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Play and Resource Centre (PARC)

The Play and Resource Centre (PARC) provides play and recreation facilities for children with disabilities in Essex, and respite for their carers. Every child has a right to play, and children with disabilities need play opportunities which allow for individuality and ability whilst ensuring safety, freedom and choice.

The centre, located at Great Notley Country Park in Braintree, provides a range of indoor and outdoor facilities including a soft play area with specialist play equipment, secure garden and a large playground equipped with a wheelchair roundabout, wide slide and wheel chair swing system. Located in the Great Notley Country Park, lovely surroundings provide walks, lakes, ponds and wildlife. PARC is registered with Ofsted to provide out of school care, and respite sessions and clubs are supervised by qualified staff.

PARC offers the following services:

• Art and Music Club - providing an opportunity for young people to explore a range of creative activities. Two separate sessions are run for children aged 3-11 and 12-19.
• Bliss Group - support session for premature and sick babies.
• Football Club - over 8's basic ball skills club for all abilities supervised by a qualified coach.
• Totsacise - exercise class for pre-school children.
• Glow Worms - sensory session for pre-school children with sensory/visual impairment.
• Coffee Mornings - chance to meet other parents and carers while pre-school children socialise with each other.
• Youth Clubs - Three separate youth clubs providing the chance for members to socialise, try new things, and build confidence. 5-11 year old's, 11+ (more active young adults) and 11+ (more vulnerable young adults).
• Saturday Respite - two separate care groups for vulnerable and more active children aged 3-21.
• Sunday Stay & Play - drop-in session for family groups. PARC is available to hire for your special occasions.
• Holiday Play Scheme - providing respite throughout school holidays.

PARC, developed by parents of children with disabilities who realise the difference this desperately needed centre can make, relies mainly on public donations to provide and expand these services. To find out more about PARC, access the services they have on offer, make a donation to the charity or become a volunteer, Tel:01376 528999, e-mail info@parc-essex.co.uk or visit their web site.

[released December 2008]