HAF Annual Report 2025/26

We met M and their family last year during the Children’s summer scheme when 2 of their older siblings took part in the scheme. Last year M was too young to join and expressed a lot of disappointment in missing out. The family received HAF places, and happily M was old enough to attend this year. M is currently being assessed for additional support needs (neurodivergence) through their school and has an older sibling with significant support needs. The older sibling attended our summer scheme for almost a full day (after refusing school for a full academic year).

The whole week gave M the opportunity to mix with peers and older children without taking on any kind of caring role. This gave them space to express themselves creatively, have support given if needed and develop relationships with other children outside of their family.

The family members of M were able to spend time with their other child, whilst knowing that M was in a supportive and fun environment. They knew that M had opportunities to express themselves and enjoy being a young child without responsibilities. M did not worry about their sibling as they saw that they were being given 1:1 support and happily interacted with peers on artistic tasks and activities independently from their sibling.

As an organisation, we know how incredibly valuable it is to offer siblings of children/young people with higher need levels space to play, explore and express themselves through the arts. This time for themselves is an important reminder that they need and deserve care too. We will take this opportunity as a reminder to share how our work impacts on young carers; and how important it is for siblings to be able to take part in the arts together. We will take this opportunity as a reminder to share how our work impacts on young carers; and how important it is for siblings to be able to take part in the arts together. - Theatre Shed

We welcomed a 12-year-old girl to our SEND-focused Holiday Activity Day who hadn't had the opportunity to socialise with peers in several years. Being largely home-schooled due to her additional needs, she arrived visibly anxious and stayed close to her parents, unsure about joining in with the group activities we had planned around our farm animals.

Her parents were understandably concerned - they'd tried similar activities before without success, and they worried she might become overwhelmed and want to leave early. They explained that social anxiety had been a significant barrier for their daughter, making it difficult for her to engage with structured activities or meet new people.

The turning point came when she noticed our therapy goat, Maisy, who seemed particularly drawn to quieter children. Maisy wandered over to where she was standing, and something just clicked. We watched as her shoulders relaxed and she tentatively reached out to stroke Maisy's head.

From there, she began asking questions about the animals - what they liked to eat, where they slept, how old they were. Before we knew it, she was helping to prepare vegetables for the afternoon feeding session and chatting with other children about which animals were their favourites.

By lunchtime, she was sitting with a small group of children, sharing stories about her pets at home. The transformation was remarkable - from a child who had barely spoken that morning to someone actively engaging with both peers and activities.

By the end of the day, she was fully participating in all activities. She helped with animal care, took part in our nature craft session, and even volunteered to help demonstrate rabbit handling to some young carers who arrived later. Her confidence had grown so much that she was actually taking on a leadership role.

Her parents were absolutely thrilled - they said they hadn't seen their daughter so animated and social in years. They were amazed at how comfortable she'd become with the other children and how naturally she'd taken to caring for the animals. - Animal Antiks