Thursday 30th March 2023
Whippersnappers launched our new short film ‘Say it as it is’ highlighting the needs and experiences of families of children with additional needs at Lambeth Town Hall on Thursday 30th March.
Local MPs, councillors, parents, children, young people, and representatives from across the voluntary sector and the Lambeth community all gathered at Lambeth Assembly Hall to enjoy this exciting café theatre cabaret-style event.
The new short film ‘Say It As It Is’ explores the challenges that many families of children with additional needs face, including the scarcity of holiday and out of school provision, struggling with the rising costs of living, a lack of accessible/inclusive activities and information, and experiences of stigma and discrimination.
Parents featured in the film highlighted the changes that could be made to improve their children’s well-being.
The event was opened by Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, Deputy Mayor of Lambeth.
MP Helen Hayes presented “Edie’s Video Diary” and welcomed Edie’s Mum on stage to talk about how important it has been for Edie and her family to access Whippersnapper activities from a baby to a teenager.
Councillor Marcia Cameron introduced Harry Tuck who originally commissioned Whippersnappers in 2009 to deliver Lambeth Short breaks for children with disabilities.
There were also live performances from Trayc Selasi, singer, dancer, and songwriter, and Brixton-based singer Yiigaa.
Ten-year-old Lily Mellen performed “Ain’t Misbehaving” accompanied by Emily Ward on Ukele and Ewan Pires on Double Bass. Lily is a talented singer who attends Whippersnappers’ short breaks for children with disability.
The event concluded with Councillor Donatus Anyanwu presenting the Whippersnapper Partnership Awards and an interactive drumming performance from Drumher.
Whippersnappers were celebrating 28 years of delivering creative arts and inclusive childcare in the local community.
Whippersnappers Director, Caroline Burghard said after the event:
“We’ve experienced first-hand tonight the creativity and resilience of children and young people with additional needs.
Families of children with special needs often face discrimination as well as tough daily challenges.
We hope that tonight’s event will encourage and inspire action to deliver better support and more opportunities for families”.
The Big Take Away
Guests were given a taster menu to take home and our researchers will publish the full detailed written report by the end of April 2023.
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