Month: June 2024

The Kayaks Charity has always been a beacon of community spirit and resilience, and the recent developments are no exception. As social media algorithms evolve, the charity has adeptly reminded its members to stay connected through their Facebook page, to ensure that the summer holiday schedule reaches everyone without a hitch. We have a monthly Newsletter coming soon, if you would like to receive this lease let us know.

May 2024 has been a testament to the charity’s vibrant activities. The members’ adventures on The Wear with Adventure Access and their achievements in The Mayor’s Award at Grinton Lodge are just the beginning. The Cooking Club has been a showcase of culinary skills, while the Kayaks Family Session has seen the creation of charming bees and peg fairies. Not to mention, the Kayaks WarHammer Army is shaping up to be a formidable force.

The charity’s collaboration with Sunderland University students, bringing fresh perspectives and knowledge to the sessions. This partnership is a valuable opportunity for both the students and the members to learn and grow together. Please give the student volunteers a warm Kayaks welcome when you see them!

Facing the challenges head-on, The Kayaks Charity has shown remarkable adaptability in light of the changes at Mortimer Community Centre. With the support of South Tyneside Council and the community, the charity is not just finding new premises but also exploring new possibilities for growth and progress.

Exciting News for The Kayaks Community!

We are thrilled to announce that The Kayaks have found a new home! Our journey has led us to the prestigious Harton Academy in South Shields, where we will be setting up our new base. This move marks a significant milestone for our community, and we are buzzing with anticipation for the adventures that await us. The Harton Academy premises offer state-of-the-art facilities that will enable us to enhance our family sessions, providing an even more enriching experience for all participants.

As we navigate through this transition, we want to assure our members that we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. While we do not have a specific date for our move to Harton Academy just yet, rest assured that we will share this information with you as soon as it becomes available.

We are incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our community, which has been the driving force behind this exciting development.

Here’s to new beginnings and the promise of countless memorable moments on the water. Paddle on, The Kayaks family!

Each year, Team Kayaks embarks on a residential stay at Grinton Lodge, an event that not only enriches the lives of its members but also offers them experiences they might not otherwise have. This annual visit is more than just a retreat to the countryside; it’s a pivotal part of The Mayor’s Award, fulfilling the residential stay element of the Gold award scheme.

 It’s with great pleasure to announce that everyone who attended this year’s trip has successfully completed this residential component, and a hearty congratulations is extended to all involved. The members of Team Kayaks immersed themselves in a variety of activities, from bushcraft and watersports to hiking, river walking, and cooking, embracing numerous adventures during their stay.

 The Mayor’s Award holds a special place in the hearts of those at Team Kayaks. Fay Cunningham, the current Mayor of South Tyneside and one of our esteemed Trustees and friends, exemplifies the community spirit that Team Kayaks cherishes. Moreover, this initiative provides members with the chance to accomplish something outside of school, helping to nurture and grow their aspirations, confidence and self esteem. It provides a safe environment for them to try new things and go outside of their comfort zones.

 This amazing opportunity for all members of Team Kayaks would not be possible without the generosity and kindness of our funders and volunteers, whose unwavering support is the backbone of this enriching experience. Their contributions help shape an unforgettable adventure that leaves lasting impressions on the participants, fostering personal growth and community spirit.

 As we reflect on the success of this year’s visit, we look forward to the continued tradition of the Grinton Lodge residential stay, and the endless possibilities it brings for the members of Team Kayaks. Here’s to many more years of adventure, learning, and camaraderie in the great outdoors!

In the heart of South Shields, there’s a vibrant community that thrives on curiosity and hands-on learning: The Kayaks Charity Home Education Group. This group is a testament to the power of child-led learning, where each monthly session is a new adventure, guided by the interests and enthusiasm of the children themselves.

 June’s session was a science fayre extravaganza, where young minds delved into the wonders of biology by exploring blood components, experimented with chemistry through un-poppable bubbles and lava lamps, and grasped the basics of physics by examining molecules. It was a day of discovery, where the only limit was the children’s imagination.

 July promises to be just as thrilling, with AB Heritage set to introduce the fascinating world of archaeology. The children will step into the shoes of archaeologists, uncovering artifacts buried in soil and unearthing frozen dinosaurs. It’s not just about the past; it’s about igniting a passion for discovery and learning that will last a lifetime.

 The sessions are a collaborative effort, supported by parents and carers who believe in nurturing a whole-person approach to learning. It’s about more than just learning; it’s about growing together, life skills, and having a blast while getting their hands dirty.

 For those eager to join this community of explorers, a sign-up sheet is available a month in advance on our Facebook page. It’s an open invitation to be part of a group that celebrates learning in its most joyful and engaging form. As all members have SEND, we keep the group size small.

