Like so many charities, COVID-19 had a huge impact on Rainbow Hub at Mawdesley and the vulnerable children with physical and neurological disabilities they support - and their families.

But although the charity had to close its building they did not give up on the children!

They set up online videos, one to one virtual sessions and advice for parents so that the children can maintain some of the therapies at home that make such a difference to their lives by keeping movement going using conductive education therapy.

And they have now started a new communication group where one of the team members will read stories, teach sign language and encourage participation using a variety of different methods.

Rainbow Hub believe that this is the first group of its kind to be used to assist the children with their communication skills enabling them to do things that most of us take for granted.

Joanne Ashcroft, Head of its Conductive Education services said, “Covid-19 has had a huge impact on us all, especially the children and families that normally come to Rainbow Hub.

"For most of them their usual care, respite and therapies have stopped which isn’t good for their physical or mental health. Here at Rainbow Hub we’re doing all we can to support them and their families through this difficult time and for the last few weeks we’ve been hosting our virtual sessions.”

She continued: “It’s been fantastic to see the children and families adapt to this new way of working. We are so proud of them all but we can’t wait for all this to be over so we can see all their gorgeous faces back at Rainbow Hub.”

Kate Decieco, whose daughter Heidi-Lou normally attends Rainbow Hub, said “Rainbow Hub has been a life-saver for us. Without them in these tough times, Heidi-Lou would not have wanted to do any form of physio but seeing a familiar face on screen pushing her on helps. For that it’s been amazing and makes us realise more than ever how lucky we are to be part of the Rainbow Hub family.

Lyndsay Fahey, the charity's Interim CEO, said: “It is so important that we continue to deliver these online sessions. The needs of the children and young people we support don’t go away because there’s a pandemic.”

"We have had to cancel all of our summer events and are looking at other ways in which we can raise the vital funds we need as we have no statutory funding.

"We are so very grateful to everyone who has helped us so far and if anyone would like to get more information about the work we do or support us, click
www.rainbowhubnw.org or we can be found on FB, Twitter @rainbowhubnw or www.justgiving.com/rainbowhub; every penny counts.”