A CHARITY has received a major cash boost to help it continue to support refugee families and families from diverse background who have children with special educational needs.

Dream The Change CIC has been awarded £10,000 from the Essex Community Foundation and £32,480 from the National Lottery Fund to help families in need of its services.

The charity was launched by former Essex University student Jemal Allabayeva, who lives in Wivenhoe.

She said: "This is good news for the families from diverse background who have children with special educational needs and disabilities that Dream The Change, CIC has helped to combat loneliness.

"It means we can continue to offer training sessions for parents, family excursions, and equipment and fun activities for children."

Dream The Change CIC is planning to organise more online dance sessions for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The sessions have proven to be so successful several parents have thanked the charity and it is planning to invite instructor Charlotte Foxley to host some more Diddi Dance classes in north Essex and south Suffolk sessions online.

The sessions comprise of a welcome, a movement section to warm up, a simple routine, then use of a variety of props and cool down before saying goodbye.

During the sessions, the children were given a bag of props by Dream The Change to dance with during the twice weekly sessions.

Jemal added: "We believe in families working together towards a brighter future. Equality and diversity are the ethos of our services, and respect and appreciation are the core values of our brand.

"In the past year, we have held various social and training events online and given sensory toys and gadgets to help children during the lockdown.

"Before the lockdown, we organised excursions to Colchester Zoo, Jimmy's Farm and Jump Street Colchester."

Instructor Charlotte has been involved with Diddi Dance for seven years now.

She said: "My eldest son has special educational needs and I felt that a varied approach was needed to include everyone in movement regardless of their ability and to offer a safe, friendly environment.

"Dancing online might seem daunting to you, but it has worked well for my other group - it just takes time and a willingness to give it a go.”

If you would like our help or would like to help as a volunteer or a sponsor, get in touch via https://www.dreamthechangecic.com/.