 The Kayaks Charity Home Education Group isn’t just a monthly meeting; it’s a movement towards a future where education is driven by the innate curiosity of children, supported by the community, and celebrated with every discovery made. Join them, and be part of the adventure.

In the heart of the North East lies a beacon of hope for families and individuals touched by S.E.N.D. (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) – The Kayaks Charity. This non-profit organisation is a testament to the power of community and the spirit of giving. It’s a place where sessions, running costs, and support services are not just expenses but investments in the well-being of those who need it most, fully funded by charitable donations.

 The Kayaks Charity stands out not only for its noble cause but also for its unique volunteer-driven model. The volunteers, who are often parents, carers, and individuals with S.E.N.D. themselves, offer their time, skills, and experience without any financial compensation. Their dedication is the lifeblood of the charity, enabling it to provide invaluable support to the S.E.N.D. community across the North East.

We are often asked “what can I do?” “how can I help?” We recognise that not everyone is able to donate their time.

The Kayaks Charity encourages the community to spread the word, whether it’s through conversations with friends, family, and employers, or by engaging with the charity’s social media posts. Participation in sponsored events like the Great North Run, or organising smaller, personal fundraising activities, further amplifies the impact of the charity’s work.

From hosting a delightful cake sale to nominating the charity for support at your workplace or for an award – every action counts. Donating unwanted gifts as raffle prizes, sharing personal skills and expertise, or even using corporate volunteer days to assist the us are just a few examples of how you can make a difference.

For those who prefer a more direct approach, sending materials or resources via the charity’s Amazon wish list, attending events, participating in raffles, or simply making a donation with gift aid are all fantastic ways to contribute to the cause.

The Kayaks Charity’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and community. It’s a narrative that inspires and calls for action. If you’re moved by the dedication of The Kayaks Charity and wish to support their essential work, reach out to The Treasurer, Jill Osborne, at jillosborne244@gmail.com for more information or to make a donation.

 Together, we can ensure that The Kayaks Charity continues to be a pillar of support for the S.E.N.D. community, lighting the way towards a brighter, more inclusive future. Let’s join hands and help The Kayaks Charity sail smoothly towards its noble goals.

In June, we celebrated Volunteers week 2024. This is a very special time of year for us to show our appreciation to all our volunteers and express gratitude for everything they give to support us. The Kayaks Charity is unique because none of our volunteers are paid for their time, skills, sharing their knowledge or experience that they give to support members. Most of our volunteers have jobs, are parents and carers and have S.E.N.D themselves. Each one of us is an expert through their own experiences and each bring something unique to the charity. The Kayaks Charity simply could not function without our volunteers – they are the heart and soul of the organisation.

This year, we gathered to celebrate Volunteers Week 2024 at The Lakeside Restaurant and enjoyed a lovely meal. It was great to spend time connecting with each other, take some time out to recharge our batteries and have some fun. The Kayaks Charity is a non-profit organisation. All our sessions, running costs and support services are fully funded by charitable donations. This celebration was funded by the Mercers Group as part of our staff wellbeing programme. This funding has supported volunteer wellbeing and helped to improve mental, physical, emotional and social health which is very important.

People volunteer for many reasons. Some of the benefits of volunteering inc; increased self esteem and confidence, meeting new people, making friends, learning new skills, personal or professional development, making a community impact, supporting others and combat loneliness.

If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity, we would love to welcome you to Team Kayaks! If you are aged 18 and above and would like to join us, please get in touch and become one of our dedicated Volunteers supporting the SEND community.

We offer a variety of events, including weekly family activity sessions, programs aimed at teenagers, and sessions for our adult members. Our volunteering opportunities are diverse and can be short or long-term, depending on your availability and interests.

We need practical support like putting equipment out or putting things away after weekly activity sessions, supporting our families as they engage at events or trips during school holidays, supporting volunteers to run sports/fitness/climbing sessions, arts and crafts, music, mindfulness, awards schemes and outdoor sessions.

If you have a passion or skill set in business administration, finance/accounts, working with children, supporting individuals with SEND, arts/crafts, sports/physical exercise, or education law, we would love to hear from you.

We welcome collaborations with local organisations seeking micro volunteering days for their workforce. If you have skills, experience or knowledge that you feel could support us but can’t commit to a long term project or have a couple of days to volunteer from your employer, please get in touch. We have lots of short term projects and could use your expertise!

If you are interested in making a difference and would like to ask about volunteering with us, please get in touch. Your contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of those we support.

Please note that all volunteers must have an up-to-date Enhanced DBS Certificate. If you do not currently have one, we can assist you in applying for one via the Council.