launch The Children's Society in Medway, a new project working with children with disabilities and their families. The Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, will open an afternoon of dance, drama, music and mime which will highlight the key theme of the integration of children with disabilities.
The project, which is funded by West Kent Health Authority, Kent Social Services and the Society, works with local statutory, voluntary and community organisations to promote the rights of all local children with disabilities and their families.
"The Children's Society in Medway will support families in challenging the discrimination and exclusion of children with disabilities from a whole range of services," said Marian Martin, who runs the project. "We will promote integration and create opportunities for participation in community life."
The project has already opened an advice and information service through key local venues and a helpline, and has helped several
children to be successfully integrated into community activities. It also helps families to access mutual support groups and counselling services and does individual work with families on play.
"All of us need to be accepted and people with a disability are no different. This is specially true of children," said the Bishop. "I welcome this initiative as it is another step in the direction of building caring communities."
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