Little Sparklers marks almost 20 years of supporting Sheffield children with sight loss
Children who first attended a super special Sheffield playgroup have remained connected to the charity as young adults, almost two decades after the service was launched.
Independent charity Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) has been helping young children with sight loss take their first steps towards confidence, independence and friendship through its specialist pre-school playgroup, Little Sparklers.
Launched nearly 20 years ago around Bonfire Night, the group was given the name Little Sparklers and has since supported many local children and their families across Sheffield.
The playgroup is delivered by SRSB staff and volunteers alongside professionals from Sheffield City Council's Vision Support Service. Sessions take place during term time at SRSB's city centre location on Mappin Street and are specially designed to meet the needs of children with visual impairments.
Children are encouraged to learn and explore through play using a range of sensory and stimulating equipment, including tactile toys, fibre optic resources, cause-and-effect activities and dark dens. The group also organises visits to specialist venues such as sensory rooms and soft play centres, providing new experiences in safe and supportive environments.
Joanne Ardern, Chief Executive Officer of SRSB and one of the staff members who helped establish the group, said: "It's been incredibly rewarding to see the children grow up and develop in confidence and independence. Many of the children who attended Little Sparklers over the years are still involved with our charity today, accessing services for young adults as well as benefiting from our wider support, including social groups, technology and equipment advice, and benefits guidance.
"Another wonderful aspect of the group has been seeing the friendships and support networks that have developed between parents and carers. Many have continued to support one another long after their children have moved on from the group."
Little Sparklers offers a welcoming environment where parents can connect with others who understand the challenges and experiences of raising a child with sight loss.
Karen, whose son Harry currently attends the group, said: “Little Sparklers is a wonderful group that enables your child to play and interact on their level at their own pace, Harry enjoys his time here exploring new things and interacting with other children. Little Sparklers have given Harry new opportunities and as a parent it has given me a safe welcoming space for Harry to play and for me to share experiences with other parents. Although our children are all vision impaired, they are all unique, there is no judgement, no expectation, just a friendly group who encourage and support each other.”
Little Sparklers is just one of the many services provided by SRSB/RSS, which supports more than 8,200 people of all ages living with sight loss across Sheffield and Rotherham.
Call 0114 272 2757 or visit www.srsb.org.uk for more information.