A PROJECT which supports children with learning disabilities has marked its third anniversary with a special celebration day.

Families gathered at Vert Woods in Laughton, near Lewes, to mark the success of the Woodland Project.

The scheme gives families the opportunity to spend time together outdoors in a safe environment where they can enjoy activities, relax and experience things as a family – something which they often find difficult to do.

The initiative is a joint venture between Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation and Circle of Life Rediscovery.

Families marked the milestone with a day of arts and crafts including bubble making and clay sculpting, singing, exploring nature and coming together to enjoy a barbeque.

Sussex Parnership youth engagement and participation manager, Rivkah Cummerson, said: “Spending time as a family is something most of us take for granted, but if your child has severe learning difficulties it can be difficult to even do the simplest things like visiting a playground.

“The children and young people we work with are often unable to communicate with words and instead use noises and actions to express themselves.

“Unfortunately many of our families have been asked to leave public places because people don’t understand this behaviour.

“As a result they become nervous of going out with their child as they don’t know how people are going to react.

“That’s why we started the Woodland Project. Families can come and try new activities without fear of judgement or harassment.

“They can relax and do things that they never imagined possible whilst meeting other parents in a similar situation, which helps them fell less isolated and cut off from day to day life.”

Due to the complex needs of the children each family is supported by a member of the trusts child and mental health services learning disabilities team and someone from Circle of Life Rediscovery, who are experts in helping people connect with the great outdoors.

Founder Marina Robb said: “The aim of the Woodland Project is to make a relaxing family day a reality for parents and their children, and help them to create special memories together.

So far more than 150 people have benefitted from the project over the last three years and the latest round of activity days was supported by funding from NHS England.