In an attempt to inspire my son with learning differences to learn how to swim I am going to swim the equivalent length of the Channel in the month of March (that’s over 1300 lengths) at my local swimming pool.

Jasper who normally refuses to get in the water (and didn’t  learn to swim when he was younger like his 3 siblings due to various health complications); shook my hand straight away and made a deal:- I get out of my comfort zone and he will get out of his and learn to swim. This hand shaking took place when he heard me mention Allsorts as this charity means the world to him. 

I am NOT a great swimmer and I don’t like to get my face in the water or hair wet or get cold after a swim, so this is a huge challenge for me. So please support me and raise money for this wonderful charity which means so much to so many families.


Allsorts have provided a much needed social life for our son and a safe space for him to be who he is without judgement. It’s a great resource for the whole family and it pains me to hear they struggle for funding. 

Crafted with creativity and packed full of fun, the Allsorts team offers a huge amount of extra-curricular activities for young people. 

Tailored to suit different ages and abilities, there is plenty to choose from. From youth clubs to sports clubs, nature walks and ways to get creative, there’s also a huge range of play sessions too. 

Allsorts prides itself on the support it gives to the wider family – whether that’s through advice surgeries, parent and carer or grandparents groups, or siblings hang-outs. 

Allsorts has a Toy Library, based at the Stroud Activity Hub. This is where families can borrow toys and specialist equipment, just like in a book library. Here members can get support from the team and other members, as well as take part in activities. 

Families are invited to join Allsorts as members, giving them access to a wide range of new opportunities, people to meet and places to go. The Allsorts community is very welcoming and aims to be as inclusive as possible, taking into account family’s needs, thoughts and aspirations.

This year, Allsorts plans to recommence swimming session at The National Star college following the relaxation of Covid restrictions. Each session costs £150 to run and enables 6 children to learn how to swim and a further 14 to access the pool. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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