Two Bedfordshire sisters have drawn on their personal family journey to secure £19,865 in National Lottery funding to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the borough.
Co-founders Rina and Gabi set up Just Being Me Events Collective CIC to create inclusive leisure activities after experiencing the challenges of finding suitable spaces for Rina’s two SEND children.
Local launch
The organisation will use the award from The National Lottery Community Fund to launch its Where Everyone Belongs project, hosting 12 free sessions across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.
The first session will take place this October at the John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre in Bedford, offering exclusive venue access, SEND-friendly soft play, and a dedicated sensory room.
Lived experience
Rina said: “As a mum to two children with SEND, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to find activities and environments where children can feel comfortable, included and understood.
“We wanted to create something where families don’t have to worry about whether their child will fit into the environment.
“Instead, we want children to be able to come along, have fun, explore at their own pace and simply be themselves.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible and allowing us to support more SEND families across Bedfordshire, London and surrounding counties.”
The project developed after direct consultation with parents, carers, and SEND support workers, who highlighted barriers in mainstream leisure venues.
Busy and overstimulating environments often present challenges for children with autism, sensory processing difficulties, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities.
Gabi said: “This project is incredibly close to our hearts as sisters and as a family. Being based in Bedfordshire, we are particularly excited that our first funded session will be taking place in Bedford and that local families will be among the first to benefit.
“Through our own family experiences and conversations with other SEND families, we have seen how important it is to have inclusive activities that genuinely consider the needs of children with additional needs.
“We cannot thank The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players enough for supporting our vision and helping us make these opportunities accessible to families.”
Community support
The sessions are designed for young people aged three to 18, with parents, carers, and siblings also invited to take part.
Each event will feature smaller group sizes, quieter spaces, sensory-friendly activities, and staff trained in SEND support.
The co-founders are now encouraging local families and community networks to help spread the word ahead of October’s opening event.
To find out more about Just Being Me Events Collective and to book your place at their event at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre, head to their website justbeingmeeventscollectivecic.co.uk/events.
