Janet Porter, of Hereward Rotary Club in Ely, shares details of a recent visit from local charity Little Miracles. 

Hayley Colwill, coordinator of the charity's East Cambridgeshire branch spoke about how it aims to support families that have children with special needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

There are now 14 Little Miracle groups throughout the east of England, which includes Ely. 

Since then, the number of families supported has doubled.

Between April 2022 and March 2023 Little Miracles teams across the UK helped 42, 439 people who came to play and get support as well as hundreds of families who accessed our food bank.

Meanwhile, the family support team undertook 9,660 cases, including 4,985 to offer emotional and health-related support.

In a friendly and supportive environment, families can find a 'lifeline' and children develop in confidence and independence.

Like all children, they enjoy active play, being creative and making friends. And they love coach outings. 

Hereward Rotary has already supported some of these activities as well as providing treats like Christmas gifts and Easter eggs.

Hayley’s ambition is to set up a youth club for the teenagers. The Ely Community Centre is an ideal venue and there is no other club in the area for children with special needs.

She envisages supplying a “tuck shop” and food, which would help the children to develop life-skills like cooking and handling money.

Hereward Rotary club members believe strongly in supporting small local charities and have agreed to fund a one-month trial of the youth club and to initially stock the tuck shop.

If you would like to help us support Little Miracles you can visit Hereward Rotary Club's plant stall at Eel Day on May 5 or make a donation via their website.