Families were moved to tears as children and young people with long-term conditions and neurodisabilities came together for an inclusive wheelchair basketball session, with new friendships and a support network created in just one afternoon.
A six-year-old child told NHS staff it was the first time they had felt they could be good at something after taking part in a wheelchair basketball taster session organised by a Nottinghamshire Healthcare physiotherapist.
The session brought together 18 children and young people with long-term conditions and neurodisabilities, giving many of them the opportunity to meet other children with similar experiences for the first time.
Organised by Alice Johnson, Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist within the Trust’s Community Children and Young People’s Services (CCYPS), and supported by members of the Trust’s therapy teams, the session was held at Fountaindale Specialist School in Mansfield.
For Alice, the idea came from recognising that something was missing for many of the children and families she works with.
Children living with a long-term condition or neurodisability can sometimes find themselves being the only child in their class, social group or community with similar experiences. Alice wanted to create an opportunity where children could be active and have fun while also meeting other children who understood some of the challenges they face.
Families became emotional as they watched their children take part alongside other young people with similar conditions. Children who may previously have felt isolated were able to meet and connect with peers, while parents and carers began talking to one another about their shared experiences.
By the end of the session, families had exchanged contact details so they could stay connected. New friendships were formed between children and their families, creating a support network that had not existed before.
Alice Johnson, Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Seeing the children come together and realise they weren’t alone was incredibly special. Some of these children are used to being the only person in the room with a disability or long-term condition, so to see them looking around and recognising people who have similar experiences was really powerful.
“What we hadn’t anticipated was just how much the session would bring the families together too. There were tears, laughter and lots of conversations, and by the end, families had exchanged numbers. Friendships were forming before our eyes.
“As a physiotherapist, I know how important physical activity is, but this showed me that the benefits go so much further. It’s about confidence, belonging, friendship and knowing that you’re part of a community. One child told us it was the first time they had felt they could be good at something, and that really stayed with me.
“I’m so proud of everyone who helped make the session happen, and I really hope this is the beginning of something we can continue to build on.”
The Trust’s Community Children and Young People’s Services provides care and support to children and young people aged 0–19 living with long-term conditions and neurodisabilities, working alongside them and their families to support their health, wellbeing and independence.
The basketball session was made possible through charitable fundraising by the team, who raised money through events to fund the first session.
Activities such as this are not normally funded through the NHS’s core service budgets, meaning further charitable support will be needed if the team is to continue offering basketball sessions and develop more opportunities for children and young people to connect through sport and physical activity.
The Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, Becky Sutton, said:
“This was a wonderful example of the difference our colleagues can make when they listen to children and families, identify what is missing and find creative ways to make something happen.
“Healthcare is about so much more than appointments and clinical treatment. For children and young people living with long-term conditions and neurodisabilities, having opportunities to be active, build confidence, make friends and feel included can have a hugely positive impact on their wider health and wellbeing.
“What makes this story particularly special is the community that has started to grow around the session. Families who may previously have felt that they were experiencing these challenges on their own have now connected with others who understand their experiences.
“I want to thank Alice, our therapy colleagues and everyone involved in making this possible. It is a fantastic example of our colleagues going the extra mile to make a difference to the children, young people and families we support.”
The team hopes to build on the success of the first session and continue creating opportunities for children and young people with long-term conditions and neurodisabilities to take part in inclusive sport, develop confidence and build relationships with others who understand their experiences.
The first session has demonstrated that the benefits of bringing children and families together can extend well beyond the basketball court – helping children feel included, discover what they can achieve and, perhaps most importantly, realise they are not alone.
