Coronavirus crisis – our response

Oliver normally attends Reach Newark and Flower Pod. His routine is so important to him, the lack of it can be very confusing. His Mum Christine is trying to do similar activities at home to the ones he would normally be doing at Reach on these days.

Oliver said "I pruned some bushes and collected some leaves and made them into a bouquet and put them into a vase. I would like to say that I look forward to seeing you all again at Reach on Monday".

Christine explains that what Oliver says about seeing people on Monday shows the uphill struggle he is having of understanding why he’s not seeing his Reach friends or being able to go out - he really enjoyed himself yesterday in the garden and we’re doing a lot of singing and dancing! Joking aside Oliver is ok and keeping busy.

Oliver sent us an email recently: "Hi everyone, Thankyou very much for my activity sheets and packages. I have planted my seeds and made my wooden bunny and I'm taking good care of them all! I have loved joining in the sessions on zoom and would like to join in the flowerpot chat on Tuesday afternoon. I miss seeing all my friends.Love from Oliver X".

Christine and Oliver would like to say ‘a big thank you for everyone’s support’ in recognition of everyone who donated to Oliver's Giving Tree, raising over £600 towards our crisis appeal. Thank you Christine and Oliver!

This is Bex telling the virus what she thinks of it!

Bex has been putting her energy and Flower Pod skills to good use in the garden. She's also been playing table tennis and watching Chester Zoo live films.

Bex's Mum Julie said "it's so good that Bex is keeping busy, I’m worn out".

"A big thank you to all the team involved with these Zoom sessions. When the activity is staff led James becomes very animated at seeing his Reach friends and staff and he really listens and joins in.

Thanks for this morning's session. James was NOT for joining in, his Dad had to bribe him. Before the session he was sat in the armchair yawning, tears streaming down his face he was yawning so much.  As Tina and Romany will testify, he ended up dancing around the lounge signing his head off!"

- Claire, Mum to James