Parents Action Group for special play was formed by parents who have children with disabilities, about 18 years ago. We became a registered charity in 2008. Our aim is to create play and learning opportunities for special needs children, young adults and their families, in the Rushmoor , Hart and the local area. These are opportunities that main stream children can take part in more easily, without accessibility challenges and without fear of prejudice regarding their ability.

We have a committee of 8 amazing parents and volunteers , led by a chairperson who has been touched by disability through family and work.

We have a well-established annual programme of activities and events, partly funded by grants / fundraising and fully supported by volunteers:

Term time MADD Club (Music, Musical theatre and Dance ). From Monday - Thursday we hold 3 clubs (5 sessions), each led by a professional tutor and supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Disabled young people aged 5 - 25 and their siblings come and learn new skills and form new friendships. This is unique to PAG because most special needs children and young people do not have the level of independence their peers enjoy, outside of school. Many go to school by minibus because of the distance they need to travel to access specialist education. Going to friends for tea or playing over the park after school is not possible for them.

An unexpected off shoot to MADD Club is the support parents and carers gain. Over the years firm friendships have formed for both the children and their parents.

Our tutors are linked with bigger organisations that offer opportunities for the MADD Club members to perform to an audience. More than that, to play a starring role. When the young people have been attending MADD Club for a while their confidence increases and they love the opportunity to show off what they have learned. Our young people are awesome!

Each year we hold an event in February half term called PAG Family Festival at West End Centre, Aldershot. We have a theme and workshops throughout the day that include music, Dance and much more . We have a finale where everyone shows off what they have been doing and invite a specially invited audience to participate. It’s one big party!

The Princes Hall, Aldershot panto is very special to us. We purchase the first Sunday matinee performance every year and sell the tickets to families in Rushmoor , Hart and surrounding areas at a very reduced rate. Included are free light up toys, drinks and ice creams for everyone. Many of our families would not consider coming to the panto usually, for a number of reasons: cost; fear of disturbing others because of unusual behaviour and noises; not knowing if their children will stay for 5 minutes or 50 minutes; their child's reaction to loud bangs and flashing lights. We make is as accessible as possible , people can sit in the best place for them and with their friends. We have a team of volunteers that give out the toys and refreshments, so there are no queues. Some of the seating is taken out of the stalls to accommodate about 20 wheelchairs and buggies. This also makes space for other children to get up and dance. It is our favourite event of the year!

We use main stream venues as much as possible, so that families are encouraged to use them outside of PAG activities. Often it is the parents and carers that need to feel safe and reassured more than the children. The venues get a master class in how to cater for their differently abled customers!

We also have theatre trips during the holidays, with other special events when they become available to us.

.http://www.pagforspecialplay.co.uk Parents Action Group

Registered charity number 1124598