Express & Star

SEND youngsters line up for chance to show talent

A support group for parents of those with special educational needs and disabilities in Walsall and Wolverhampton is hosting its first ever talent show for their children and siblings.

Published
Ellie-May Haynes, age 11, sings out with talent show organiser Alison Fisher

Some mainstream Christmas events are unsuitable for SEND children, particularly those who suffer with anxiety, as they can be overwhelming and cause them distress, so members of the support group set up their own talent show so their children wouldn't miss out.

Organisers hope the show will give youngsters and their families a chance to come together and celebrate their talents in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Alison Fisher, from Walsall, was one of the founding members of the group which was set up in July 2018 by a group of parents with children with additional needs.

Alison said: "A lot of the children have anxiety so we wanted to make it as comfortable as possible for them, there is no expectation for them to get up on stage and they can perform in their seats if they want to, but for them to perform in a public place is a huge achievement.

"We also want to support those who have been bullied in the past for their talents and we're giving them a chance to build that confidence back up.

"Some of the children's siblings are young carers and are also performing, so this will also give them a chance to enjoy themselves."

There are nine young people performing at the show, which will be opened by a recorded performance from Bethany, a severely autistic teenage girl from Walsall who's story made national headlines after her father blew the whistle on the conditions she was being kept in at a secure unit in Northampton, despite the fact she did not have a mental health condition.

All of the money raised from the talent show will go back into the group, they are also hosting a Christmas fundraiser at The Royal Oak on December 16 which is open to all.

Alison added: "The group is entirely self-funded, but we've been going from strength to strength. All of the money raised we want to put back into the community."

The 'We've Got Talent' show will be held at The Royal Oak in Portobello on November 29.

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