Paul Rowlett and Claire Sibson of Everything Community standing either side of children, parents and carers
On Sunday 20 March, Everything Community, the not for profit arm of EverythingGlobal, joined forces with Menphys to offer children with complex needs a day out to remember at Leicester Football Club.
Since its inception in 2020, Everything Community has supported 196 projects and raised over £111,185 for charitable causes. This however was their most sensitive initiative with the Leicester based charity that supports children and young people with disabilities.
Claire Sibson – a former social worker with experience of working with children with complex needs, was invited to plan every detail of the day. And she, together with the founder of EverythingGlobal, Paul Rowlett, hosted three children and their parents and carers in the company’s executive box to allow them to enjoy a day out on their own terms.
Menphys works with children and young adults with disabilities including those with autism, ADHD, generalised anxiety disorder, developmental trauma and more, often multiple of these coexisting in one person.
Clarie Sibson explained: “Because of the children’s needs, a day out at football, which is so straightforward for most young people, required a bespoke approach. The Menphys team provided us with a wealth of information about the children so the outing could be designed to ensure they had the best experience possible. As a result, the children arrived early before disruptions like the noise began and were greeted by LCFC mascot Filbert Fox.
“We organised food and drinks for them while the promotional and charity strands of our company brought colouring packs, sensory toys and games.”
A television inside the box, with the balcony doors closed, allowed the children to ease into the game at their own pace and by the second half they were all outside cheering on Leicester City to an important victory. For young people who are denied access to some day-to-day activities due to a different set of challenges they face, this was a momentous occasion for the parents.
Claire Sibson commented further: “One of the parents told me that her son hasn’t stopped talking about his experience since; she hadn’t seen him so happy in a very long time. Another said that her son came out of his shell after a while and had a fabulous time. The fact that Leicester won really made their day!
“Another mum said: “For families like us ‘memory-making’ is so important; it was a chance in a lifetime and one we will never forget.”
“I am now even more determined to ensure that EverythingCommunity continues to support people not only with autism but with diverse needs by laying on these precious experiences,” Claire Sibson added.
Liam Deacy, Head of Fundraising at Menphys added: “Football should be for all, but very busy and noisy environments can be too much for some young people. Creating a safe, relaxed space to avoid sensory overload means everyone can enjoy the beautiful game. Not only the child but the parents and carers too.”
