Things People Say About Tiggers |
Parents, Volunteers and Professionals
Below is some of the feedback we received on our events and activities.
Parents
October 2007 - Night Out to the Grand Theatre
My husband and i went to the theatre last night with the "tiggers" group to see "the history boys" at the grand. I would just like to say THANK YOU as this was a wonderful chance for us to get out and spend time together as adults. After paying out vast ammounts for babysitters the theatre is usualy to costly but this event allowed us to partake with the cost of our tickets being SO reasonable, thank you again, it was wonderful.
September 2007
From mothers of Tigger members, letters about the Summer Events
Dear Tiggers,
I am writing to thank you and all the very dedicated staff and volunteers of Tiggers.
The Summer programme was of enormous benefit to both my son Ryan and myself. Due to Ryan's autism and associated needs, he had never been able to successfully access any sort of social/leisure activities outside school before. This had led to a very isolated existance for both of us. I had become deeply concerned that Ryan's childhood was passing him by with none of the fun activities that other children can take for granted.
During the Summer Ryan was welcomed and encouraged by Tiggers to take part in a number of great activities. The volunteers provided very dedicated support, with the most amazing enthusiasm and care for the social needs of the children. Ryan was able to experience the Sandcastle for the first time and participate in activities which would be, quite simply, impossible without Tiggers.
Tiggers have given Ryan the opportunity to have new experiences and access leisure opportunities in a safe and supportve environment. I have had absolute confidence in the volunteers, and from me, this is no small statement. We have both made new friends and now feel that there is a life beyond our front door-without prejudice.
Once again, a massive thank you to you all.
Dear Tiggers,
Thanks again Robbie has had a great time on the summer programme, it is so nice that he has some special things to do in the summer holidays.
Dear Tiggers,
Please accept my apologies for not getting in touch earlier to thank Tiggers for the Summer program this year. Just the existence of the summer program gave Jonathon's mum and myself a feeling of hope and community that helped us survive the six long weeks without school.
Jonathon is in almost constant motion and reacts mainly to simple sensory pleasures and physical activities. He got obvious pleasure from the hydrotherapy sessions and visits to one of his favourite places, the SPACE centre at Preston. The picture of Jonathon examining the coloured balls at the soft play sessions is a rare beautiful memory from the meatgrinder of parenting an autistic child away from school.
Thankyou isn't really enough, but...thankyou.
Dear Tiggers,
I am writing this e mail to say a HUGE THANK YOU for the summer scheme. I love having my kids home in the holidays and can (as a childcare worker) find lots of exciting activities to keep them amused, but i loved (as did the children) all the variety of this years summer scheme. There was just so much choice it took all the hard work out of "where to go and what to do". It was also great that Ryan had chance visit places with a group and learn how to control his moods (to a point), cope with lack of food and structured bed times, and understand how to respect people's personal space All good stuff which helps in the great journey of how to socialise and find your way in the outside world.
The volunteers all did a great......
Dear Tiggers,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and all the Tigger volunteers for the wonderful sessions made available to the children over the summer holidays.
My boys had so much fun and continually praised Tiggers for the excellent programme of events.
4th August 2007
You know that Asa said "Ebra" today. What you didnt realise was that, as I led him over he was looking at you. I said to him " Who is that?". He said "Ebra". Now, that is the first time he has said someones' name without the prompting and repeating. He knew you and said your name. He has never done that before!
And another fantastic session for him. He came in very unhappy, throwing his shoes, biting his fingers, letting us know, in no uncertain terms, that he was a little upset.
As soon as he got on the trampoline, it was as though someone had flicked a switch. he became co-operative and straight away was copying and working with Tom. Another Tigger triumph!.
3rd August 2007
Thanks and appreciation to the volunteers who were involved in the hydrotherapy pool last week.
Asa had a brilliant time, really enjoyed himself and got so much out of it.
Ross and Jonathan were brilliant with him and Bethany was included in the fun too, even though she was not in the pool.
I apologize for not remembering her name but the volunteer that worked with Asa on Friday really got through to him, he soon twigged that she was "with" him and it was so good to see.
Asa couldn't wait to "strip off" and get his swimmimg trunks on. This activity was a real success for him, largely due to the volunteers attitude and acceptance of him.
Thanks to all.
Anthony Walker Day Out - 21st July
Just to say a big thank you to all that made the day possible. It was my first trip out with Tiggers. The weather was against us but what a great day.
I can't remember the last time I went out with my children and felt so relaxed:strange, city pouring with rain, a mini-bus of A.S.D. children and I was relaxed!
