The BBC’s leading charity, Children in Need, will be airing its annual telethon on Friday 17 November with Sheffield Mencap and Gateway being one of its many projects.
The independent charity in Sheffield aims to support those with learning disabilities and autism and their families.
Set up in 1951, the organisation, has provided specialised support to 360 carers in Sheffield this year alone.
The charity runs activities such as bowling trips and lunch clubs for families and individuals to ensure those with autism and learning disabilities live fair, full and happy lives.
The Raynes family have been members of Sheffield Mencap and Gateway since 2008 and are a part of many of their projects such as the Cricket clubs and their Soundbites sessions that encourage confidence and communication surrounding sound.
Sarah Raynes, 47, a carer, said on the charity’s website: “It’s that community spirit; just having that talk. You get a lot from other parents.
Obviously we’ll always be there but we need them to be as independent as possible because you never know what tomorrow’s going to bring and I think we need them to be in a place where they’re happy, they’re enjoying life and where they’re be able to live a happy, fulfilling life”.
Her son, Aidan Raynes, 21, said on the charity’s website: “These things allow me to calm down and get out of the house.”
I made my own snooker case, it’s in my bedroom. It’s got a pocket for a chalk and fits both bits of the cue. It’s green inside. We have a laugh in that group”