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County of Greater London South West
Annual Reports and Accounts 2002
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Special Needs Report
A special needs workshop was held in early October 2001 and I thank all the Leaders who helped with the programme which included awareness, behaviour problems, camping and holidays, games and bases for kids in care, bereavement and trauma, adapting programmes, coping with asthma, food allergies, bullying and disruptive youngsters. The workshop was under subscribed but the majority of those who attended wanted more information and help on behaviour problems, therefore a further workshop will be organised to address the problem.
Headquarters are to hold a Conference for Scoutlink leaders this September.
The two 'special' Groups in our County have both been busy throughout the year.
The 15th Wallington have a membership of twenty Scouts and nine Venture Scouts. Unfortunately there were not enough youngsters of Cub age to sustain the Cub Pack, but they will continue to monitor the situation. Most members of the Group attended a Residential Experience joining with the 24th Tottenham Group at Scout Park, Bounds Green between 7th-9th December. Their weekend included shopping in Wood Green, a fancy dress competition, a Christmas dinner, bowling and lunch at Pizza Hut. On my visit everyone was so happy either playing Bingo or having an impromptu football kick about, the Leaders must be congratulated on giving these special needs youngsters a fun time. Derek Smith has handed over the reins of the Troop but remains Group Scout Leader.
Surbiton Scoutlink Fellowship members have also had a busy year led by Barry Sullivan and his dedicated team. Their residential experience last year was held at Ferny Crofts, in the New Forest, unfortunately many of their outings from the campsite were curtailed due to the foot and mouth outbreak. At the end of the year the annual Christmas party for present and past members was held, presentations were made, food consumed and an excellent Clown entertained them (and me) by making animal balloons and doing magic tricks.
Helping others with special needs: -
Claire Toop a Queen's Scout in Kingston and Malden District ran in the London Marathon in aid of BLISS a Charity, which provides equipment, nursing training, research and parental support for premature babies. WELL DONE CLAIRE.
Great Ormond Street Hospital celebrates their 150th Anniversary this year and although no official fund raising has been planned help is always needed. Scouting still goes on at the hospital and children are collected from various wards to attend the weekly meetings of the 17th Holborn Group.
To all Leaders who have special needs youngsters in their Section, THANK YOU for your patience and understanding and for giving them a chance to be a Scout.
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