We had a great driver[Tigger mum Naomi] and fantastic Tigger Volunteers;who the children knew and who knew the children.
Tom,Becci and Claire were fantastic.When we arrived it could so easily have been horrible. Due to the weather most activities were late in starting but Becci and Tom got the children playing and avoided major problems.
The fact Tiggers have the use of a well maintained mini-bus is a major bonus too.
My son has just had his final year at primary school. The school he attended takes the leavers to the Lake District.The lack of a mini-bus almost stopped the trip at the last minuet:one was offered on loan from the Scouts but when one of our govenours went to pick it up it was un-roadworthy and a replacement had to be hired at considerable cost to the school.
So, a big thank you to Tiggers and its fantastic volunteers. To who ever
provided the mini-bus. A great day which was much appreciated.
Extracts from parents Wacky Warehouse and Cinema - Christmas 2006/New Year 2007
'As always with Tiggers - a safe environment was provided whereby my child was able to 'be himself' without being judged or ridiculed.'
'It was nice to see Ryan have his face painted. First time in 11 years AND he queued! Last time was when he was 3 and he screamed the place down.'
* They both enjoyed themselves
* It was good. Well organised.
* Fabulous again. Thank you so much, to Nigel as well. So great to _not_ have to worry about 'shusshing' all the time. 10/10!
* Really enjoyed smaller cinema, staff were very relaxing. Will definitely come again. Cheers
* Enjoyed it. Liked smaller screen and being with people I know
* Fantastic
* This was very well managed. Thank you to those involved.
* Thought the Tigger 'this way' signs were a definite bonus
Of those answering the question on coming again if the event was organised again, the verdict was unanimously 'definitely'!
41 families affected by autism and carers attended the event.
'Overall I was very impressed with the Blackpool Tiggers Club meeting. I didn't feel out of it, and felt quite involved. If anything I had to hold myself in check for much of the time. Your helpers are unbelievable. I know how hard it is to get that kind of commitment for nothing, and I was unable to identify the areas that bring out that willingness and support, and subsequently I failed to achieve it.'
Volunteer Feedback
September 2007
Just to let you know that I wont be able to come to anymore sessions as I am leaving for uni on the 15th. I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone at tiggers who have helped me through my time there and especially you for allowing me to be part of this great organisation. I know that my experiences from tiggers played a big part in getting my place at uni. I want to wish everyone at tiggers all the best for the future.
May 2007
Volunteering for Blackpool Tiggers and Preston Tiggers was a great experience, hard work, fun and rewarding. It also helped with medical school applications as it was a little different from working in a nursing home like the other 400 people you are competing against. It also gave me a much bigger insight into the patient based aspect of my course. Having seen the daily struggles experienced by many of the children and families at Tiggers, I found I had a great advantage over my fellow students in understanding what people wanted from their doctors. It also helped me develop many of the communication skills needed for my future career, wether this be serving on a committee or communicating with the children. I found many patients, especially old men, have to be treated in much the same way as the children! However, most importantly I had a great time and cant wait to help out again in summer.
Training Feedback in 2007
'The Course was very useful as it not only offers an insight int the autistic spectrum but also shows you how anywhere in society considerations have to be made as how to communicate with any one individual as every person is different.'
'I learned a lot about autism and some very useful techniques for managing behaviour.'
'I thought I knew enough about autism and what it's like for people who are autistic - I was WRONG!! I've learned so much more and now have a good (basic) knowledge of how to deal with + make things easier for autistic people. Lets hope I can put it into good practice.'
Professionals 2007
'Tiggers contribution to the quality of life of some of our most vulnerable children and young people and their families is immense. The group not only have a high local profile, but also a county, regional and national one, being seen as good practice by all. The commitment of the committee and volunteers is second to none and they and the group are something for the town of Blackpool to be proud of'. John Blackledge, Assistant Director Leisure Services, Blackpool.
'The development of Tiggers has been brought to the attention of the Regional Partnership for the North West, Autistic Spectrum Disorders working group. The work of Tiggers was seminal in the development of the partnerships strategic plan. Under the section 'Developing Partnership' reference is made to targeting the participation in play and leisure services'. Additionally Tiggers has been brought to the attention of the DfES and the then minister, Lord Filkin, where its excellent work was warmly received. The DfES web site will be putting a direct link to Tiggers on its autism home page' Assistant Manager Central Service for Support and Advice Pupils with Physical Sensory Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties including SEN in the Early Years.
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