We are absolutely delighted to announce the news that Potential Plus UK has secured funding from the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund, which is being distributed through the National Lottery Community Fund. This will enable us to enhance and extend our online support for families over the coming months.
When the whole country went into lockdown in March, we all found ourselves dealing with unprecedented circumstances. Many of the young people with high learning potential (HLP) who we support have an almost incessant need for intellectual and creative challenge; others have complexities and overexcitabilities that require adaptations and support; almost all enjoy the company and friendship of like-minded peers.
Covid-19 removed the usual support mechanisms for our HLP young people, either through school closures or the cessation of extra-curricular activities or, as in the case for Potential Plus UK, the cancellation of opportunities to meet with other friends and families at our weekend events or local Explorer Clubs.
Like many other organisations, the team at Potential Plus UK moved much of our support online. To try to fill any gaps in provision and encourage a sense of belonging we launched the vPlus virtual programme of activities for children, and, in due course, for parents as well.
Thanks to the help of the Community Fund we can continue these online activities and introduce new ones. We are rescheduling our vPlus Virtual Festival and we will engage with our member schools and network of organisations to extend the reach of our activities to more families and young people.
And it all starts now! We are thrilled that Catherine Holden has joined our team to help us bring the vPlus Online Community project to life. More information about activities and opportunities will be shared very soon.
