Elisabeth Svendsen TrustEleanor comes along with her brother and sister
Eleanor is 11 years old and has cerebral palsy, global developmental delay and communication difficulties. Every Wednesday she attends one of the children's clubs with her brother and sister, jonathan and Hannah, at EST Manchester.
Eleanor has been coming along with her family ever since the centre opened in 2004 to help improve her upper body control and balance. Eleanor's mum, Jane, feels herself that she can relax knowing that the children can play together and the family isn't uncomfortable which sometimes they have felt when visiting other places.
As with most of the children that vist the centres, they usually have a favourite donkey. Eleanor's favourite Hannah (pictured), who is also one of the centre's adoption donkeys.
Jane says "Eleanor's confidence has really grown since coming along to the centre and because she is mixing with so many different people, her social skills have greatly improved. Eleanor is also better able to control her anxieties and the staff are very good at calming her. I've made some fantastic friends, and both myself and the children love coming as we're always made to feel welcome."
Printer-friendly version
Comments
Eleanor's Story
Discovering EST has been one of the best things we've done. The children get to mix with a huge variety of people, which helps them to realise that not all children are alike and has also taught them that just because someone is different, they can still be friends. The staff are wonderful and no matter how busy it gets, someone always makes time for the family (even if you do have to get your own coffee). I'd recommend anyone who has children with additional needs to try EST for themselves, it gives parents a well earned rest whilst the children enjoy themselves riding. To anyone else I would say go and have a look around, find out what the centre does and prepare to be amazed at the dedication of the staff and volunteers.